In a case that has stunned a Marietta community, Leticia Rodriguez, a 17-year-old teen, finds herself facing a compendium of serious charges including felony murder following the death of her newborn son. As reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, Rodriguez gave birth early Sunday morning. Allegedly, she is accused of wrapping the child in a blanket, placing him in a grocery bag, and attempting to bury the body by a tree in her backyard, details that emerged after her uncle discovered her actions and contacted the police.
Marietta police found the infant injured at the scene, with allegations that Rodriguez used a pocket knife to harm the baby. Initially charged with concealing a death, abandoning a body, and abusing a corpse, Rodriguez has been held at Cobb County Detention Center since Monday. Following further investigation, authorities have added felony murder and aggravated assault with a weapon, according to Officer Chuck McPhilamy's statement to FOX 5 Atlanta.
Residents of the neighborhood expressed their disbelief over the incident involving the Marietta teen. "I would never have thought anything like this would happen here," said neighborhood resident Theresa Neill, surprised over the teen's arrest. As told to FOX 5, neighbors noticed police activity throughout the evening, yet the family's composure as they stood outside their home while the investigation unfolded left many puzzled.
According to Atlanta News First, Rodriguez was transported to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital before being booked without bond, where she remains. The Marietta Police Department has now turned the investigation over to the Cobb County District Attorney's Office, indicating that no further updates are expected in the case at this point.
