A tragic incident in Kingsville, Texas, has led to a 17-year-old girl being placed in a secure location and her father facing new charges. The case revolves around a newborn found dead in a Walmart bathroom trash can, prompting an ongoing investigation.
The Discovery of the Newborn
On Monday evening, around 10:30 p.m., Walmart employees discovered a newborn abandoned in a bathroom trash can. According to the Kingsville Police Department, the employees quickly began lifesaving efforts before the baby was rushed to a local hospital.
Sadly, doctors later pronounced the infant dead. Surveillance footage from the store revealed that a 17-year-old girl entered the bathroom before the discovery of the baby, and after 40 minutes, she left the bathroom and walked to her car. Police later stopped the teen and arrested her father, Jerry Lee Martinez.
New Charges Against Jerry Lee Martinez
Martinez, 45, was initially charged with abandoning or endangering a child with criminal negligence. However, police added more serious charges on Tuesday, including tampering with a witness and tampering with physical evidence.
Detectives revealed in court that Martinez is considered a danger to the community, and they are expecting to file additional charges. Martinez’s attorney acknowledged that the case is extremely serious. The father is currently being held at the Kleberg County Jail on a $300,000 bond.
The 17-Year-Old Daughter’s Location
While her father remains in custody, the 17-year-old girl is not in jail. According to police, she is in a “secure location.” Local police, alongside Child Protective Services, are investigating the circumstances surrounding the case, and a court order has been issued preventing Martinez from contacting his daughter or any other family members.
The Ongoing Investigation
Kingsville police have been working closely with law enforcement in Mathis, Texas, where Martinez and his family live. While the investigation continues, the police have not disclosed the details of whether the baby was alive at birth or the cause of death.
The police also have not confirmed whether the newborn was placed in the trash can immediately after birth or if it was alive when found. Meanwhile, detectives mentioned that they expect more charges to be filed against Martinez as the investigation progresses.
Texas Safe Haven Law
This case highlights the importance of Texas’ Baby Moses Law, which allows parents to safely and anonymously leave a baby under 60 days old at designated emergency infant care providers, avoiding abandonment situations like this one.
However, this tragic case serves as a painful reminder that some parents may not be aware of or choose to use these safe options.
This heartbreaking event has deeply affected the local community, and authorities are working diligently to understand the circumstances of the infant’s death.
As more details emerge, the family and their actions will be further scrutinized. Jerry Lee Martinez faces serious charges, and his daughter remains in a secure location as the investigation unfolds.
