Inset: Jerry Lee Martinez (Kleberg County Jail). Background: The Walmart in Kingsville, Texas, where police report that Martinez’s daughter gave birth and abandoned a newborn in the restroom (Google Maps).
A 45-year-old Texas father has landed himself behind bars after his daughter allegedly gave birth to a baby in the bathroom of a Walmart.
The baby was later pronounced dead.
Around 10:30 p.m. on Monday, Walmart staff alerted the Kingsville Police Department after discovering a newborn inside a bathroom trash can. The employees attempted to perform lifesaving measures on the infant, who was then taken to a nearby hospital, authorities stated. Unfortunately, doctors declared the baby deceased, as noted in a press announcement.
Upon reviewing surveillance footage, officers observed a 17-year-old girl entering the restroom. After roughly 40 minutes, she exited and proceeded to her vehicle in the parking lot, according to police. It was approximately 30 minutes later that staff found the infant.
Around 11 p.m., officers spotted the teen’s vehicle and stopped her. Paramedics rushed the girl to the hospital, where she is receiving treatment, per the press release. Police arrested the girl’s father, 45-year-old Jerry Lee Martinez, on a charge of abandoning/endangering a child with criminal negligence. He’s at the Kleberg County Jail without bond.
The teen remains hospitalized and police plan to interview her once she’s released.
The press release did not say whether the baby was alive at birth or how the child died. Cops say more information is forthcoming.
“We extend our deepest condolences to all affected by this tragic event,” police wrote.
Cops continue to investigate the incident.
Kingsville is located about 45 miles southwest of Corpus Christi.
Texas has a Baby Moses Law, also known as the Safe Haven Law, which allows parents to drop off a baby less than 60 days old at a designated emergency infant care provider.
