Disturbing body camera footage from a New Mexico hospital shows staff speaking with officers after the discovery of a newborn’s body in a bloody bathroom trash can. The mother, 19-year-old Alexi Treviso, had just used the bathroom.
Treviso had arrived at the Artesia hospital in late December, complaining of severe back pain. On January 27th, after the baby’s body was found, Treviso was charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
Despite the gravity of the charges, Treviso was released from custody on $100,000 bond and allowed to attend her high school graduation on May 25th. This decision has sparked controversy and ignited a debate about justice and accountability.
A young woman with brown hair wearing a yellow shirt is walking
The Defense’s Argument: A Difficult Case with Similarities to a Previous Acquittal
Treviso’s defense attorney, Charles Rickers, argues that the stipulations of her release are not unusual. Rickers, known for representing Brook Schuyler Richardson in a high-profile case involving the death of her newborn, emphasizes the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. He also argues that Treviso is not a flight risk and that the bond amount is sufficient to ensure her appearance in court.
Rickers’ involvement in the Richardson case, where his client was acquitted of all charges except abuse of a corpse, draws parallels to Treviso’s case. Both involve young women accused of harming their newborns, and both rely heavily on expert witness testimony.
A young woman with brown hair is shown in a courtroom setting
In Richardson’s case, the defense successfully challenged the prosecution’s narrative and presented evidence that contradicted the initial allegations of burning the baby’s corpse. Similarly, in Treviso’s case, the defense plans to challenge the state’s evidence regarding the baby’s cause of death.
The Prosecution’s Case: Autopsy Findings and Body Camera Footage
While Treviso claims she was unaware she was pregnant and did not hear the baby cry, the autopsy report contradicts her statement. The medical examiner found air in the baby’s lungs, suggesting a live birth.
Furthermore, body camera footage captures Treviso’s mother referencing a similar case in New Mexico, where a teenager received an 18-year prison sentence for leaving her newborn in a dumpster. The footage also shows Treviso repeatedly stating that the baby was not crying.
An image of a courtroom setting with a judge's gavel in the foreground
The prosecution is expected to use the autopsy findings, body camera footage, and witness testimony from medical staff to argue that Treviso intentionally caused the death of her newborn.
The Role of Expert Witnesses and Public Scrutiny
Expert witnesses will play a crucial role in this case, particularly regarding the interpretation of the autopsy report and the possibility of a stillbirth versus a live birth. The defense may also explore any potential mental health factors that could have influenced Treviso’s actions.
This case has garnered significant public attention, sparking outrage and raising concerns about the justice system’s handling of cases involving the death of newborns. The outcome of Treviso’s trial will undoubtedly have implications for future cases and potentially influence legislation and public policy related to infant mortality and legal accountability.
