New Mexico mother drowns newborn in port-a-potty moments after giving birth: police
A tragic incident unfolded in New Mexico when a woman, Sonia Cristal Jimenez, gave birth in a portable toilet and then drowned the infant in the device’s holding tank, according to police reports.
The disturbing incident came to light when Jimenez walked into Memorial Medical Center around 10:30 p.m. on Feb. 7, appearing as if she had just given birth but had no baby with her. Hospital staff immediately contacted authorities upon noticing the unusual situation.
Jimenez’s boyfriend informed hospital staff that he believed she was having a miscarriage and mentioned that the couple had been at Burn Lake, approximately six miles away, where Jimenez had used a port-a-potty. Las Cruces police rushed to the scene and tragically discovered the newborn girl’s body in the toilet’s holding tank.
Following the horrific discovery, Jimenez was arrested and charged with one felony count of intentional child abuse resulting in death. Las Cruces police Chief Jeremy Story expressed his shock and dismay at the heartbreaking nature of the case, calling it one of the most disturbing incidents he has encountered in his career.
An autopsy on Jimenez’s baby revealed that the infant was alive at birth. The presence of a blue chemical in the baby’s trachea, lungs, and stomach indicated that she had breathed and swallowed the liquid while alive, confirming the tragic circumstances surrounding her death.
Jimenez was subsequently booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center where she remains held without bond. Chief Story emphasized the department’s commitment to working closely with the district attorney’s office to ensure that justice is served for the innocent baby who lost her life in such a senseless and tragic manner.
