On Wednesday afternoon, the Austin, Texas Police arrested a 21-year-old woman following the issuance of a warrant for the murder of her six-week-old baby son on November 27th, 2024.
Texas authorities responded to a distress call at a nearby children’s hospital regarding the tragic passing of Marcello Hernandez-Mendoza, a newborn who entered this world on October 14th, 2024. In addition to launching a thorough investigation into the cause of the infant’s death, Child Protective Services were promptly informed of the heartbreaking incident.
What did investigators determine was the cause of death for the newborn baby?
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This KVUE article reports that the medical team brought the baby to the hospital due to breathing difficulties, and after attempting resuscitation procedures, they pronounced him dead. Austin homicide detectives and crime scene specialists were able to rapidly discover many trauma injuries on baby Marcello’s body, and they continued to investigate his death by interviewing both parents.
Texas Mother Now Charged With Murder Of Her Newborn
The investigation continued from Marcello’s death until Wednesday, December 18th, when a capital murder warrant was issued for his mother, Jacqueline Mendoza-Ramirez, who was detained that same day.
According to this KXAN article, this murder is one of 18 homicides perpetrated by family members or as a result of domestic violence in Austin. So far in 2024, 68 homicides have occurred, leaving the total just 6 behind last year’s record.