Arrest Made in Death of Infant Found at Houston Gas Station; Suspect Charged with Tampering with Evidence

Charges have been filed against Diana Guadalupe Zavala Lopez, a 25-year-old suspect, in connection with the death of an infant found at a gas station located at 13114 South Post Oak Road on April 2, at approximately 4:25 a.m.

Zavala Lopez is facing charges of tampering with evidence – human corpse and is expected to appear in the 183rd State District Court for the legal proceedings. The suspect’s booking photo from Cameron County, TX, has been released to the public.

According to the Houston Police Department’s Homicide Division, the case unfolded when HPD patrol officers responded to a call for assistance from the Houston Fire Department paramedics regarding a deceased infant at the mentioned gas station.

Further investigation and evidence from the scene suggested that an unidentified Hispanic female entered the gas station’s restroom and left around 15 minutes later. Hours later, a customer discovered the lifeless infant in the bathroom and immediately contacted emergency services by dialing 9-1-1.

Upon the arrival of the Houston Fire Department paramedics, attempts were made to provide medical assistance to the infant. However, it was determined that the child had already passed away hours before being discovered.

Thanks to tips from the public, investigators were able to identify the female involved as Zavala Lopez. Members of the Houston Police Department’s South Gessner Crime Suppression Team found out that she was trying to leave the country. As a result, agents from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection detained her in Brownsville, TX, on August 1.

Following interviews with HPD detectives and consultation with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, Zavala Lopez was charged for her role in the incident. She is currently awaiting extradition to Harris County.

The investigation remains ongoing, as authorities continue to gather information and evidence related to the tragic incident.