Horrific Scene in Texas Leads to Kidnapping and Murder Charges

 Posted on October 14, 2020 in Criminal Defense

A small city in East Texas was thrust into the national spotlight in recent days—and for all of the wrong reasons. On the morning of Friday, October 9, police in New Boston, TX, were called to a residence where they found the body of a young woman who had apparently been murdered. To make matters even worse, the victim had been pregnant at the time of her death, and a preliminary investigation indicated that the woman’s unborn baby had been cut from her body. The gruesome scene prompted action by several local and state agencies, looking into the case as both a murder and kidnapping investigation.

Pregnant Woman Found Dead

At a little after 10 a.m. last Friday, New Boston police responded to a 911 call reporting a deceased person. New Boston is a small city of approximately 4,600 people in Bowie County near Texarkana. When the police arrived, they discovered the body of a 21-year-old woman. According to officials from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the woman was clearly the victim of a homicide. She had also been almost eight months pregnant when she died, and her baby had been cut from her womb, presumably by her killer. Following the horrific discovery, an investigation was initiated by multiple law enforcement agencies throughout the region, including the Department of Public Safety, the New Boston Police Department, the Texarkana Police Department, and the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office.

Later the same day, reports indicate, a 27-year-old woman arrived by ambulance at a hospital in Idabel, Oklahoma, claiming that her baby was not breathing. The baby could not be saved, and authorities determined that the infant was the same one that had been taken from the victim in New Boston. The woman was arrested, and she is now facing multiple charges, including kidnapping and murder. According to reports, the Texas Rangers have joined the investigation, and additional charges are likely.

Penalties for Kidnapping and Murder in Texas

It remains to be seen if the woman will face charges in federal court or if the case will remain at the state level. However, the penalties that she may receive are likely to be severe. Kidnapping in Texas is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. If the charge is elevated to aggravated kidnapping, it becomes a felony in the first degree, which carries a maximum sentence of 99 years or life in prison.

First-degree felony murder carries the same maximum sentence of up to life in prison. If the victim is under age 10, however, a suspect could face capital murder charges. Other factors could also elevate a murder charge to capital murder. Capital murder is a capital felony, punishable by life in prison with no possibility of parole. The death penalty could also be a possibility.

Contact a Plano, Texas Criminal Defense Attorney

If you or someone you love has been charged with a serious crime such as kidnapping or murder, it is critical to contact an experienced Collin County violent crimes defense lawyer immediately. At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we have helped many clients facing seemingly impossible situations, and we are ready to help you and your family receive a positive outcome as well. Attorney Darlina Crowder has received over 300 acquittals during her legal career. Call 214-544-0061 at any time of the day or night to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.kltv.com/2020/10/12/authorities-identify-homicide-victim-person-suspected-stealing-killing-her-unborn-child/

https://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/texarkana/story/2020/oct/10/mother-and-baby-die-after-her-womb-was-cut-open/844639/

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.19.htm

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.20.htm