New Year Baby Becomes Murder Victim
By Katie McFadden
St. John’s Episcopal Hospital’s first baby of the year allegedly became victim of a horrific murder earlier this month.
On March 7, EMTs responded to a 911 call at a home on Maple Road in Inwood after an infant was reported to be in cardiac arrest. Marlon Rabanles-Pretzantzin, 20, was later arrested after his two-month-old daughter died.
Rabanales-Pretzantzin initially told police that the baby had rolled off of the bed and injured herself, but as it was discovered that the child had severe spine damage, fractured ribs and subcranial bleeding, they pressed harder. Rabanales-Pretzantzin admitted to killing the baby. According to police, he allegedly slapped the baby in the face, punched her in the stomach and violently shook her before throwing her onto a bed and pressing his fist into her chest. Detectives said he admitted to killing the baby because he began having suspicions that he was not the father, and he no longer wanted her. Police do not believe the child’s mother was involved.
On Wednesday, March 12, he was arrested and charged with second degree murder, and he is being held without bail. According to the New York Post, authorities said Rabanales-Pretzantzin is an illegal immigrant from Guatemala who crossed the Mexico-El Paso border in 2022. He was apprehended and released by Border Patrol due to catch and release policies at the time. An ICE detainer will be put on him and a decision will be made about deportation after his sentencing.
The baby and family were featured in the January 9 issue of The Rockaway Times as St. John’s Hospital proudly celebrated the baby as their first newborn of the new year, born at 12:28 a.m. on January 1. Proud of the new bundle, the Episcopal Health Services Executive Leadership Team had gifted the family a stroller with car seat attachment, a baby play center, and baby wipes. The St. John’s ICARE Foundation also presented the family with diapers, baby books, baby care essentials, a diaper bag, toys, clothing and a baby monitor.
