GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) - The Greenville Police Department said two women are facing charges after a newborn died on July 12.
Officers said they were called to La Parrilla restaurant on Market Point Drive in regards to a newborn in cardiac arrest. Police said the mother, 18-year-old Estela Ruiz-Gomez, gave birth to the baby in the bathroom.
The newborn was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. After an examination, officials said they could find no medical reason for the child's death but said dirt and gravel were found on the baby's body.
Coroners returned to the restaurant for further investigation.
Officers said employees told the coroners Ruiz-Gomez and the baby's grandmother, 39-year-old Lorenza Gomez Rodriguez, work at the restaurant.
According to officers, Ruiz-Gomez took a break during her shift bussing tables, complaining of a stomach ache. When Rodriguez went to check on her, she returned from the bathroom saying the Ruiz-Gomez needed to go to the hospital.
After the pair left the bathroom, police said an employee emptied the trash in the restrooms and, as she was dragging the bag across the parking lot, it tore open and the newborn fell out onto the pavement.
The baby's father, who was at the restaurant, retrieved the newborn and brought him inside where EMS was called to the scene.
Detectives ruled the baby's death a homicide since he likely would not have survived being placed in the trash.
Detectives charged Ruiz-Gomez with homicide by child neglect and Rodriguez with aiding and abetting homicide by child abuse.
Homeland Security is investigating both suspects due to their immigration status and said Ruiz-Gomez was ordered to leave the country in 2016 but failed to do so.
The suspects are currently being held at the Greenville County Detention Center without bond.
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