Another newborn killed in NM: Infant discovered in portable toilet holding tank

A Las Cruces woman is behind bars after police say she gave birth to a baby girl inside a portable toilet and left the newborn in the holding tank, resulting in the child’s death.

According to authorities, 38-year-old Sonia Jimenez was arrested following an investigation that began late Saturday night. Around 10:30 p.m., staff at Memorial Medical Center contacted law enforcement after Jimenez arrived at the hospital appearing to have recently delivered a baby. Medical personnel quickly realized the newborn was not with her and alerted police.

Officers began questioning those connected to Jimenez, including her boyfriend, who told investigators the two had been at Burn Lake earlier in the evening. He said Jimenez had used a portable restroom at the location but claimed he was unaware she had gone into labor or delivered a child.

Police responded to the site and located the infant inside the portable toilet’s holding tank. Investigators believe Jimenez delivered the baby inside the unit, cut the umbilical cord herself, and placed the newborn into the chemical-filled tank. Authorities say the baby girl died after inhaling and swallowing the blue chemical solution inside. An autopsy conducted Monday ruled the cause of death as drowning.

Jimenez has been charged with a first-degree felony count of intentional child abuse resulting in death. She is currently being held without bond at the Doña Ana County Detention Center. Police have indicated that her boyfriend is unlikely to face charges, as investigators do not believe he knew a birth had occurred.

The tragic case has reignited painful memories of previous newborn deaths across New Mexico that shocked communities statewide.

In 2022, an Albuquerque teenager was charged after allegedly giving birth in a hospital bathroom and killing the newborn shortly afterward. That case sparked renewed debate over access to pregnancy support resources and the state’s Safe Haven law, which allows parents to legally surrender a newborn without facing criminal charges.

More recently, in Hobbs, authorities arrested a woman accused of throwing her newborn baby into a dumpster, where the infant was later discovered. That case drew national attention and once again raised questions about why some mothers do not utilize safe surrender options available across the state.

New Mexico’s Safe Haven Act permits a parent to relinquish a baby, typically within 90 days of birth, at hospitals, fire stations, and certain other designated locations without fear of prosecution. Despite these protections, tragic cases involving newborn deaths continue to occur.

The Las Cruces case remains under investigation. Law enforcement officials have not yet indicated whether additional charges could be filed as more evidence is reviewed.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis pregnancy, resources are available through local nonprofits like Care Net, hospitals, healthcare providers, and confidential hotlines that can help ensure the safety of both mother and child.