Austin Police Charge Two People Connected To Baby's Death

NORTH AUSTIN, TX — Two people have been arrested in connection to the death of a 2-year-old baby in Northeast Austin over the weekend.

The case dates to Saturday, June 2, when Austin police answered a 911 call about an unresponsive baby at 6409 Springdale Lane. Police, Austin Fire Department officials and Austin-Travis County EMS medics all arrived at the residence at 3:18 p.m.

Medics reported that the baby, Noel Leal, was already rigid by the time they arrived, raising paramedics' suspicions related to the circumstances reported by family members. The child was pronounced dead at 3:33 p.m.

The Homicide unit responded to the scene and began interviewing family members. During the course of those discussions, investigators learned that Selissa Flores, 22, the baby's sister, had been babysitting him since the previous afternoon. At some point between 9 p.m. on June 1 and 3:10 p.m. on June 2, Noel died after receiving trauma to his head and body. Police said the woman admitted she and Miguel Berumen-Zepeda, 25, cleaned up the scene prior to calling 911.

Investigators are still working to determine how long Noel had been dead before Flores called for help. The Travis County Medical Examiner performed an autopsy on Sunday, June 3, and found Noel Leal died as a result of the extensive physical trauma, police said. The cursory manner of death has been ruled a homicide, with a final determination pending, police added.

Flores is facing charges for tampering with evidence, and is in jail on a $75,000 bond. Berumen-Zepeda also has been charged with tampering with evidence along with a charge of injury to a child, and is being held on a $100,000 bond.

Homicide detectives urge anyone with information about this incident to call the Homicide Tip Line at (512) 477-3588, Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-TIPS, or by texting "Tip 103" + a message to CRIMES or by using the new Crime Stoppers App. Those with information also can submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.

>>> Selissa Flores and Miguel Berumen-Zepeda booking photos via Austin Police Department