A Texas woman, aged 26, was recently apprehended after allegedly abandoning her infant outside the father’s residence. Identified as Ashley Marie Bailey, she reportedly informed the father of the child’s location via a text message, even challenging him to report the incident to the authorities. Bailey was arrested last week and is facing charges of child abandonment or endangerment without the intention to return, as confirmed by law enforcement officials.
Under Texas law, the charge of child abandonment is considered a third-degree felony. If convicted, Bailey could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a maximum fine of $10,000.
The incident reportedly occurred around 2:05 a.m. on August 20 at the University Terrace Apartments on Speight Avenue in Waco, Texas, approximately 100 miles south of Dallas. The Waco Police Department was alerted to the situation by the father, who reported that the baby had been left outside his apartment door, strapped into a car seat.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with the father, who claimed that Bailey had left the child outside his apartment and sent him a text message stating, “come and get your baby…[she] is at the door. Bye. Talk to you tomorrow.” In a subsequent text message, Bailey allegedly dared the father to report her for child abandonment, writing, “IDC. Call CPS on me,” presumably referring to Child Protective Services.
The father reportedly received the initial text message from Bailey at 2:04 a.m., but did not see the message until over 40 minutes later, during which time the baby was allegedly left outside unattended. Bailey reportedly sent several more messages that night, pleading with the father to retrieve the child.
Around 3 a.m., officers arrived at Bailey’s residence on Eagles Nest Drive and arrested her. She was transported to the McLennan County Jail for processing and later released on bond. The date of her next court appearance is yet to be confirmed.
The authorities did not clarify the nature of Bailey’s relationship with the child, and the police department has not responded to requests for additional information.