Fort Worth police have arrested two people after an infant was found dead next to a dumpster at a west-side motel Sunday night.
Officers were called about 8:45 p.m. on October 18 to the Drummers Inn in the 7300 block of Camp Bowie West Boulevard after a person discovered the baby’s body, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Detectives from the department’s Crimes Against Children Unit took over the investigation.
On Monday, 23-year-old Avia Cantrell was booked on suspicion of capital murder. Jail records show 26-year-old Camron Baker was arrested on suspicion of abuse of a corpse. Police allege that Cantrell intentionally caused the death of her infant. A relative of Cantrell contacted police Monday morning after becoming concerned about the baby. The relative told investigators that Cantrell has a history of unattended or undisclosed pregnancies and was believed to be close to delivering. The relative also said Cantrell lives at the motel full-time with three other children.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office has not released a cause or manner of death. No additional details about the circumstances have been made public by police.
The case remains under investigation by Fort Worth police. Officials have not released information about possible bonds or upcoming court dates.
Texas law allows parents to safely surrender an unharmed infant under 60 days old at any hospital, fire station, or freestanding emergency room under the state’s Safe Haven provisions. No further information on the infant’s identity has been released.
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