Sonia Cristal Jimenez Charged After Newborn Found Dead in Porta-Potty at Burn Lake as Las Cruces Police Department Say Infant Was Born Alive and Drowned

A New Mexico woman has been charged after authorities say her newborn baby was discovered dead inside a portable toilet near Burn Lake in Las Cruces.

According to investigators, 38-year-old Sonia Cristal Jimenez was booked Feb. 11 on one felony count of intentional child abuse resulting in death. Police say hospital staff contacted authorities after Jimenez arrived at a medical facility appearing to have recently given birth, but without a baby.

Her boyfriend, who brought her to the hospital, reportedly told medical personnel they had been at the lake earlier and that she had used a portable restroom there. Officers responding to the scene searched the restrooms and discovered a deceased infant girl inside the holding tank.

 

Detectives allege Jimenez gave birth to a live child, cut the umbilical cord, and placed the newborn into the tank. An autopsy determined the baby had been born alive and had inhaled and swallowed the chemical liquid typically used in portable toilets, indicating she was alive when she was placed inside.

Police said they do not believe the boyfriend knew she had given birth and do not currently plan to charge him.

Officials described the case as deeply disturbing and say it remains under investigation as prosecutors review evidence. Jimenez is being held without bond at a county detention facility, and authorities have not confirmed whether she has legal representation.