Tragedy struck in the 6800 block of Wood Hollow Drive as the Austin Police Department announced the 66th homicide of 2024 with the death of a six-week-old baby. Austin Police Department responded to a critical call at Dell Children’s Medical Center regarding a non-breathing baby on Wednesday, November 27. The boy, named Marcello Hernandez-Mendoza, was rushed to the hospital by his parents, where, despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced deceased.
During the investigation, finding that Marcello suffered from multiple trauma injuries, an arrest warrant was issued for Jacqueline Mendoza-Ramirez, aged 21, the victim’s mother. Not breathing at the time when her baby was brought in, hospital staff attempted resuscitation, but it was too late. In the wake of the horrific incident, Child Protective Services was notified, and officers and crime scene experts dove deep into the circumstances surrounding the infant's untimely demise.
On December 18, Jacqueline Mendoza-Ramirez was detained by law enforcement on charges of Capital Murder in relation to her infant son’s death, a culmination of the diligent work of the Austin Police Department's Homicide Division to seek justice. With Mendoza-Ramirez now under arrest, Austin Police continue their pursuit of information, appealing to the public to step forward with any relevant knowledge. "Anyone with information should contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS," according to the official statement, with anonymity being an option through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program.
As this case officially becomes Austin's 66th homicide of the year, the community and law enforcement alike grapple with the grim reality of such a young life taken. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000, leading to a successful arrest, in the hopes that justice will be served for young Marcello Hernandez-Mendoza.
