A Hobbs, New Mexico woman captured on surveillance video tossing her newborn baby into a dumpster reportedly told investigators she panicked.
Alexis Avila, 18, was released on $10,000 bond hours after her arrest despite being charged with attempted murder.
According to police: On January 7, 2022, at approximately 8:00 PM officers with the Hobbs Police Department responded to 1400 block of N. Thorp in reference to a new born child being located in a dumpster.
Upon arrival officers rendered aid to the new born child and the baby was transported to a local hospital by Hobbs EMS. The child was subsequently transported to a Lubbock Hospital for further pediatric treatment.
Investigators were able to retrieve surveillance video of the incident and later located a suspect vehicle.
Alexis Avila, 18 years old, of Hobbs was interviewed and confessed to giving birth to the child at another location and then placing the baby in the dumpster.
Avila was arrested and charged with Attempt to Commit a Felony To Wit: Murder (1st degree felony) and Child Abuse. (1st degree felony). The new born child is in stable condition at this time.
The baby was found alive by dumpster-divers after spending nearly six hours in the receptacle. Avila “referred to the baby as ‘it’ at all times,” a police report said.
Video shows police interrogating Avila, where she says “I was in a panic. I didn’t know what to do. I was scared.”
Avila: “I just left and I drove around. I just put it where I put it.
Detective: “Did you place it there? Did you throw it there? What did you do?”
Avila: “What do you mean? Like in the trash? I just tossed it in.”
Detective: “You wrapped a newborn in a trash bag?”
Avila: “I was in a panic. I just turned 18. It’s not like I’ve been 18 forever.”
Watch below.
When asked at a press conference why her bond was set so low, Interim Police Chief August Fons said, “At the time the warrant was signed by the judge and the judge signed a $10,000 unsecured bond appearance bond and at that point she was released about an hour later.”
“If you are struggling with a new infant, the best response is to find somebody who can help you with that,’ he added. “Contact us, and let us help you through the situation.”
Attorney Ibukun Adepoju, a public defender who is representing Avila said, “Alexis is barely 18 herself. Whatever happened is already a tragedy for her family and the community. As humans, we should practice compassion as we wait for the justice system to work.”
