Mother, who put her baby in a bag right after giving birth behind her workplace and then threw the boy in a dumpster because she was afraid her boyfriend would leave her, was sentenced
Texas – In a shocking incident in Texas that underscores the tragic consequences of desperation, a 19-year-old mother, identified as E. Ajtzalam, faced severe legal repercussions after abandoning her newborn in a dumpster. Initially charged with felony abandoning a child without intent to return, her actions sparked a widespread discussion on the pressures facing young mothers and the critical resources available to them.
The unsettling events unfolded on July 21, 2024, when Ajtzalam, shortly after giving birth behind the food truck where she worked, placed her newborn son in a garbage bag and left him in a dumpster. The baby boy was found by a passerby who heard his cries. Thanks to the quick response of first responders, the boy survived and was reported to be in stable condition after receiving urgent medical care at a children’s hospital. Police were able to connect the newborn to Ajtzalam after surveillance footage captured her carrying out the act. During questioning, she admitted to the crime, telling investigators she felt compelled to abandon her child because she feared her boyfriend would leave her if he found out about the baby.
The case, which initially stunned the community, took a decisive turn in court. Judge V. Nelson, who had previously set bail at $90,000, presided over the sentencing. Prosecutors detailed how Ajtzalam had not only placed her newborn but also the placenta and umbilical cord into a tied garbage bag before leaving him in the sweltering summer heat, which could have led to a tragic outcome. On Monday, Judge Nelson ordered the mother to serve seven years in a state correctional facility after she reached a plea deal with prosecutors. Ajtzalam pleaded guilty to one count of felony abandoning a child in imminent danger of bodily injury. She was credited with 369 days already served in custody.
A spokesperson for the DA’s Office emphasized the extraordinary fortune that the baby was rescued in time. The baby “is healthy, thriving and living with his foster parents,” the office said in a statement. “We are grateful to the person who happened to hear his cries from the dumpster, called police and ultimately saved his life.” According to court documents, at around 1:15 p.m. on July 21, 2024, a passerby heard crying from a dumpster and called 911. Police officers and medics from the fire department arrived quickly, locating the boy inside a tied garbage bag. He was immediately taken to a hospital, where doctors stabilized him. Child Protective Services later took custody of the baby.
Authorities revealed that Ajtzalam admitted in her interview that she had no choice but to abandon her son, citing fears her boyfriend would break up with her. She also said she was unaware of her pregnancy until around seven months into her term. Reports later revealed the pregnancy was the result of se-ual assault by a family member. Ajtzalam’s sentencing has reignited debate about awareness of Safe Haven laws, which allow parents to safely surrender newborns at designated locations without fear of prosecution. Advocates say the case highlights the urgent need for greater outreach, especially to young and vulnerable mothers who may not know such options exist.
For now, the baby boy is safe and thriving with his foster family. Ajtzalam will serve her sentence in a state correctional facility, with the possibility of release in seven years. The case stands as a chilling reminder of the dangers of desperation and the importance of ensuring young mothers have access to support systems before tragedy strikes.
