Couple arrested for hiding fetus under Christmas tree, may face murder charges

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Ruby Lee Medina, 31, and Javier Gonzalez, 37, have been released on $20,000 bail, after police in San Juan, TX discovered the body of a 7-month-old fetus wrapped in a gift box under the couple’s tree.

Last week, acting on a tip from an anonymous caller, San Juan police entered Medina’s trailer and made the hideous discovery.

San Juan Police Chief Juan Gonzalez told reporters: “Herself and her companion, Javier Gonzalez, attempted to discard or harm the fetus by flushing it down the toilet.” He said, after that failed, “their attempt was to bury the fetus in the backyard.”

“Apparently they cleaned up the fetus and they placed it inside a gift box under the Christmas tree. ... We still don't know why they didn't follow the proper burial process.”

Both Medina and Gonzalez have been charged with abuse of a corpse, as well as evidence tampering. However, more serious charges could follow.

Detectives believe that Medina who was seven months pregnant, took medications to induce an abortion. It is a crime to self-induce such an advanced pregnancy.

Chief Gonzalez said: "It might be capital murder if autopsy reveals the fetus was living and breathing fetus when she self-induced.”

Autopsy results are still pending.

Gonzalez added: “Regardless of the circumstances of the abortion, state law governs how the fetus is treated. The fact of the matter is if it's a fetus, it's a human corpse.”

Witnesses have reportedly told police that this is not the first time the pair have allegedly committed such an act.

 

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