NMSP NEWS RELEASE

On January 11, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was called to a home in Peñasco to investigate child abuse involving a newborn baby. 

Agents learned that New Mexico State Police officers responded to a home in Peñasco after receiving an anonymous report that a child may be in danger. At the house, officers spoke with the mother, Darlene Gonzales, 35, and her husband, Ronald Martinez, 40. 

Darlene told officers she had given birth to a baby boy on January 10 in the living room of the home. A doctor had not examined the baby, and the baby had not received any medical care. Officers noticed the baby appeared to be in distress. 

Officers called an ambulance for the baby, and medical personnel transported the baby to an area hospital. The hospital staff attempted to airlift the baby to Albuquerque but could not due to inclement weather. The baby’s current condition is not known.  

State Police agents executed a search warrant on the home. Inside the house, agents found Fentanyl and drug paraphernalia. They also found those items on the couch where the baby sleeps.

Darlene Gonzales was arrested and charged with Child Abuse Resulting in Great Bodily Harm. Ronald Martinez was arrested and Charged with Possession of Fentanyl and Child Abuse. Darlene and Ronald were both booked into the Taos County Detention Center. 

The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is investigating this case.