A 19-year-old mother from Texas, who abandoned her newborn son in a dumpster, was sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to felony child abandonment.
Everilda Cux-Ajtzalam, who claimed she had no choice but to leave her baby behind due to her fear of her boyfriend breaking up with her, will now serve time in a state correctional facility.
What Happened?
On July 21, 2024, Cux-Ajtzalam gave birth to her son, Gabriel, behind the taco truck where she worked. She then placed the baby, still in his placenta and umbilical cord, into a tied garbage bag and left him in a dumpster on Dashwood Drive in Houston, Texas.
Cux-Ajtzalam later explained to authorities that she was afraid her boyfriend would leave her if she kept the child.
A passerby heard the baby’s cries and quickly called 911. Police and medical responders arrived to find the baby inside the dumpster, unharmed but in need of medical care. Gabriel was taken to Texas Children’s Hospital, where he was stabilized before being placed into foster care.
Investigation and Legal Outcome
Houston police were able to track down Cux-Ajtzalam through surveillance footage and interviews. She admitted to abandoning her child and explained that she felt pressured by her boyfriend to make that decision, as she didn’t want their relationship to end. This tragic incident led to her being arrested and charged with felony child abandonment.
In a court hearing, Harris County District Judge Veronica M. Nelson expressed her outrage, calling it “pure luck” that the baby survived. The judge emphasized the dangers of leaving a child in a dumpster during the hot summer months in Houston.
Cux-Ajtzalam was given a seven-year prison sentence after pleading guilty. She has already served 369 days in custody, which will be credited toward her sentence.
Baby Gabriel’s Current Condition
As of now, Gabriel is thriving and living with his foster parents. A spokesperson for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office expressed gratitude to the person who found the baby and saved his life. While the situation remains tragic, it’s heartening to know that Gabriel is now safe and well cared for.
Cux-Ajtzalam’s story highlights the desperation some individuals may feel in difficult circumstances. However, this incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help when in crisis, especially when it comes to the welfare of children.
