A Texas father has been convicted in connection with the death of his 2-month-old son after authorities said he kept the baby’s body at home for several days before police discovered it during a welfare check in Pharr, Texas, in June 2025. A Hidalgo County jury found Miguel Angel Ortiz Jr., 38, guilty on Tuesday, June 9, of injury to a child by omission. Jurors also recommended a 30-year state prison sentence, though the final punishment will be decided later by the judge. Ortiz was acquitted of more serious charges, including capital murder of a person under 10 years old, murder, injury to a child and aggravated assault of a family member.
Police responded after Ortiz’s friends reported that he had claimed his infant son died three days earlier. When officers arrived at the home, they found the baby dead. An autopsy later revealed multiple injuries, including bruising to the skull, chest and buttocks, along with signs of decomposition, according to investigators.
Authorities said the child’s mother, Karina Aidee Ramirez, 35, was seen leaving the home carrying the dead infant wrapped in blankets on the day the body was found. Ramirez has separately been charged with capital murder of a child under 10, injury to a child and endangering a child. Her trial is scheduled to begin Monday, June 15.
The case also involved prior child welfare concerns, as investigators said the couple had an active case with Child Protective Services before the infant’s death. Police additionally noted Ortiz had faced charges involving marijuana possession and tampering with evidence, though the tampering allegation was later dismissed, according to reports.
Ortiz was originally expected to be sentenced on Thursday, June 11, but the hearing was postponed until next week, Hidalgo County District Attorney Toribio “Terry” Palacios said. Ortiz and Ramirez have remained in custody at the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center since their arrest on June 23, 2025. Ortiz will stay in jail until sentencing, while Ramirez is being held on a combined $350,000 bond.
The case has drawn attention because of the severity of the allegations, the condition in which the infant was found, and the multiple charges still pending against the child’s mother. If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Childhelp at 1-800-422-4453.
