A Fort Worth woman has been arrested on capital murder charges after allegedly placing her newborn in a suitcase and discarding it in a dumpster, prompting scrutiny of state safe‑haven laws.
At a Glance
- In July 2024, a newborn’s body was found in a suitcase left in a dumpster at an apartment complex in Fort Worth, Texas.
- More than a year later, 36-year-old Courtney Minor was arrested and charged with capital murder and abuse of a corpse.
- Surveillance video allegedly showed Minor pushing the suitcase to the dumpster area.
- Investigators say Minor confessed that the infant was alive at the time of disposal.
- The case has renewed focus on Texas’s Safe Haven law, which allows legal infant surrender without penalty.
The Incident and Arrest
In mid-July 2024, authorities in Fort Worth responded to a call from a resident who reported a suspicious suitcase in a dumpster at the La Hacienda Apartments. Inside the luggage, police discovered the body of a newborn. The Crimes Against Children Unit took the lead on the investigation, ultimately identifying Courtney Minor as a suspect.
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On August 26, 2025, over a year after the body was found, Minor was arrested and booked into the Tarrant County Jail. She is charged with capital murder of a person under 10 and abuse of a corpse. Bond has been reported at $500,000 to $550,000. Her plea status and legal representation are not yet confirmed.
Evidence and Legal Context
Investigators state that surveillance footage captured Minor transporting the suitcase across the apartment complex. Police further allege she later admitted that the baby was alive when placed in the suitcase. The investigation found no signs of attempts to seek medical care or emergency services for the newborn.
So far, Minor remains the sole suspect, and no further arrests have been announced. The legal process is ongoing, and a trial date has not been set.
Renewed Focus on Safe‑Haven Law
Texas’s Safe Haven law allows parents to relinquish unharmed infants under 60 days old at designated safe sites—like hospitals or fire stations—without facing criminal charges. It was created to prevent fatal outcomes in cases of unwanted or emergency births.
Public officials and child welfare advocates have used this case to spotlight gaps in public knowledge about the law. Several nonprofit organizations have issued calls for more community outreach, especially in areas with limited access to prenatal care or mental health resources.
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Author: Editor
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