Austin, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Neli Dinora Rivera-Felipe, 22, was arrested after her newborn baby girl was found abandoned in a dumpster at The Palms Apartments in North Austin. Surveillance footage helped identify her, and she allegedly confessed to being scared after giving birth. The baby was discovered alive and is recovering at Dell Children’s Medical Center. Rivera-Felipe faces a second-degree felony charge and is currently in custody.
Austin – Neli Dinora Rivera-Felipe, a 22-year-old woman, was arrested after a newborn baby girl was found abandoned in a dumpster at The Palms Apartments in North Austin on September 20. Rivera-Felipe allegedly confessed to giving birth to the baby in her apartment’s bathroom and admitted she was scared and unsure about what to do with the newborn after the birth.
Surveillance footage from the apartment complex played a crucial role in identifying Rivera-Felipe as the individual who discarded the baby. Community members aided the police by recognizing her from the security video. According to reports, Rivera-Felipe described the baby as “lifeless and not moving” when she abandoned her. Allegedly, she placed the newborn into a bucket before disposing of her in the dumpster.
Emergency responders were alerted when witnesses reported hearing noises from the dumpster. Upon searching through the trash, they discovered the baby in the bottom right corner. The newborn was subsequently transported to Dell Children’s Medical Center, where she is recovering and doing well.
Rivera-Felipe is currently facing a second-degree felony charge of Abandoning or Endangering a Child. She was booked into the Travis County Jail on September 23, with a bond set at $50,000. Court records indicate that she is prohibited from having any contact with the victim.
Witnesses had observed Rivera-Felipe with a “large belly” in the days leading up to the incident, which she attributed to an injury from a car accident. Security video footage recorded her discarding items, including the bucket containing the baby, at around 10 a.m. on September 20, shortly before the newborn was found by emergency responders. The Austin Police Department reported that there are no other suspects associated with this case.
Texas has established a Safe Haven Law that allows parents to legally leave unharmed infants at designated locations without facing abandonment charges. This law has facilitated 11 safe surrenders across Texas in the current year, although none have been reported in Travis County to date. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities encourage anyone with information to contact the Austin Police Department’s Child Abuse Unit.
Key Details of the Case
- Name: Neli Dinora Rivera-Felipe
- Age: 22
- Charge: Abandoning or Endangering a Child (second-degree felony)
- Bond: $50,000
- Location of Abandonment: The Palms Apartments, North Austin
- Date of Incident: September 20
- Baby’s Condition: Recovering at Dell Children’s Medical Center
- Important Law: Texas Safe Haven Law
- Current Status: Investigation ongoing
FAQ Section
Who was arrested for abandoning a newborn in Austin?
Neli Dinora Rivera-Felipe, a 22-year-old woman, was arrested after a newborn baby girl was found abandoned in a dumpster.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred on September 20.
What charges is Rivera-Felipe facing?
Rivera-Felipe is facing a second-degree felony charge of Abandoning or Endangering a Child.
What is the condition of the baby?
The baby was transported to Dell Children’s Medical Center and is now recovering and doing well.
What is the Texas Safe Haven Law?
The Texas Safe Haven Law allows parents to legally leave unharmed infants at designated locations without facing abandonment charges.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Neli Dinora Rivera-Felipe |
| Age | 22 |
| Charge | Abandoning or Endangering a Child (second-degree felony) |
| Bond Amount | $50,000 |
| Incident Date | September 20 |
| Current Status of Baby | Recovering at Dell Children’s Medical Center |
| Important Legislation | Texas Safe Haven Law |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mother Arrested for Abandoning Newborn in Dumpster
Woman Arrested for Abandoning Newborn in North Austin
Arrest Made in Abandoned Newborn Case in Austin
Abandoned Baby Found in Austin Dumpster, Police Make Arrest
Newborn Abandoned in Dumpster in North Austin
Newborn Baby Rescued from Dumpster in North Austin
Newborn Baby Girl Abandoned in North Austin Dumpster
Newborn Baby Found Alive in North Austin Dumpster
Newborn Baby Found Alive in Austin Dumpster
Baby Found Abandoned in Dumpster in North Austin
Additional Resources
- KVUE
- Wikipedia: Safe Haven Law
- KSAT
- Google Search: Neli Dinora Rivera-Felipe
- FOX 7 Austin
- Google Scholar: Texas Safe Haven Law
- NewsNation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Texas
- KVUE
- Google News: Neli Dinora Rivera-Felipe case
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
