MARIETTA, GA – The quiet suburban neighborhood of Marietta was shaken this week after a tragic discovery unfolded at a local residence. A 17-year-old mother, Leticia Rodriguez, now faces multiple felony charges, including murder, following the death of her newborn son.
Authorities were called to the home earlier in the week, where they discovered the lifeless body of a newborn. The initial charges against Rodriguez were related to the infant’s death. However, as the investigation progressed, the charges escalated to murder after the cause of death was determined.
Neighbors remain in disbelief, grappling with the grim reality. Teresa Neal, who lives across the street, recounted the overwhelming police presence that overtook the house on Sunday. Officers meticulously searched the property, piecing together the sequence of events that led to the infant’s tragic demise.
Court documents reveal that Rodriguez gave birth to the baby boy inside the home. In a desperate attempt to conceal the death, Rodriguez wrapped the infant in a blanket, placed him in a grocery bag, and kept the body hidden for approximately six hours. The situation took a darker turn when a family member discovered Rodriguez digging a hole near a backyard tree to bury the deceased infant.
The uncle’s intervention was crucial, as he alerted authorities, prompting them to take swift action. Initially, Rodriguez faced charges of concealing the death of another, abandonment of a dead body, and abuse of a dead body. However, following a thorough investigation involving multiple agencies, additional charges of aggravated assault and felony murder were brought against her.
The incident has left the community grappling with the loss and the stark reality of the situation. Neighbors describe the family as Guatemalan immigrants who moved to the area about two years ago. The family has been cooperative with the investigation, yet they now face the dual burden of mourning a lost child and dealing with the serious charges against Rodriguez.
Rodriguez is currently held without bond at the Cobb County Jail, awaiting further legal proceedings. The tragedy has cast a somber shadow over the neighborhood, leaving residents to ponder the profound impact of the incident.