Marietta teen charged for cutting out deceased newborn’s heart, trying to bury him in backyard

Written by: E. George

Published December 2, 2024 @ 1:20 PM ET

Warning: The following story contains information regarding alleged physical violence against children.

COBB COUNTY, Ga. – Marietta Police officers charged a 17-year-old girl with multiple offenses after responding to a Gramling Street home at approximately 3:00 PM on Sunday, November 24, 2024, and discovering a deceased newborn infant. An arrest warrant stated that Leticia Rodriguez had admitted to using a “sharp knife” to remove the umbilical cord from her baby’s neck after birth, causing a large laceration on the infant. The teen also allegedly admitted to using a pocketknife to “cut out the deceased infant’s heart.”

Officer Chuck McPhilamy stated, “That infant was clearly injured.” The warrant noted that Rodriguez wrapped the baby boy in a blanket and placed him in a grocery bag, hiding his death for over nearly six hours after she gave birth in her bed.

According to police, investigators found the mother digging a hole in the backyard but she had not yet buried the newborn at the time they found her. A relative caught her digging the hole and called the police.

Neighbors reported seeing police enter and exit the residence during the night, with the occupants standing outside. One neighbor stated, “All of the family was standing outside, and everybody looked so calm; it was puzzling.”

The neighbor added, “I would never have thought anything like this would happen here.” Another neighbor, Angeline Perez, said, “I never saw the 17-year-old.”

Neighbors explained that the Guatemalan family moved into the home approximately two years ago. They did not recall observing the teenage girl.

Officials transported Rodriguez to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital for evaluation and treatment. McPhilamy explained, “The trauma of childbirth – she needed medical attention. She’s now at the hospital receiving that.”

Rodriguez was medically cleared by the hospital and transported to the Cobb County Jail, where she remains without bond. She was initially charged with abusing a dead body, abandoning/discarding a dead body, and concealing a death. She has since received additional charges of felony murder and felony aggravated assault.

The county medical examiner will work to identify the baby’s cause of death. The investigation is ongoing.