A woman in Texas faces capital murder charges following a medical examiner’s conclusion that the newborn baby discovered deceased in her toilet was alive at the time of birth.
Yanira Prado, 22, is currently in custody at the Ector County Law Enforcement Center facing charges of capital murder and evidence tampering. Additionally, she faces an immigration charge.
In a statement from the Odessa Police Department, it was reported that officers initially arrived at Prado’s residence on October 9, where they discovered the lifeless newborn in the toilet. Prado was transported to the local Medical Center Hospital for evaluation. Authorities at the location raised concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding the baby’s death, leading to the decision for a comprehensive autopsy to ascertain the cause of death.
On December 6, the autopsy results revealed that the full-term baby was born alive and breathing, with asphyxia determined as the cause of death. Authorities have stepped in to handle the investigation and determined that Prado “deliberately and consciously led to the death of the infant.” Authorities reported that she was taken into custody “without incident” and faces charges of capital murder.
The matter is now proceeding to the Ector County District Attorney’s Office. Records indicate that Prado faced charges related to tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with the intent to impair. A federal immigration hold has been placed on her as well.
Prado’s bail has been set at $1 million.