A 26-year-old Miami woman is facing charges of second-degree murder and aggravated child abuse after her 9-month-old son was found to have died from lethal levels of cocaine and methamphetamine last year, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by Local 10 News.
Natalia Munzo-Paulino was taken into custody Monday evening and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies and homicide detectives were called on July 2, 2024, after the baby was brought to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Despite resuscitation attempts, the infant was pronounced dead at 10:39 p.m.
Investigators described the family’s apartment as “disheveled” and “unkept,” with trash, spoiled food, and hazards within the reach of children. Deputies noted a previous incident in which the baby’s older sibling was drinking baby oil from a bottle without any reaction from Munzo-Paulino.
The mother reportedly gave multiple conflicting accounts of her son’s death, including claims that he had fallen, drowned, or choked. Toxicology results, however, revealed fatal levels of cocaine and methamphetamine, and an autopsy ruled out suffocation or airway obstruction. The medical examiner determined the cause of death to be child neglect and classified it as a homicide.
Investigators concluded that Munzo-Paulino was the child’s sole caregiver and that her statements contradicted the physical and toxicology evidence. In addition to the murder charge, she faces an active warrant in a separate misdemeanor battery case.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Munzo-Paulino remained in custody at TGK, with bond listed as “to be set.”
