Woman charged with capital murder after her newborn baby was found dead in a toilet

Jamie FreveleDec 9th, 2024, 1:34 pm

A Texas woman was charged with capital murder after a medical examiner determined that the newborn baby found deceased in her toilet was alive at birth.

Yanira Prado, 22, is being held at the Ector County Law Enforcement Center after being charged with capital murder and tampering with evidence. She is also being held on an immigration charge.

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According to a press release from the Odessa Police Department, officers first responded to a call to Prado’s home on Oct. 9, where they found the newborn deceased and in the toilet. Prado was taken to the nearby Medical Center Hospital for an examination. Investigators at the scene became suspicious of how the baby died and decided a full autopsy was needed to determine the cause of death.

The results from that autopsy were returned on Dec. 6 and stated that the full-term baby was not only born alive and breathing, but that the cause of death was asphyxia. Homicide investigators took over the case and concluded that Prado “intentionally and knowingly caused the death of the infant.” Police said that she was arrested “without incident” and charged with capital murder.

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The case is now headed to the Ector County District Attorney’s Office. Prison records also show that Prado was charged of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with an intent to impair. There is also a federal immigration hold against her.

Prado is being held on $1 million bail.