Woman arrested for death of her baby
33-year-old Melenie Borja was arrested in connection to the death of her 2-month-old son Joziyah.
October 2, 2014Updated: October 2, 2014
By KUAM News
By KUAM News by Krystal Paco
Guam - 33-year-old Melenie Irene Margaret Villagomez Borja was escorted by agents from the Criminal Investigation Section into the Hagatna Precinct. She was arrested in connection to the death of her 2-month-old son Joziyah.
As we first reported, it was last Wednesday the infant was brought to the Guam Memorial Hospital by medics at around 8am and pronounced dead about an hour later. Police spokesperson Officer Paul Tapao said, "When Joziyah was brought into GMH they noted that the victim was unconscious, unresponsive, breathless, and pulseless."
An autopsy was conducted with additional toxicology tests needed. As we reported on primetime last night, medical examiner Dr. Aurelio Espinola ruled Joziyah died from child abuse. "When the testing's came back, at which time Dr. Espinola's findings for the cause of death to be done by malnutrition and the manner of death was homicide by omission or neglect."
KUAM news sources say Borja was on drugs. Aside from Baby Joziyah she has seven other children. Their ages: thirteen, ten, seven, five, three, two and a one year old. They are currently under the custody of Child Protective Services.
Officer Tapao said, "They appear to be quite well. During the course of the investigation of the investigation, our agents alongside CPS had to conduct a lengthy interview with the kids to determine the living quarters as well as Public Health."
No information was provided about Joziyah's father or whether any further arrests are pending. As for Melenie she was arrested on charges of manslaughter, child abuse, assault and family violence.
She is scheduled to appear in the Superior Court on Friday for her magistrates hearing.
Guam - 33-year-old Melenie Irene Margaret Villagomez Borja was escorted by agents from the Criminal Investigation Section into the Hagatna Precinct. She was arrested in connection to the death of her 2-month-old son Joziyah.
As we first reported, it was last Wednesday the infant was brought to the Guam Memorial Hospital by medics at around 8am and pronounced dead about an hour later. Police spokesperson Officer Paul Tapao said, "When Joziyah was brought into GMH they noted that the victim was unconscious, unresponsive, breathless, and pulseless."
An autopsy was conducted with additional toxicology tests needed. As we reported on primetime last night, medical examiner Dr. Aurelio Espinola ruled Joziyah died from child abuse. "When the testing's came back, at which time Dr. Espinola's findings for the cause of death to be done by malnutrition and the manner of death was homicide by omission or neglect."
KUAM news sources say Borja was on drugs. Aside from Baby Joziyah she has seven other children. Their ages: thirteen, ten, seven, five, three, two and a one year old. They are currently under the custody of Child Protective Services.
Officer Tapao said, "They appear to be quite well. During the course of the investigation of the investigation, our agents alongside CPS had to conduct a lengthy interview with the kids to determine the living quarters as well as Public Health."
No information was provided about Joziyah's father or whether any further arrests are pending. As for Melenie she was arrested on charges of manslaughter, child abuse, assault and family violence.
She is scheduled to appear in the Superior Court on Friday for her magistrates hearing.
KUAM News has confirmed Borja has a criminal record, in 2007 she pleaded guilty to burglary, theft and criminal trespass. She was sentenced to three years probation for the case which is now closed.