MARIETTA, GA – A heartbreaking story has emerged from the Marietta suburbs as a 17-year-old mother is now facing grave legal consequences following the death of her newborn son. Leticia Rodriguez, who has been charged with murder, is at the center of a case that has sent ripples through the community.
Police were summoned to the residence earlier this week, where they found the newborn’s body. Initial charges were filed against Rodriguez concerning the infant’s death, but these have since been upgraded to murder following further investigation and the revelation of the cause of death.
Residents of the neighborhood are struggling to come to terms with the events. Teresa Neal, a neighbor, described the scene on Sunday as police descended upon the house, conducting a thorough search into the night. The community was left in shock, trying to comprehend the tragedy that had unfolded so close to home.
According to court documents, Rodriguez delivered her baby boy inside the house. In a bid to hide the death, she allegedly wrapped the baby in a blanket, placed him inside a grocery bag, and concealed his body for several hours. The situation unraveled when a family member caught her attempting to bury the infant near a tree in the backyard.
The uncle’s discovery and subsequent call to the authorities were pivotal in uncovering the full extent of the situation. Rodriguez initially faced charges of concealing a death, abandoning a dead body, and dead body abuse. However, a comprehensive investigation led to additional charges of aggravated assault and felony murder.
The incident has deeply affected the community, which is grappling with the loss and the severity of the charges. The family, who are Guatemalan immigrants, have lived in the area for about two years and are cooperating with authorities. They now face the heavy burden of dealing with both the loss of the child and the legal ramifications for Rodriguez.
Currently held without bond, Rodriguez is in the Cobb County Jail, awaiting the next steps in the legal process. The incident has left a lasting impact on the neighborhood, as residents reflect on the tragedy and its implications.