NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A Newport News woman who admitted to stabbing her two children, killing one of them, appeared in court on Friday.
Sarah Ganoe faces second-degree murder and malicious wounding charges after police say she killed her infant son and seriously hurt her then-8-year-old daughter, Winter, back in May of 2021.
Court documents said Ganoe's fiancé at the time, John Howard, told investigators she texted him while he was at work, saying, "The house will be bloody when you get home."
Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew called it a traumatic case for the family and community.
Ganoe sat quietly before a judge while in the courtroom. The 36-year-old appeared emotional as her attorney consoled her during the hearing.
Howard also attended the hearing, sitting quietly right behind Ganoe, but did not look at her as the bailiff escorted her out of the room.
A close friend of Ganoe, whom 13News Now has interviewed in the past, said Ganoe's daughter, Winter, is currently "surrounded by love and support."
On Friday, Ganoe waived her rights to a preliminary hearing in General District Court, meaning the case will now move to Circuit Court.
Her next court date is scheduled for April 11.