Clovis Mother Arrested for Abuse in Child’s ‘Suspicious Death’

The mother of an 18-month-old child that died at the Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis, New Mexico, from “suspicious injuries” has been charged with Felony Abuse of a Child.

The unresponsive child was brought into Plains Regional’s emergency room just before 4 a.m. Monday morning and was unsuccessfully revived by staff, according to Clovis police. They said the child had multiple “suspicious injuries” but would not comment on the nature.

After investigations began through multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Clovis and Portales Police Departments and the Curry County Sheriff’s Office, an arrest warrant was obtained for the child’s mother, 25 year-old Rocio D. Montanez, for Felony Abuse of a Child Resulting in Great Bodily Harm. She was arrested late Monday night and is being held in the Curry County Detention Center with bail set at $75,000.

Next of kin to the boy have been notified.

Officials said they are waiting for results of the child’s autopsy from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator to see if further charges will be filed.

Representation for Montanez has not been listed by the Curry County Sheriff’s Office.