Dad Arrested After Teen Daughter Gives Birth in Walmart and Hides Baby in Trash

A Texas man is behind bars after a tragic and disturbing scene unfolded in a Walmart bathroom, where employees discovered a newborn baby in a trash can late Monday night.

According to Kingsville police, staff at the store called 911 around 10:30 p.m. after finding the infant unresponsive. They attempted lifesaving measures until paramedics arrived. The newborn was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead.

Surveillance footage showed a 17-year-old girl walking into the store’s bathroom and remaining inside for roughly 40 minutes. She then exited and walked out to a car in the parking lot. About 30 minutes later, employees made the heartbreaking discovery in the trash can.

Police located the teen’s vehicle around 11 p.m. and pulled her over. She was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment and remains under medical care. Authorities plan to question her once she’s released.

Her father, 45-year-old Jerry Lee Martinez, was arrested and charged with abandoning or endangering a child through criminal negligence. He is currently being held without bond at the Kleberg County Jail.

Police have not yet confirmed whether the baby was born alive or provided details on the cause of death. They say the investigation is ongoing and more information will be released as it becomes available.

“We extend our deepest condolences to all affected by this tragic event,” the Kingsville Police Department said in a statement.

The incident happened in Kingsville, located roughly 45 miles southwest of Corpus Christi. Texas law does allow parents to legally surrender newborns under the Baby Moses Law (also known as the Safe Haven Law), which permits parents to leave an unharmed infant under 60 days old at designated safe locations such as hospitals or fire stations — no questions asked.