Rep. Jarrells Mourns Loss of 3-Year-Old and 6-Year-Old Children at the Hands of Their Mothers

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) today released the following statement regarding the recent tragic passings of a three-year-old girl and six-year-old girl in Columbus:  

“My heart aches as we grieve yet another tragic loss of children in our community. Last Thursday, Sharon Sakoulos admitted to murdering her three-year-old daughter on New Year’s Eve. I commend law enforcement and the county for their swift response, but justice cannot bring Cassidy Sakoulos’s life back to us. This little girl’s death marks the sixth homicide of a child in 2025. 

Additionally, Ashley Fagan pleaded guilty to the charges made against her in connection to her six-year-old daughter’s passing and will be facing up to 24 years in prison.  

I continue to carry these young lives with me every day, and I am working to ensure we pass laws in Ohio that protect every child. My office has received many calls and emails from Ohioans sharing their concerns regarding the state of child welfare in Ohio. I hear you. I am with you. And I am fighting for you. No matter their age, every child matters. And we cannot rest until we build a state where every child is safe, cared for, and able to grow into the fullness of their promise,” said Rep. Jarrells.

Rep. Jarrells is working on legislation to protect Ohio’s most vulnerable children, including measures that strengthen accountability, expand access to resources for families in crisis, and ensure that state systems are focused on prevention and protection.