Texas woman charged with manslaughter 23 years after newborn baby found dead in ditch

In Johnson County, a woman has been arrested and charged in connection to the death of a newborn baby whose body was discovered in a ditch 23 years ago. The infant, known as "Angel Baby Doe," was found between Burleson and Alvarado in 2001, with investigators determining that the baby bled out due to lack of medical attention. DNA evidence led to the identification of Shelby Stotts as the baby's mother, and authorities believe the baby was breathing at birth before being abandoned. The Texas Attorney General's Missing Persons and Cold Case unit assisted in the investigation, expressing commitment to seeking justice for Angel Baby Doe. Attorney General Paxton praised the efforts of investigators and law enforcement in pursuing accountability for the tragic incident, emphasizing the importance of holding the responsible party liable after more than two decades. Angel Baby Doe, who would have turned 22 years old, will see Stotts prosecuted under the laws applicable at the time of the crime, a common practice in cold cases. The Safe Haven Law, which was in effect when the baby was abandoned, allows parents to safely surrender infants under 60 days old at designated locations without facing legal repercussions. The case highlights the enduring impact of unresolved cold cases and the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies to bring closure to long-standing mysteries. Stotts' manslaughter charge underscores the legal consequences of failing to provide necessary care for vulnerable infants, shedding light on the importance of community awareness and support for initiatives like the Safe Haven Law. As the legal proceedings unfold, the memory of Angel Baby Doe serves as a poignant reminder of the need for justice and accountability in cases of child abandonment and neglect.