A high-profile case in New Mexico has taken a significant turn for Alexee Trevizo, a teenager accused of killing her newborn son and disposing of him in a hospital bathroom trashcan. Recently, the state’s Supreme Court decided to delay her pre-trial hearing, originally set for August 6, while it reviews the admissibility of key evidence, including the teen’s statements made at the hospital.
In January 2023, Trevizo was charged with first-degree murder, intentional child abuse, and tampering with evidence after the tragic incident unfolded in Eddy County, located in southeastern New Mexico. The chain of events began when Trevizo visited the emergency room to address back pain and was informed of her pregnancy. Allegedly, she locked herself in a bathroom, gave birth to a boy, and concealed him in a trash bag, ultimately leading to his death.
Case Highlights
In a recent ruling, the district court sided with the defense by excluding statements made by Trevizo to her medical team, citing doctor-patient privilege. These comments were made in the presence of her mother and law enforcement, which Trevizo’s attorney, Gary C. Mitchell, argues compromised her privacy and rights.
Mitchell contended that the presence of her mother and police officers in the hospital room violated the confidentiality expected in medical settings. He emphasizes that Trevizo sought medical assistance in crisis and that her rights were not properly upheld: “They violated the doctor-patient privilege and Miranda rights,” he stated.
Furthermore, this case underscores pressing issues surrounding women’s rights and reproductive health. Mitchell mentioned a potential civil lawsuit against the hospital for malpractice related to how Trevizo’s situation was handled. “My client went to the only place she could get help; she did everything the medical staff required,” he added.
Conversely, Dianna Luce, the district attorney, countered by arguing that Trevizo had waived her privilege through her repeated statements in the presence of family and police. “The state will be lacking crucial evidence, which makes it challenging to build a case,” Mitchell noted, raising doubts about prosecutors’ ability to proceed without that information.