Crime
Smith County Woman Arrested After Newborn Found Deceased in Bathtub
Smith County, TX – A 27-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the discovery of her deceased newborn infant inside her home, according to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office.
On Wednesday, authorities charged Esmeralda Duran Rodriguez with abuse of a corpse after deputies found the newborn wrapped in a towel and placed inside a grocery bag in the bathtub.
The investigation began when Rodriguez arrived at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, informing medical staff that she had given birth at home earlier that day.
However, she did not have the child with her.
Deputies were dispatched to the residence off Highway 271, north of Loop 323, where Rodriguez’s brother allowed them to conduct a search.
Evidence in the home suggested that a birth had occurred on a bed, leading investigators to continue their search.
Shortly thereafter, they discovered the infant’s body in the bathroom.
Detectives and crime scene investigators conducted interviews and gathered evidence, including questioning Rodriguez while she remained hospitalized.
Authorities determined that she did not notify anyone of the birth nor seek medical assistance for herself or the infant.
Following their findings, investigators obtained an arrest warrant signed by Judge Austin Reeve Jackson, charging Rodriguez with abuse of a corpse, a state jail felony punishable by up to two years in jail if convicted.
The newborn’s remains have been transported to the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas for an autopsy to determine whether the infant was born alive.
If evidence confirms that the child was born alive, authorities have indicated that charges may be upgraded.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.