DURHAM, N.C. – A tragic autopsy report reveals the heartbreaking fate of a Durham baby who was scheduled to be removed from her home the day after she was brutally murdered.
Ana Galan-Rodriguez was set to be moved to a foster family, but the autopsy shows that she was tragically killed the night before she was supposed to leave. The baby’s father, James Galan Cruz, has been charged with her murder.
Cruz, who was 17 at the time of the offense, appeared in court with his attorney for a status update. The attorney mentioned that they had just received the autopsy report and might need an expert to assist in the case.
The medical examiner’s report revealed grim details of the October 2022 incident, stating that Rodriguez had sustained injuries to both eyes, her liver, multiple rib fractures, and seizures. The autopsy concluded that Rodriguez died from “acute and chronic blunt force injuries,” noting broken bones in her spine, internal bleeding, and a bite mark on her abdomen.
Furthermore, it was reported that multiple family members had been charged with child abuse for leaving Cruz unsupervised with the baby, which was not permitted due to a previous allegation of abuse. Upon her release from medical care, Rodriguez was placed in the care of her aunt and was scheduled to be moved to state foster care the next day.
A spokesperson from the State Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees local Departments of Social Services, revealed that the local DSS agency is responsible for developing timelines and seeking necessary court approvals for removing a child from a relative’s home. The spokesperson also emphasized the need for more foster homes, particularly those able to care for children with complex needs.
The case is set for another status update in April, as the community continues to grapple with the devastating loss of baby Ana Galan-Rodriguez.