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.
Crime
Celeste Gusman, 66, Dies After Stabbing at Kalihi Business in Honolulu; Police Investigate as Homicide
HONOLULU, Hawaii — A 66-year-old woman has died following a stabbing at a business in Honolulu’s Kalihi neighborhood, leaving her family, friends, and the local community grieving a tragic loss.
The victim was identified as Celeste Gusman, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Officers responded to a business in the 2300 block of North School Street at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Gusman suffering from a stab wound. Emergency medical personnel quickly began providing advanced lifesaving treatment at the scene before transporting her to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Gusman later succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities also reported that another woman, who is in her 60s, sustained minor injuries during the incident. According to the information released, she was injured in a fall amid the disturbance and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
No further details about the circumstances surrounding the second woman’s injuries have been provided.
Following the incident, police initially arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. After Gusman died from her injuries, authorities reclassified the case as a murder investigation.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the stabbing. Police have not yet released information about what may have triggered the incident or whether the suspect knew Gusman.
The suspect’s arrest and the ongoing investigation do not establish guilt. Further details are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and determining the events that led to the fatal attack.
The death of Celeste Gusman at 66 has brought sadness to those affected by this incident. A place of business in a familiar neighborhood became the scene of a tragedy, and loved ones are now facing the difficult reality of losing someone important to them.
While many questions remain unanswered, the loss of life has deeply affected the community. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are left remembering Gusman and hoping that the investigation will bring clarity about what happened.
Please keep Celeste Gusman’s family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. The injured woman and everyone affected by the incident also deserve support as they recover.
May Celeste Gusman rest in peace. May her loved ones find comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead.