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Police: Panties Found Around Dead Baby's Neck

POSTED: Friday, June 22, 2007

UPDATED: 5:54 pm CDT June 22, 2007

HOUSTON -- Panties were found wrapped around the neck of a newborn who was strangled to death, officials told KPRC Local 2 Friday.

Claudia Cortez, 23, was charged with capital murder after her baby was found dead in a closet inside a unit at a complex on South Willow Drive near Ricecrest Street on June 10.

Houston police said the baby was inside a plastic bag under a pile of clothes.

The Harris County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the baby's death a homicide by asphyxiation.

Investigators said they found blood on the floor and portions of an umbilical cord.

Cortez, who officials said is an illegal immigrant, confessed that the baby was born alive, detectives said.

Police went to the apartment after Cortez arrived at Ben Taub Hospital and denied to nurses that she had just given birth. She told nurses that she had a miscarriage, officials said.

Cortez is in the Harris County Jail with no bond.

Previous Stories:

June 12, 2007: Medical Examiner Rules Baby's Death Homicide
June 11, 2007: Mom Charged In Connection With Baby's Death

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