Mother facing capital murder charge related to death of her 6-week-old child

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A woman was arrested Wednesday related to the death of her baby, according to the Austin Police Department.

APD said 21-year-old Jacqueline Mendoza-Ramirez was charged with capital murder in connection with the death of her nearly 6-week-old baby Marcello Hernandez-Mendoza.

Austin police said officers responded to a children’s hospital Nov. 27 for a deceased person call.

“The parents of a 6-week-old baby had transported their baby, later identified as Marcello Hernandez-Mendoza, to the hospital due to him not breathing. Hospital staff attempted life-saving measures on Marcello, but were unfortunately unsuccessful. He was pronounced deceased at the hospital,” APD said.

According to police, an initial investigation showed Marcello had several trauma injuries to his body, and Child Protective Services was notified.

This case is being investigated as Austin's 66th homicide of 2024.

According to APD, so far in 2024, 18 out of the 69 homicides were family or domestic violence-related. Last year, 18 of the 75 homicides were family or domestic violence-related. 

Anyone with information was asked to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477.