In an unveiling of tragic events that transpired over the weekend, Austin police arrested 22-year-old Neli Dinora Rivera Felipe on Monday after her newborn was discovered in a North Austin dumpster. CBS Austin reports that she's facing charges of abandoning or endangering a child with imminent danger, a second-degree felony. According to law enforcement, the infant was found on Saturday afternoon at 8600 N. Lamar Boulevard, umbilical cord still attached, after local residents reported hearing cries and contacted authorities at around 1:37 p.m.
Having been transported to a local hospital, KVUE states that the baby is currently recovering and under the supervision of the Department of Family and Protective Services. During her booking into Travis County Jail, Rivera Felipe's bond was established at $50,000, and court records indicated she couldn't make any contact with the infant.
Surveillance video and community collaboration aided the Austin Police Department's Child Abuse Unit in identifying Rivera Felipe as the perpetrator. Authorities noted in a Thursday press conference that while this case was indeed "heartbreaking," it importantly drew attention to the need for community vigilance and prompt action when children are in distress.
The police have not identified any further suspects at this stage of their ongoing investigation, a detail mentioned by both CBS Austin and KVUE. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation progresses into Rivera Felipe's actions.
Austin authorities took this opportunity to remind the community about Texas's Safe Haven Law, also known as the Baby Moses Law. Under this legislation, as noted by KVUE, parents can surrender babies younger than 60 days at designated locations like hospitals and fire stations without fear of prosecution.
