Dad jailed after daughter has baby in Walmart bathroom: Cops
Share and Follow

Inset: Jerry Lee Martinez (Kleberg County Jail). Background: Walmart in Kingsville, Texas, where Martinez”s daughter gave birth to a baby, cops say (Google Maps).

A 45-year-old Texas father has landed himself behind bars after his daughter allegedly gave birth to a baby in the bathroom of a Walmart.

The baby was later pronounced dead.

Shortly before 10:30 p.m. on Monday, Walmart employees called the Kingsville Police Department after they found a newborn in a trash can in the bathroom. Employees were conducting lifesaving efforts on the baby, who was then transported to a local hospital, police said. Doctors pronounced the infant dead, according to a press release.

Cops looked at surveillance video, which showed a 17-year-old girl walk into the bathroom. After about 40 minutes inside, she came out and walked to her car in the parking lot, police said. Some 30 minutes passed until the employees found the baby.

Around 11 p.m., officers spotted the teen’s vehicle and stopped her. Paramedics rushed the girl to the hospital, where she is receiving treatment, per the press release. Police arrested the girl’s father, 45-year-old Jerry Lee Martinez, on a charge of abandoning/endangering a child with criminal negligence. He’s at the Kleberg County Jail without bond.

The teen remains hospitalized and police plan to interview her once she’s released.

The press release did not say whether the baby was alive at birth or how the child died. Cops say more information is forthcoming.

“We extend our deepest condolences to all affected by this tragic event,” police wrote.

Cops continue to investigate the incident.

Kingsville is located about 45 miles southwest of Corpus Christi.

Texas has a Baby Moses Law, also known as the Safe Haven Law, which allows parents to drop off a baby less than 60 days old at a designated emergency infant care provider.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Gainesville Resident Accused of Planning Assault Incident at The Lodge at Meridian

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Roman Duncan Dontae Mitchell, 34, has been…

Trump Claims Adam Schiff is Involved in Mortgage Fraud: A Breakdown

Left: Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) is seen during a Senate Committee on…

Suspects Allegedly Returned to Crime Scene and Set House Ablaze, Police Report

Inset, left to right: Carol Cormier and Lacey Horsley (Mathews County Sheriff’s…

Teen Assists Boyfriend in Evading Police and Shooting K-9 Officer, Authorities Report

Main, left to right: Desmariah Ramos and Darrin King (McLennan County Jail).…

Man Purchases ‘Punisher’ T-shirt from Walmart Allegedly Before Killing Father

Cooper Wesley in court on July 14, 2025 (KFSM). A 27-year-old man…

South Carolina Teacher Charged With Grooming, Sexually Abusing Teen Boy

A South Carolina teacher accused of grooming and sexually abusing a teen…

Organizations Criticize Trump Administration for ‘Defiant’ Actions Post-Ruling

Background: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a news conference outside…

District Attorney Censured for Driving Home After Traffic Stop

Inset: Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley appears in her official portrait…