HOBBS, N.M. — A New Mexico teen who threw her newborn baby in a dumpster in January was denied visitation rights by a judge last month.
Alexis Avila, 18, of Hobbs, was charged with attempted first-degree murder and child abuse after reportedly giving birth behind a shopping center and tossing the infant into a dumpster in freezing weather, KRQE-TV reported. She has been under house arrest.
The baby boy, who survived, was inside the dumpster for more than six hours, according to the television station.
On April 25, Judge William Shoobridge denied Avila the right to supervised contact with the child or young family members, but approved her extended house arrest area, KIII-TV reported.
“It was only four months ago. You placed your son in a trash bag on a frigid day and by your own admission and video evidence, threw him into a dumpster,” Shoobridge said in issuing his decision. “He’ll know for a lifetime the actions that you took, that you tried to terminate his life.”
According to a criminal complaint, Avila told authorities she did not realize she was pregnant until she visited a doctor on Jan. 6, 2022, KRQE reported. She gave birth the day after the appointment, wrapping the infant in a towel, placing him in a trash bag before putting the bag into a dumpster behind the Broadmoor Shopping Center in Hobbs, according to the television station.
The child was found when three people who were searching through the dumpster several hours later heard a cry, KRQE reported. They initially thought they had found a kitten until they opened the bag, according to the television station.
“I know people portray me as a terrible person, but in reality, I’m not,” Avila said before the judge ruled, according to KIII. “I am kind, loving and caring.”
Avila’s lawyers said she has stayed out of trouble and is receiving counseling, KOB-TV reported. She has completed her high school graduation requirements and plans to study psychology.
The defense’s arguments did not sway prosecutors and the judge.
“That baby was found in a trash can, had trash thrown in on top of it, because no one would’ve known it was a baby,” Fifth Judicial District Attorney Dianna Luce said in mid-April. “Her actions are such that we can’t predict what she might or might not do.”