Authorities in Kingsville, Texas, have arrested a man after a horrifying discovery inside a Walmart bathroom. According to police, 45-year-old Jerry Lee Martinez is facing multiple charges after his 17-year-old daughter gave birth in the store’s restroom and allegedly left the newborn in a trash bin.
As previously reported by KRIS 6 News, emergency crews responded to a 911 call just before 10:30 p.m. on Monday after a maintenance worker stumbled upon the infant while taking out the trash. Walmart employees sprang into action, attempting life-saving measures before first responders rushed the baby girl to a nearby hospital. Tragically, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Upon reviewing store surveillance footage, investigators saw the teen enter the restroom and stay there for nearly 40 minutes. She then exited and got into a vehicle in the parking lot. Officers were able to track down that vehicle, conduct a traffic stop, and transport the 17-year-old to the hospital for medical treatment following the traumatic birth.
Authorities say she will be questioned once released, but so far, Jerry Lee Martinez has been arrested and is currently being held at the Kleberg County Jail without bond. <h4><h4>
Martinez Faces Charges of Child Endangerment and Tampering With Evidence
Martinez now faces the following charges:
Abandoning or endangering a child with criminal negligence
Tampering with a witness
Tampering with physical evidence
Police have not confirmed if Martinez was aware of his daughter’s pregnancy prior to the incident, but court records indicate he played a role in what officials are calling a deliberate act of neglect and concealment.
