Audio has been released after Good Samaritans called 911 to report a newborn in a New Mexico dumpster with his umbilical cord still attached.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, investigators used surveillance video from a Rig Outfitters and Homestore in Hobbs to identify the suspect, 18-year-old Alexis Avila. Police said she confessed to giving birth and putting the infant in the dumpster.
Along with security footage, police released the 911 call that saved the baby’s life. Three people dumpster diving at night found the infant, according to police.
“We just found a baby in the god***n trash,” the caller said, according to News 13. “He’s freezing cold and still has his umbilical cord attached.”
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Joe Imbriale, who owns Rig Outfitters and Homestore, told DailyMail that his cameras are pointed toward the dumpsters, catching the entire incident as it unfolded.
“Something wasn’t right, I saw the officers’ faces, and they did not look right,” Imbriale told DailyMail. “I said ‘What is it we are looking for?’ and she goes ‘We’re looking for somebody who dumped a black garbage bag in your dumpster.’ I turned around, I said ‘please don’t tell me it was a baby.’”
Avila allegedly claimed she didn’t realize she was pregnant until she gave birth. Imbriale, however, said Avila told people at the business that she was pregnant, didn’t want to be, and said things such as, “I wish this baby would die.”
Avila subsequently admitted that she gave birth in her parents’ bathroom before wrapping the baby up in a towel and throwing him away.
The baby was rushed to the hospital and placed on oxygen and a feeding tube. He is currently in stable condition after receiving a blood transfusion. Police added that the father of the baby is a minor.
Avila was arrested and charged with attempted murder and felony child abuse.
New Mexico does have a Safe Haven law, which would allow a person to leave an infant up to 90 days old with hospital staff without fear of criminal prosecution, as long as the child has not been subject to abuse or neglect.
It’s unclear if Avila was aware of the law. The closest hospital was about four miles from where the baby was abandoned.
Avila is due in court for arraignment on Monday.
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[Feature Photo: Avila/Police Handout]
Source: This post first appeared on
