UPDATE: A Texas mother has been sentenced to two life terms after murdering her 7-month-old daughter in a fit of rage. Olivia Munoz, 22, will spend the rest of her life behind bars for the tragic death of her baby, Hazel Munoz, following a violent altercation with the child’s father.
The horrific incident occurred on December 19, 2023, at Munoz’s home on South Marigold Street in Mathis, Texas. Emergency services were called around 6:30 AM after Munoz awoke to find Hazel unresponsive. Despite efforts by EMS personnel to revive the infant with CPR, she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital, according to the San Patricio County District Clerk’s Office.
Local authorities report that the initial call to 911 was made by a family member who stated that Munoz had discovered her daughter not breathing. During subsequent questioning, Munoz confessed to injuring her daughter on three separate occasions, yet did not seek medical help for her injuries.
It was revealed that Munoz was pregnant at the time of the incident and had another daughter aged 1 year and 5 months, who reportedly suffered no injuries. Police Chief Guillermo “Willie” Figueroa stated, “She admitted she had a lot of anger toward the 7-month-old baby due to problems she had with the baby’s father.”
Following an autopsy, evidence of prolonged abuse emerged, indicating multiple fractures in Hazel’s arms, ribs, and skull. By early January 2024, the investigation shifted as the child’s death was ruled a homicide, prompting authorities to upgrade Munoz’s charges from injury to murder.
Justice was finally served on October 24, 2024, when Munoz pleaded guilty to murder and injury to a child, resulting in the dismissal of one murder charge. The emotional toll of this case has left the community reeling, highlighting the urgent need for support systems for struggling parents.
As the legal proceedings conclude, the focus now shifts to ensuring that such tragedies are prevented in the future. Families and children deserve protection from domestic violence and abuse, and the implications of this case resonate deeply within the community.
