New Mexico Woman Accused of Discarding Newborn in Portable Toilet

Sonia Cristal Jimenez allegedly gave birth in a portable toilet and disposed of the baby girl, resulting in the newborn's death.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A 38-year-old New Mexico woman named Sonia Cristal Jimenez is accused of giving birth in a portable toilet and disposing of her newborn baby girl in the holding tank, resulting in the infant's death. Police were alerted after Jimenez arrived at a hospital without the baby, and officers later recovered the deceased child's body from the portable toilet.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the desperate circumstances some new mothers may face, as well as the need for greater access to mental health resources and support systems for vulnerable populations. It also raises questions about the safety and oversight of public restroom facilities, especially in remote areas.

The details

According to police, Jimenez's boyfriend said the couple had been at Burn Lake, where Jimenez used a portable toilet. Officers later found the deceased newborn in the holding tank of the portable toilet. An autopsy revealed the baby was alive when she was dropped into the tank and had breathed in and swallowed the blue chemical liquid used for sanitation, which led to her drowning. Investigators believe Jimenez's boyfriend was unaware she had given birth and is not expected to face charges.

  • On the evening of February 7, staff at Memorial Medical Center called police after Jimenez arrived at the hospital appearing to have just given birth, but without a baby.
  • On February 8, Las Cruces police officers went to Burn Lake and found the deceased newborn in the holding tank of the portable toilet.
  • On February 13, the New Mexico medical investigator's office in Albuquerque conducted an autopsy on the baby's body.

The players

Sonia Cristal Jimenez

A 38-year-old woman from Las Cruces, New Mexico, who is accused of giving birth in a portable toilet and disposing of her newborn baby girl in the holding tank, resulting in the infant's death.

Jimenez's boyfriend

The man who told police that he and Jimenez had been at Burn Lake, where Jimenez used a portable toilet. Investigators believe he was unaware Jimenez had given birth and is not expected to face charges.

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What’s next

Jimenez was arrested on Wednesday morning and booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center, where she is being held without bond.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for greater access to mental health resources and support systems for vulnerable populations, as well as the importance of ensuring the safety and oversight of public restroom facilities, especially in remote areas.