Father Charged After Daughter’s Stillborn Baby Found in Walmart

A father in Texas has been charged with sexual assault after allegedly impregnating his teenage daughter, resulting in a stillborn baby found in a Walmart bathroom. The accused, Jerry Lee Martinez, 45, faces serious allegations following an investigation by local authorities. According to police, the situation escalated after Martinez allegedly took his daughter to Mexico for an abortion, where she later gave birth to a stillborn infant.

Authorities discovered the body of the baby in a trash receptacle at a Walmart in Kingsville. Employees at the store performed lifesaving efforts on the infant when it was discovered, but the baby was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at a local hospital.

March 2024 marked a tragic turn of events for the family. Law enforcement officials state that Martinez has been accused of “touching his daughter inappropriately” since she was 15 years old. The allegations detail multiple incidents over a two-year period, culminating in the pregnancy.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by local media, KIII, Martinez was aware of the pregnancy and reacted violently, reportedly punching his daughter in the stomach multiple times. Following this, he allegedly transported her to Mexico for the abortion procedure.

CCTV footage from the Walmart showed the girl entering the bathroom and emerging approximately 40 minutes later. Afterward, she and Martinez left the store, and around 30 minutes later, the baby was found. Police later located Martinez and his daughter in their vehicle, leading to his arrest. The girl was placed in a “secure location” for her safety.

In addition to the charges against Martinez, authorities have also charged his stepfather, Mario Duran, 60, with sexual assault. The investigation into this deeply troubling case continues.

Martinez is currently being held at the Kleberg County Jail with a bond set at $600,000. In a statement, local law enforcement expressed their condolences to everyone affected by this tragic incident, emphasizing the emotional toll it has taken on the community.

This case highlights serious issues surrounding child protection and raises questions about the support systems in place for vulnerable individuals. As the investigation unfolds, further details are expected to emerge regarding the circumstances leading to this heartbreaking event.