The Frio County Sheriff's Office is currently grappling with the harrowing death of 10-month-old Nylah Gonzales, whose life was abruptly cut short at University Hospital on Wednesday night. After being flown from Pearsall to San Antonio due to critical injuries, the investigation into the cause of the baby's death is being handled by the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office. Chief Deputy Peter Salinas expressed the office's devastation, saying, "We are distraught about the loss of this innocent child," in a statement obtained by KENS 5.
As deputies delve further into the delicate investigation, they have confronted conflicting accounts pertaining to the baby's fatal injuries. Sheriff's deputies previously engaged the mother and her partner for inquiries, according to a related report by News 4 San Antonio. An unrelated discovery at the family's home brought more questions to the fore as Frio County deputies unearthed over 100 grams of cocaine and other narcotics. The discovery led to Deion Salazar, the mother's boyfriend, facing charges linked to drug possession and distribution. Despite his subsequent release on bond, the connection, if any, between the substance abuse and the child's injuries remains unclear.
Grappling with both loss and uncertainty, the Frio County investigation promises thoroughness, with Salinas assuring, "no matter how long it takes, the investigation will be careful and thorough." Details of Nylah's injuries have prompted authorities to suspect foul play, although the medical examiner has not yet released a final declaration on the exact cause and manner of her demise. In the meantime, the family’s fundraising effort for burial expenses has been met with the grim reality that the infant was not an organ donor, despite prior expectations, punctuating this tragedy with one more note of finality.
The confluence of grief and justice propels this inquiry forward, with the law enforcement community and public alike anticipating transparency and answers. Salinas has made a plea for anyone with information to come forward as deputies await the medical examiner's vital report.
