U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: May 21, 2025
Today: May 21, 2025

Texas woman faces manslaughter in infant's death thanks to DNA

Texas Woman Faces Manslaughter
Texas woman faces manslaughter in infant's death thanks to DNA
July 25, 2024
Mia Wallace - LA Post

After 23 years, police finally cracked a cold case about a dead baby abandoned in a Texas ditch. The mother has been charged with manslaughter, potentially ending this decades-long mystery that has puzzled detectives.

According to CNN, on November 18, 2001, Johnson County Sheriff's deputies found a dead newborn girl they nicknamed "Angel Baby Doe." Someone discovered the infant wrapped in a jacket, umbilical cord intact, discarded by a road near Alvarado and Burleson, just south of Fort Worth.

The Texas Attorney General's office says the baby was born alive, likely not in a hospital. A resident collecting cans stumbled upon the infant's body.

Investigators hit dead ends for years until DNA finally identified the mother in September 2023. They have charged Shelby Stotts with second-degree manslaughter for Angel Baby Doe's death.

The AG's office claims Stotts allowed the baby to bleed out because she didn't seek medical help or tie off the umbilical cord after birth.

For over 20 years, investigators pursued every lead they could to determine who abandoned the baby. The case went nowhere until June 2021, when Johnson County Sheriff's officials sent evidence to Othram, a DNA forensics company.

Othram performed DNA analysis and genealogical research, providing investigators with new leads. This breakthrough led investigators to potential relatives of the infant and ultimately to Stotts.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said they're finally close to solving the case of Angel Baby Doe after all these years.

Stotts will be tried under the laws that were in place at the time of the incident. In 1999, Texas enacted the Baby Moses Laws, the first of their kind in the U.S., allowing mothers to safely give up their babies at designated locations without facing legal action. These laws are intended to provide a safe option for mothers in crisis and help prevent similar tragedies.

According to court records, Stotts' arraignment is set for July 23. This development marks a significant step in resolving a case that has haunted the community for over 20 years. years.

Stotts will be tried according to the law in effect when the incident occurred. Court documents state she's due in court on July 23 for arraignment.

Johnson County residents might finally find closure now that this 20-year ordeal could be concluding. Charging Stotts might finally resolve the case of Angel Baby Doe and hold someone accountable for what happened.

Related Articles

Police officer who shocked woman, 95, with a Taser found guilty of manslaughter White neighbor convicted of manslaughter in fatal shooting of Black mother is sentenced to 25 years Police officer charged with manslaughter in deadly crash that killed two men Shaken subway riders, military chokeholds, a death certificate: How prosecutors built their case against Daniel Penny
Share This

Popular

Crime|Political|World

Justice Department moves to cancel police reform settlements reached with Minneapolis and Louisville

Justice Department moves to cancel police reform settlements reached with Minneapolis and Louisville
Crime|Election|Political

Mountain View town council removes member, accused of shooting teen, in special election Tuesday

Mountain View town council removes member, accused of shooting teen, in special election Tuesday
Business|Crime

K-9 locates live pipe bombs inside vehicle

K-9 locates live pipe bombs inside vehicle
Business|Crime|Economy|Education|Entertainment|Environment|Health|Lifestyle

Woman charged with falsifying records at crisis stabilization unit where 19-year-old died last year

Woman charged with falsifying records at crisis stabilization unit where 19-year-old died last year

Crime

Business|Crime|Entertainment|Lifestyle|US

Man dubbed 'Blue Glove Bandit' wanted by FBI for 2024 bank robbery

Man dubbed 'Blue Glove Bandit' wanted by FBI for 2024 bank robbery
Crime|US

New Jersey Democratic Rep. McIver released on recognizance on federal assault charges

New Jersey Democratic Rep. McIver released on recognizance on federal assault charges
Business|Crime|Finance|Political|US|World

Justice Department ends police reform agreements and halts investigations into major departments

Justice Department ends police reform agreements and halts investigations into major departments
Crime|Europe|MidEast|Political|Travel|World

Foreign diplomats come under Israeli fire on official West Bank visit, drawing swift international condemnation

Foreign diplomats come under Israeli fire on official West Bank visit, drawing swift international condemnation