Milwaukee police made a grim discovery on Wednesday, August 13, when they found the decomposing remains of a 10-month-old girl inside a locked bedroom at an apartment near North 27th and State streets. Authorities identified the child as Rayne Taylor. Her mother, 28-year-old Shyanna Brothers, has been taken into custody and charged with hiding the corpse of a child.
According to investigators, officers initially responded to the apartment after receiving reports of a foul smell. When questioned, Brothers first claimed the odor came from spoiled food. A criminal complaint revealed that she later admitted, “He has me hiding her in there,” while pointing to the locked room.
Inside, officers discovered the child’s remains inside a large cardboard box placed in the center of the floor. Police described the scene as disturbing, noting the body was decomposing and surrounded by flies and maggots. A neighbor, who asked not to be identified, said she had not seen Brothers with a baby in recent months but often noticed her lingering outside the building. “I saw her out here.
She asked me for some change, and then she stated that it was so stinky in her house, and she couldn’t go in. She couldn’t use the restroom, and I was just wondering why,” the neighbor said. The same neighbor grew emotional while reflecting on the tragedy. “I have kids of my own. It’s a lot of help out here in Milwaukee. So if you ladies need help, get your resource reports from FOX6.
These babies need to be safe,” she said. Detectives reported challenges while interviewing Brothers, describing her responses as incoherent and suggesting she appeared to be speaking to someone who was not present.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office is still investigating the exact cause of death. However, the complaint noted evidence of blunt force trauma to the infant’s head.
Police confirmed they are not searching for additional suspects. During a court appearance over the weekend, a commissioner ordered a competency examination for Brothers to determine whether she is fit to stand trial.
Meanwhile, WISN 12 News contacted the Brothers’ adoptive mother, who lives in Florida. Through tears, she revealed the family had not been in contact with Brothers for nearly eight years and said she had no knowledge of baby Rayne’s existence.
The shocking discovery has left the community shaken, with residents and authorities alike emphasizing the importance of child safety and available resources for struggling parents.