JOANNE SHARKEY'S SHOCKING CRIME IN LIVERPOOL: BABY'S MURDER REVEALED AFTER 25 YEARS

For over a quarter of a century, the tragic case of a baby boy’s death remained shrouded in mystery, haunting the life of Joanne Sharkey in Liverpool. The heartbreaking story began in 1998 when Sharkey, then a young mother, gave birth to a child named Callum in secret. Unbeknownst to her family and even her husband Neil, she concealed the birth and the subsequent death of her newborn son. The body of the infant was eventually discovered in Warrington, Cheshire, by a man walking his dog, who stumbled upon the small, wrapped remains in bin bags. The discovery sent shockwaves through the community and prompted a lengthy investigation.

Medical examinations of the remains indicated that Callum had likely been subjected to mechanical asphyxiation, suggesting a violent and tragic end. Despite the passage of time, the case remained unresolved, leaving a dark cloud over Sharkey’s life as she continued her daily routines in Liverpool, working as a council employee. It was only in July 2023 that authorities finally made an arrest, bringing her in for questioning at her home. During the police encounter, body-worn camera footage captured Sharkey’s initial shock and resignation. She was heard saying, “He doesn’t know anything about this,” referring to her husband Neil, indicating her attempt to shield him from the truth.

Following her arrest, Sharkey was interrogated thoroughly. In a candid moment, she admitted, “I’m not... going to deny nothing. It is what it is, isn’t it? I... did it.” She revealed that her actions stemmed from suffering undiagnosed post-natal depression, which she claimed made her feel incapable of facing motherhood again after the birth of her older son, Matthew. Her mental health struggles at the time of the crime played a significant role in the legal proceedings that followed.

During the court hearing, it was established that Sharkey’s mental state at the time of the incident rendered her unable to form rational judgment. Judge Mrs. Justice Eady acknowledged the complexity of the case, emphasizing that it “called for compassion” rather than harsh punishment. As a result, she sentenced Sharkey to a two-year prison term, suspended for two years, coupled with a requirement for ongoing mental health treatment. The decision was widely viewed as a compassionate response, fulfilling a commitment made by Detective Inspector Hannah Friend to uncover the truth behind Callum’s death and to honor his memory. The case remains a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of untreated mental health issues and the enduring pain of unresolved tragedy in Liverpool.