Kirk Preston Watson - Mayor of Austin, Texas | Twitter
Kirk Preston Watson - Mayor of Austin, Texas | Twitter
On November 27, 2024, at around 3:10 p.m., officers from the Austin Police Department (APD) were called to Dell Children’s Medical Center on Mueller Boulevard regarding a deceased person. The case involved a six-week-old infant, Marcello Hernandez-Mendoza, who was brought to the hospital by his parents because he was not breathing. Despite efforts by hospital staff to revive him, Marcello was pronounced dead.
The investigation revealed that Marcello had multiple trauma injuries. Homicide detectives and crime scene specialists processed the scene and conducted interviews with witnesses. Child Protective Services (CPS) was also informed of the situation.
Subsequently, on December 18, 2024, an arrest warrant for Capital Murder was issued for Jacqueline Mendoza-Ramirez, Marcello's mother. She was taken into custody on the same day.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS or anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program via their website or by calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 is offered for tips leading to an arrest.
This incident marks Austin's 66th homicide of the year.
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