GALVESTON, Texas — Galveston police have arrested a suspect accused of leaving a baby girl in the road just off Seawall Boulevard Wednesday morning. The 17-month-old was alive when she was found but she died at the hospital, Galveston Police Chief Doug Balli said at a news conference.
After searching the area, checking surveillance cameras and interviewing witnesses, police quickly arrested a suspect near the area who will be charged with capital murder, according to Balli.
Officers responded to the scene on 59th Street around 10 a.m. after receiving reports of an abandoned child, according to the Galveston Police Department. The toddler was found in the middle of street between the Kroger and the Beachfront Palms Hotel.
The victim still "had signs of life" and first responders performed life-saving measures as they rushed her to the emergency trauma center at UTMB Galveston. She died from bodily trauma a short time later, according to GPD.
Balli said this "definitely wasn't a natural death."
"There was a fall involved and there were other injuries," the police chief said.
Police have not released the names of the victim or suspect or how they're related. Balli said they're working to notify family members.
"It's tragic for everyone involved. No one ever wants to make this call," Balli said.
59th Street was closed while crime scene investigators searched the area for clues. A pink floral blanket was found nearby. Investigators were also seen examining and taking photos of a shopping cart near the sidewalk.
Police are asking anyone in the area with surveillance cameras to review the footage and contact them if they have information related to this case. GPD detectives can be reached at 409-765-3736 or report tips to Galveston Crime Stoppers at 409- 763-TIPS (8477) or online at www.galveston.crimestoppersweb.com. All tips are anonymous.
We have a crew in Galveston and we'll have live updates on our newscasts.