TRIGGER WARNING: This post contains information about stillbirth and infant loss, which may be triggering to some.
A 17-year-old mother allegedly gave birth to her baby boy at home, and somehow the newborn died. Marietta Police say Leticia Rodriguez concealed the infant’s death for several hours and then attempted to bury his dead body in the backyard. When a family member saw what was happening, he reportedly called police. Emergency responders took Rodriguez to an area hospital for treatment. When she’s released, she’s headed to jail.
Marietta Police Officer Chuck McPhilamy addressed the media at a news conference on November 25 and noted that the details in the arrest warrant were so graphic he would not say them publicly. Instead, McPhilamy shared the infant was deceased and “clearly injured,” and police are trying to determine what happened.
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Rodriguez reportedly gave birth on November 24.
It appears the teen gave birth to her son on Sunday morning and concealed his body in a blanket and plastic bag for about six hours. McPhilamy said an uncle reportedly saw Rodriguez digging a hole outside and called police for help.
“What I can tell you is that when officers arrived on the scene, they did find a body that was obviously recognizable as a newborn infant, that infant was deceased, and that infant was clearly injured,” he said.
The infant apparently had severe injuries.
McPhilamy declined to give details, but Fox 5 reported that the mother allegedly used a pocketknife to abuse the infant’s body, according to an arrest warrant. Police remained at the home for several hours to investigate the situation.
Neighbor Theresa Neill told the news outlet she couldn’t believe what had happened and never expected anything like it in her neighborhood. “All of the family was standing outside, and everybody looked so calm, it was puzzling,” Neill said.
Emergency responders took Rodriguez to a hospital.
McPhilamy said authorities wanted to get Rodriguez medical help and took her to the hospital. He told the media the teenager had no help, not even a “peer” to lean on. “So you can imagine just the trauma of childbirth, she needed medical attention,” he said.
While she receives medical attention, police are investigating what happened.
The family reportedly came to the United States from Guatemala.
McPhilamy said the family is cooperating with police, but there is a language barrier. They apparently moved to the area about two years ago. Neighbor Angeline Perez told Fox 5, “I never saw the 17-year-old.”
The medical examiner took possession of the newborn and will determine his cause of death.
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Rodriguez faces several charges.
After her release from the hospital, she will go to Cobb County Jail, Fox 5 reported. She faces charges of concealing death, throwing away a dead body, and abuse of a dead body. Rodriguez could face additional charges once experts determine a cause of death.
McPhilamy made a plea to pregnant women to seek help.
“To anyone watching this that found themselves in a situation that they were pregnant and concerned or embarrassed or frustrated or confused, there are a tremendous amount of faith-based organizations throughout our community, each of which would have anyone willing to help them, also counseling services readily available throughout the area,” he said during the news conference. “Worst case scenario, contact our department. We will connect you with someone who can help you.”
