More than a year after her 9-month-old son was found unresponsive in their Southwest Miami-Dade apartment, a mother now faces charges of second-degree murder and aggravated child abuse, after an autopsy revealed the infant had lethal levels of cocaine and methamphetamine in his system.
Natalia Munoz‑Paulino, 26, was arrested Monday, breaking down during a court hearing Tuesday as prosecutors filed a motion for pretrial detention. She remained in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, according to Miami‑Dade jail records.
Timeline of incident detailed by police
According to authorities, officers responded to Munoz‑Paulino’s apartment on Southwest 147th Avenue on July 2, 2024, after she reported her baby unresponsive.
The child was transported to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital by Miami‑Dade Fire Rescue and, despite lifesaving efforts, was pronounced dead at 10:39 p.m. by the attending physician. At 11:18 p.m., officers from the Hammocks District contacted the homicide bureau to report the case.
Medical examiner outlines disturbing findings
The Miami‑Dade Medical Examiner’s Office said an autopsy was performed on July 4, 2024, two days after the child’s death. The examination revealed eggshells and feathers in the baby’s stomach…