Sarasota woman found guilty of manslaughter in the death of an infant

EDITOR’S NOTE: The original version of this story contained incorrect information regarding the charges that the defendant was convicted of, and we apologize. The article has been updated to reflect the correct nature of the conviction.

The jury in Sarasota Circuit Court deliberated on Thursday morning before delivering a guilty verdict shortly before 10 p.m.

Lily Scheip faced charges after paramedics were summoned to a home on Spring Oaks Circle on Nov. 8, 2021, where a neighbor was performing CPR on an unresponsive infant.

A probable cause affidavit indicates that Scheip arrived at the neighbor’s door holding the unresponsive child.

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The infant was rushed to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and then airlifted to Tampa General Hospital for advanced treatment. Medical staff later observed head trauma and a lack of brain activity. The child was ultimately removed from life support and passed away on Nov. 10.

During the autopsy, the medical examiners discovered bruising on the baby’s forehead, prior skull fractures, and signs of brain hemorrhaging.

The affidavit stated that this child suffered numerous injuries, including two broken legs in September 2021, which Scheip attributed to the infant falling from a recliner chair.

Initially charged with second-degree murder, Scheip was convicted of a lesser charge: Manslaughter under Florida law. This charge involves unlawful or reckless conduct leading to death, without the “depraved mind” or malicious intent necessary for a second-degree murder verdict.

A sentencing date has yet to be announced. After having spent nearly four years in custody while awaiting trial, Scheip will face sentencing per Florida’s guidelines for manslaughter, which could entail a maximum of 15 years.

Key Information

• Defendant: Lily Scheip
• Date of Incident: November 8, 2021
• Location: Spring Oaks Circle, Sarasota
• Verdict: Guilty of Manslaughter
• Potential Sentence: Maximum of 15 years
• Child’s Death: November 10, 2021
• Initial Charge: Second-degree murder
• Key Findings: Head trauma, prior skull fractures, brain hemorrhaging