Mathis, TX – A Texas woman has pleaded guilty to the murder of her infant daughter in a tragic case that unfolded in December. Olivia Munoz, 22, admitted to the killing and to injuring the child with intent to inflict severe harm.
The incident occurred on December 19 when emergency services were called to Munoz’s home on South Marigold Street. Upon arrival, responders found her 7-month-old daughter, Hazel Munoz, unresponsive and not breathing.
Despite attempts to revive Hazel through CPR, she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a nearby hospital. Munoz contacted police after reportedly discovering her daughter not breathing, leading to a 911 call made by a family member.
In the aftermath of the incident, hospital officials reported multiple injuries to the child, prompting law enforcement to conduct an investigation. During questioning, Munoz confessed to inflicting harm on her daughter on three separate occasions, acknowledging she did not seek medical attention for the child afterward.
The autopsy revealed extensive injuries, including multiple fractures, which ultimately led to the determination of homicide. Following the investigation, Munoz was initially arrested on two counts of injury to a child, but charges evolved to include murder after the autopsy findings were reviewed.
She faced two counts of capital murder and one count of injury to a child in the state’s 343rd District Court. A psychiatric evaluation was requested as part of the legal proceedings.
In mid-October, Munoz accepted a plea deal, which resulted in a guilty plea for two charges. Under this arrangement, she faces a life sentence for her actions.
Formal sentencing has yet to be scheduled, according to officials.
