A New Mexico woman is facing criminal charges for allegedly drowning her infant daughter shortly after giving birth this month.
On February 7, Sonia Jimenez’s boyfriend took her to the hospital, where staff concluded she had recently given birth. Las Cruces police later learned from Jimenez’s boyfriend that they were at Burn Lake, where Jimenez, 36, had used the restroom, according to KOAT.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reported that a newborn baby girl was found floating in the holding tank of a portable toilet. Police believe Jimenez gave birth at the lake and cut the umbilical cord before putting her daughter in the toilet’s holding tank, where she drowned, according to KOAT.
Further, an autopsy report stated that Jimenez’s daughter was born alive. The report detailed how a blue liquid solution was recovered from the infant’s lungs, trachea, and stomach — suggesting she breathed in and swallowed the liquid. The liquid found in the baby’s body is often used to clean and sanitize portable bathrooms.
Arrested last Wednesday, Jimenez is charged with intentional child abuse resulting in death. She remains jailed without bond.
Police do not anticipate charging Jimenez’s boyfriend, as they do not believe he knew she was pregnant.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
[Feature Photo: Las Cruces police]
