N.M. couple arrested after newborn is found 'purple in color' with fentanyl nearby
01/18/2024 11:36 am PST
PEÑASCO, N.M. (TCD) -- State police have arrested a mother and her husband after finding a newborn baby in distress near fentanyl and other drugs last week.
On Thursday, Jan. 11, New Mexico State Police officers responded to a home in reference to a possible child in danger. Troopers arrived and spoke with 35-year-old Darlene Gonzales and her husband, 40-year-old Ronald Martinez. Gonzales told state police she gave birth to a baby boy, Jesus Martinez, in the living room on Jan. 10, but the baby had not received any medical care. Police reportedly "noticed the baby appeared to be in distress."
According to the affidavit reviewed by the Santa Fe New Mexican, the victim "was purple in color."
The baby was transported to a local hospital via ambulance. Officials later tried to airlift the baby to Albuquerque, but according to state police, they were unable to due to the weather.
Medical staff determined the baby was "dehydrated, malnourished, and appeared to be about to go through withdrawals," the Santa Fe New Mexican reports. As of Wednesday, Jan. 17, the victim’s condition is unknown.
During a search of the home, state police located fentanyl and other drug paraphernalia, including near where the newborn sleeps. The place was reportedly filled with garbage and debris as well.
Officials arrested Gonzales on a charge of child abuse resulting in great bodily harm, and arrested Martinez, who is reportedly not the child’s father, on charges of possession of fentanyl and child abuse. They were both booked into the Taos County Detention Center.
Previously, the couple was reportedly charged with child abuse, but Gonzales’ case was dismissed and Martinez accepted a plea deal, with the charge dropped.
The investigation is ongoing.
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