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.
BELLEVUE, NE – A 23-year-old man has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder following a fatal shooting late Thursday night at a Bellevue apartment complex, authorities confirmed.
According to the Bellevue Police Department (BPD), officers responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 10:30 p.m. at an apartment complex near 13th Street and Galvin Road, just west of Bellevue East High School.
Upon arrival, officers discovered 21-year-old George Negrete suffering from a gunshot wound.
Officers immediately administered lifesaving measures before Negrete was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the shooting stemmed from a physical altercation between Negrete and the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Christian Lara.
During the confrontation, authorities say Lara allegedly assaulted a 20-year-old woman before shooting Negrete in the leg.
Lara sustained injuries during the altercation and was treated before being taken into custody.
He has been formally charged with second-degree murder, second-degree assault, use of a weapon to commit a felony, and terroristic threats.
The female victim sustained minor injuries but declined medical treatment at the scene.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue gathering evidence and conducting interviews.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Bellevue Police Department.