A newborn identified as Baby Muse died in Columbus, Ohio, on September 4, 2004; the death was ruled a homicide. The child’s mother, Shadia Muse, was charged after the death, and authorities have said cultural pressures may have influenced her actions. In Somali culture, an unwed pregnancy is often treated as bringing dishonor, and officials noted that stigma can lead women to hide pregnancies instead of seeking help.

Investigators reported that Muse left the area after the homicide and there was speculation she might have gone to Toronto, Canada; law enforcement included her on fugitive lists and worked to locate her. Community members and police also pointed to safe-haven options — hospitals or fire stations where infants can be surrendered — as available alternatives that may not have been used.

The case has been handled by Columbus cold case investigators as they revisited infant homicides tied to socio-cultural factors; unresolved questions remain about why available options were not accessed. If anyone knew Baby Muse, Shadia Muse, or has information about movements after September 4, 2004, please share what is known.