Mother found guilty in death of 2-year-old daughter

Emma Rodriguez in court facing capital murder charges

SAN ANTONIO – Four days after she was found unconscious and not breathing in a South Side home Beautiful Rodriguez, 2, died in the hospital.

Her mother Emma Rodriguez, 27, was arrested and charged with capital murder.

On Wednesday, Rodriguez was in court to face those charges.

As part of a plea agreement, the charges were reduced to injury to a child causing serious bodily injury.

“How do you plead to the offense of injury to a child causing serious bodily injury?” Judge Kevin O’Connell asked Rodriguez. “Guilty, not guilty or no contest.”

“No contest,” Rodriguez replied.

Court records show that Rodriguez admitted violently slapping the child in the face and throwing her into a crib striking her head on the wall.

After reviewing those records, O’Connell told Rodriguez, “I find you guilty of injury to a child causing serious bodily injury.”

He ordered her to return to court on Sept. 21 to be sentenced.

In keeping with the plea agreement, Rodriguez is facing a maximum sentence of 45 years in prison.

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About the Author

Paul Venema is a courthouse reporter for KSAT with more than 25 years experience in the role.

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