Introduction
Alexee Trevizo, a 19-year-old cheerleader from New Mexico, is facing a first-degree murder charge for allegedly killing her newborn son in a hospital bathroom. The infant, named Alex Ray Fierro in a lawsuit, was found dead in a trash can by a nurse on Jan. 27, 2023. An autopsy revealed that the baby died of asphyxia due to suffocation and that he was born alive and full-term. The medical examiner ruled his death as a homicide.
The Night of the Incident
According to court documents, Trevizo went to the emergency room at Artesia General Hospital just before midnight on Jan. 26, 2023, complaining of lower back and abdominal pain. She was given several drugs, including morphine, to ease her discomfort. A blood test showed that she was pregnant, but the doctor and nurses did not inform her or examine her further.
At around 1:40 a.m., Trevizo ran to a public bathroom, where she locked herself for about 15 minutes. During that time, she gave birth to her son and allegedly smothered him with a towel. She then put him in a trash can and returned to her room, unassisted. A nurse discovered the baby’s body when she noticed that the trash bag was heavier than usual.
The Toxicology Report
A toxicology report obtained by Inside Edition Digital showed that Trevizo had phentermine in her system, a prescription weight-loss drug that is not recommended for pregnant women. The report also showed that the baby had morphine and other drugs in his system, which were likely administered by the hospital after Trevizo’s arrival.
Trevizo’s attorney, Gary Mitchell, told Court TV that the morphine was a contributing factor to the baby’s death and that the hospital failed to respond to the positive pregnancy test in a timely manner. He also claimed that Trevizo did not know she was pregnant and that she acted in a state of shock and panic.
The Lawsuit
Trevizo filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the hospital on July 31, 2023, seeking damages for the loss of her son. The lawsuit accuses the hospital of negligence, malpractice, and breach of duty for not providing proper care and treatment to Trevizo and her baby. The lawsuit also alleges that the hospital violated Trevizo’s privacy rights by disclosing her medical information to the police without her consent.
The hospital has denied any wrongdoing and has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that Trevizo is not entitled to any relief because she caused the baby’s death. The hospital also contends that Trevizo’s claims are barred by the statute of limitations and that the lawsuit is frivolous and vexatious.
The Trial
Trevizo is currently awaiting trial on the criminal charges, which could result in a life sentence without parole if convicted. She has pleaded not guilty and is being held at the Eddy County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond. Her trial date has not been set yet.
Trevizo’s case has sparked a public debate about the legal and moral issues surrounding teenage pregnancy, abortion, infanticide, and maternal mental health. Some people have expressed sympathy and compassion for Trevizo, while others have condemned her as a cold-blooded killer. The case has also raised questions about the role and responsibility of the hospital and the medical staff in preventing such tragedies.
