HOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) — Police in Florida say a woman gave birth to a premature baby and left her near a backyard shed covered by an empty plant pot, without any care.
News outlets report 20-year-old Martha Godinez-Diaz was arrested Monday on felony child abuse and neglect charges. The baby survived.
An arrest affidavit says the child’s grandfather found the baby.
Witnesses saw a 10-gallon plant pot covering the baby's head and a blue shirt covering the baby's torso. The arrest report states that police believe the pot was deliberately placed on the baby, possibly in an attempt to muffle the baby's cries.
Godinez-Diaz’s boyfriend told police she called him, complaining of stomach pains. When he and other relatives arrived home, she said she was fine. But they noticed a change in the size of her abdomen.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials said the placenta was still attached to the baby.
Officials said the baby has a “genetic malformation of the brain.” She remains in the hospital.
Godinez-Diaz is being held without bond. An attorney isn’t listed on jail records.
