Crime: Mother Abandons Baby at Bus Stop

 

Incident Overview
An 18-year-old Texas mother allegedly handed her 1-month-old son to a complete stranger at a bus stop, asking, "Well, do you want him?" She also provided the baby's birth certificate and Social Security card.

Key Details:

• Perpetrator: Karla Ibarra, 18
• Victim: Her 1-month-old son
• Location: A bus stop in downtown San Antonio
• Witness: Jennafire Benavides

Account of the Witness
Jennafire Benavides, the woman approached by Ibarra, told local ABC affiliate KSAT that Ibarra first asked to use her phone before handing over the baby.

Benavides' Statement:

• "Very beautiful baby."
• Ibarra asked, "Well, do you want him? I'm going to give him away. I'm going to give him to somebody."
• Ibarra then began "handing me his birth certificate, his Medicaid, his Social Security card."

Benavides reported that they went to a nearby friend's home, where Ibarra allegedly called an Uber and subsequently abandoned her son.

Legal Ramifications
Ibarra later returned and was arrested.

Charges:

• Abandoning and endangering a child with intent to return.
• Bail was set at $7,000.

Texas' Baby Moses Law
The Texas Baby Moses Law permits a parent to anonymously surrender an unharmed newborn (60 days old or younger) without facing criminal penalties.

Requirements:

• The baby must be taken to a designated emergency infant care location.
• Approved locations include:
• Fire stations
• EMS stations
• Hospitals