Texas Teen Accused of Abandoning Infant at Bus Stop

An 18-year-old Texas mother has been arrested and charged with abandoning her infant son after she allegedly handed the 1-month-old to a stranger at a San Antonio bus stop and fled the scene in an Uber. The incident occurred last Sunday.

According to police, Karla Ibarra approached Jennifer Benavides at a bus stop in downtown San Antonio and asked to use her phone. Benavides reported that as she was complimenting the baby, Ibarra began handing over her son's identification documents, including his birth certificate, Medicaid, and Social Security card, and asked Benavides to take him.

Benavides, surprised by the request, took Ibarra and the infant to a friend's nearby residence for assistance. However, Ibarra then departed the house in an Uber, leaving the baby behind.

Benavides and her friend provided care for the infant, feeding him and changing his diaper, before contacting the San Antonio Police Department. Ibarra was apprehended by authorities when she returned to the area later. The child has since been placed in the care of relatives.

Authorities stated that Ibarra expressed a desire to give up her son because she no longer wanted him. Benavides described the experience as upsetting, expressing relief that she could help the child. Texas has a Safe Haven Law, also known as the Baby Moses Law, which permits parents to anonymously surrender newborns at designated safe locations without facing legal consequences.

Ibarra has been charged with abandoning and endangering a child with intent to return. Her bail was set at $7,000.