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.
SAN JOSE, Calif. — A San Jose police officer was shot and injured while investigating an armed carjacking in the downtown area on Wednesday, according to the San Jose Police Department (SJPD).
Authorities said the incident unfolded near the downtown core, close to major roadways including Highway 87 and the Julian Street exit.
Preliminary information indicates the suspect was involved in a series of violent events spanning multiple jurisdictions prior to the shooting.
Investigators believe the suspect initially stole a white Honda in Hollister, after abandoning a green Chevrolet Corvette.
During the course of the incident, the suspect allegedly fired shots at pursuing law enforcement officers, prompting a high-speed pursuit.
Police said the chase continued northbound on U.S. Highway 101, with speeds reportedly exceeding 100 miles per hour, traveling from Gilroy to San Jose. The pursuit ultimately led officers into the downtown area, where the officer-involved shooting occurred.
SJPD confirmed that a sworn department member was struck by gunfire and was transported to a local hospital. The officer’s condition has not been publicly disclosed at this time.
In a statement released on social media, the department said:
“SJPD is currently investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in downtown San Jose related to an armed carjacking. An SJPD sworn Department member has been shot and transported to a local hospital. This is an active and ongoing investigation, and PIOs will share more information as it becomes available.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, police had not confirmed whether any suspects were in custody, nor had they indicated whether any civilians were injured during the incident.
The shooting took place in an area that includes government buildings, businesses, and major transit hubs, leading to temporary traffic disruptions and a heightened police presence.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional details are expected to be released by authorities as more information becomes available.