An 18-year-old mother in Texas has been accused of handing her one-month-old son to a stranger at a bus stop before leaving the area in an Uber.
The incident reportedly happened late Sunday night, September 13, in downtown San Antonio, Texas, where the teenager, identified as Karla Ibarra, allegedly approached a woman named Jennifer Benavides and initially asked to use her phone.
According to reports citing the San Antonio Police Department, Texas, the encounter took an unexpected turn when Ibarra allegedly handed the infant to Benavides and told her that she wanted to give the child away.
The baby was reportedly just one month old at the time.
Mother allegedly hands baby to stranger
READ ALSO: Lionel Messi Hits 930 Career Goals in Inter Miami’s 2-2 Draw With San Diego
Benavides recalled that Ibarra approached her at around 10:45 p.m. while she was at a bus stop.
At first, there appeared to be nothing unusual about the encounter. Ibarra reportedly asked Benavides if she could use her phone.
However, according to Benavides’ account, Ibarra soon began talking about giving away her baby.
The Texas woman said she was surprised when Ibarra handed the infant to her.
Benavides told KSAT that the baby was a beautiful and handsome one-month-old child before explaining that Ibarra allegedly told her she intended to give him away.
The situation became even more serious when Ibarra reportedly handed Benavides important documents belonging to the child.
These allegedly included the baby’s birth certificate, Medicaid information and Social Security card.
Stranger tries to get help
Benavides reportedly realised that Ibarra was determined to leave the infant with her and sought assistance from a friend who lived nearby.
She and her friend reportedly took the baby to the friend’s home while trying to figure out what to do next.
According to the reports, Ibarra remained determined to leave the child behind.
She eventually allegedly left the area in an Uber without her son.
The circumstances left Benavides and her friend responsible for the infant while authorities were contacted.
Police later arrest teenage mother
According to reports citing the San Antonio Police Department, Ibarra was later arrested after returning to the area.
The case has raised questions about what led to the teenager’s decision to allegedly leave her infant with a stranger.
The available reports do not provide a complete explanation of what Ibarra was experiencing at the time or why she believed giving the baby to an unknown person was the appropriate course of action.
Those circumstances may become clearer as authorities continue handling the case.
The allegations against Ibarra should not be treated as proof of wrongdoing unless established through the legal process.
Baby placed with relatives
Following the incident, the one-month-old boy was reportedly placed in the care of relatives.
Child Protective Services confirmed the child’s placement to KSAT, according to the report.
The intervention means the infant is now under the care of family members while authorities assess the circumstances surrounding his abandonment.
The case also highlights the importance of safe options available to parents who feel unable or unwilling to care for a child.
READ ALSO: Former Fox News Producer Jennifer Eckhart Dies at 36 in Florida
“God just put me at the right place”
Benavides, who unexpectedly found herself caring for the infant that night, said she did not consider herself responsible for what happened.
Instead, she described the encounter as something that happened at the right moment.
“I can’t take any credit for that. God just put me at the right place and the right time,” Benavides said, according to KSAT.
She also expressed sadness over the circumstances that led to the baby being left with a stranger.
“It’s upsetting to know that even with all the resources that we have out there that someone would do this,” she said.
Questions remain over what happened
The incident has attracted attention because of the child’s age and the unusual circumstances surrounding his alleged abandonment.
At just one month old, the baby would have been entirely dependent on adults for feeding, protection and other basic needs.
The fact that Ibarra allegedly handed over not only the infant but also documents identifying him made the encounter particularly concerning.
Authorities will now have to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether any criminal charges are appropriate.
The baby’s welfare is expected to remain the immediate priority as relatives and child-protection authorities become involved.
For Benavides, the encounter began as an ordinary request from a stranger who wanted to use her phone.
It quickly became a situation involving the care and safety of a vulnerable infant.
The case remains under investigation, and additional information could emerge as authorities continue their inquiries.
Stranger in Texas
Stranger in Texas
