A 17-year-old girl gave birth to a stillborn baby in a Kingsville, Texas Walmart bathroom, leading to disturbing revelations of sexual abuse by her father.

According to the Daily Mail, Jerry Lee Martinez, 45, was arrested and charged with sexual assault of a child after his teenage daughter told investigators he had been sexually abusing her since she was 15 years old and was the father of her baby.

The horrific details emerged after a maintenance worker at the Kingsville Walmart discovered a newborn in a bathroom trash can while taking out garbage on July 14. Store surveillance footage showed the teenage girl had spent approximately 40 minutes in the bathroom before leaving in a vehicle.

Years of Abuse Lead to Tragic Pregnancy

The victim revealed to police that Martinez began inappropriately touching her when she was 15 and forced her to have sexual intercourse multiple times over a two-year period. When he discovered she was pregnant, Martinez allegedly struck her stomach on several occasions.

Martinez took his daughter to Mexico earlier on July 14 in an attempt to get an abortion before she ultimately delivered the stillborn baby at Walmart later that evening. The teenager was transported to a hospital for medical treatment after police located her through a traffic stop.

Investigators placed the girl in a secure location while taking Martinez into custody on multiple serious charges.

Law Enforcement Response and Medical Intervention

Store employees attempted life-saving measures on the infant after discovering it in the trash receptacle. The newborn was quickly transported to an adjacent hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Kingsville Police Department accident investigator Celinda Tatum emphasized that the actions taken were dangerous for both mother and child. She urged anyone in crisis to contact emergency services to ensure proper medical care.

The police department worked swiftly to identify and locate the teenage victim through surveillance footage and subsequent investigation.

Legal Proceedings and Additional Charges

Martinez faces charges of sexual assault of a child, abandoning or endangering a child with criminal negligence, tampering with a witness, and tampering with physical evidence. He is being held at Kleberg County Jail on a $600,000 bond.

During Martinez's court appearance, prosecutors indicated he could face additional charges as the investigation continues. The severity of the alleged crimes and the tragic outcome have shocked the Kingsville community.

The case highlights the critical importance of reporting suspected abuse and ensuring victims have access to proper medical care and support services.

Investigation Continues as Community Reels

The teenage victim remains under protection at an undisclosed location while receiving necessary medical and psychological care following the traumatic events. Law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation into the years of alleged abuse.

Local authorities are working with social services to ensure the victim receives comprehensive support and counseling services moving forward. The community has expressed outrage over the disturbing nature of the crimes.

The case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of recognizing and reporting signs of abuse, while also highlighting the need for accessible crisis intervention services.