A woman in Odessa, Texas, has been arrested and charged with capital murder in connection with the death of her infant daughter.
Yanira Maria Toirac Prado, 22, was taken into custody on December 6, 2024, after the results of an autopsy confirmed that her newborn was born alive but died from asphyxiation.
The infant’s body was discovered on October 9, 2024, when Odessa police officers responded to a call about a “pregnancy miscarriage” at a home in the 2900 block of West 6th Street. Upon arrival, officers found the deceased infant in the bathroom.
Prado allegedly told police that she didn't know she was pregnant until she unexpectedly gave birth. However, according to NewsWest 9, a search of her phone revealed Google searches related to childbirth.
Investigators requested an autopsy to determine the cause of death, and on December 6, those findings revealed that the infant had been born full-term.
“Evidence from the scene, as well as the autopsy results, revealed that the infant was born alive and was breathing,” said the Odessa Police Department in a statement.
The cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation, caused by inhaling amniotic fluid and other foreign fibers.
As a result, the investigation was upgraded to a homicide, and Prado was charged with capital murder and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.
“Based on the facts and circumstances, it is believed that Prado intentionally and knowingly caused the death of the infant,” the statement read.
Prado is being held on a $1 million bond at the Ector County Law Enforcement Center.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has also placed a hold on Prado as authorities investigate her immigration status for potential further action.