Texas Mom Accused Of Hitting 2-Month-Old Daughter In Head, Killing Her

A 19-year-old mother was charged with murder one week after her 2-month-old girl was found dead in a Texas home, authorities said.

Around 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 21, officers responded to a residence in Amarillo about the baby, who had stopped breathing, the Amarillo Police Department said.

The infant, later identified as Eva Salene Diaz by KVII, was pronounced dead when first responders arrived, and the Amarillo Police Department Homicide Unit was called in to investigate.

Detectives found evidence found that showed the mother, Ashley Kay Harper, was involved in the child's injuries and she was placed under arrest, police said.

A week later, those charges were upgraded to murder. During questioning, Harper allegedly confessed to hitting the baby in the head with her hand.

She was booked into the Potter County Detention Center and remains there on a bond of $750,000.

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An obituary for the baby states the victim was “an incredibly energetic and happy baby who loved her parents."

"She was spoiled and loved her animals," the tribute continues, adding, "Her smile lit up the room with its bright and precious glow.”