Dec. 6—On Oct. 9, the Odessa Police Department responded to an address in the 2900 block of West Sixth St.
Upon arrival, officers found that a recently born infant was deceased and was in a toilet of the residence. The infant’s mother was identified as Yanira Prado, 22. She was transported from the scene to Medical Center Hospital, an OPD news release said.
During the subsequent investigation, investigators found that several aspects of the death raised suspicion. However, due to the circumstances, a complete autopsy was necessary before any conclusions could be drawn, the release said.
On Dec. 6, investigators received the official autopsy findings. These findings revealed that the infant was born at full term. Evidence from the scene, as well as the autopsy results, revealed that the infant was born alive and was breathing. The cause of death was determined to be due to asphyxia. Based on these facts, the death investigation was upgraded to homicide, the release said.
Based on the facts and circumstances, it is believed that Prado intentionally and knowingly caused the death of the infant. Due to this, investigators have secured a warrant for Capital Murder. She was arrested without incident and was transported to the Ector County Law Enforcement Center. Upon completion of this case, it will be sent to the Ector County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Capital murder being investigated
