Crime Classification Manual

168 CRIME CLASSIFICATION MANUAL
Crime Scene Indicators
Late on the evening of December 3, 1997, Miguel opened the bathroom
door, and his sister, holding a plastic bag and towels containing the deceased
infant, hugged him in a manner that suggested she need help with her balance.
As Violetta emerged from the bathroom, she told her sister and Miguel
that she had experienced unusually heavy menstruation. They asked her if
they should take her to the hospital, but she refused, saying, “I’ll take care of
it in the morning.” Miguel helped her over to the bed. Violetta lay down to
go to sleep with the plastic bag placed at the foot of the bed.
Alfredo then went to use the bathroom. Inside, he noticed a large amount
of smeared blood on the black and white tiled floor and immediately suspected
his daughter had given birth. He emerged from the bathroom and demanded
that she show him the bag. She refused, saying, “It’s going to give
me too much pain.” Alfredo snatched the bag from the foot of her bed and
walked into the bathroom with it. As he did, Violetta burst into tears and cried
out, “Please don’t beat me.”
Upon discovering the dead infant, Alfredo ordered the family to the hospital
at once. There was no effort at that time to resuscitate the baby. He
states that shortly after arriving at the hospital, his daughter dropped down
on her knees and begged for forgiveness.
Forensic Findings
The report of the medical examiner indicated that the approximately thirtyfive-week-old
gestational-age baby was born alive. Forensic evidence indicates
that Violetta likely cut the umbilical cord.
The report noted no evidence for trauma from a crush injury. On the basis
of abrasions across her face, cause of death was listed as suffocation. Although
the baby was wrapped in towels in a bag and resuscitative efforts
could have caused the same abrasions, evidence of hasty cleansing of the
death scene, the defendant’s lack of sophistication for basic cardiac life support,
and the defendant’s lack of motivation to resuscitate or seek help for the
baby on discovery reflect that this was not a credible explanation.
Investigation
Violetta had concealed a four-month relationship from her father and brother
for fear of disapproval and shame. She concealed her pregnancy for fear of
eviction from home or alienation from her emotional support network.
The birth caught her completely by surprise, and before the night her
child was born, she did not prepare for childbirth or a new arrival and did not
acknowledge the physical effects of pregnancy until the night she delivered.