TX - Nanny accused of repeatedly suffocating infant in her care

Tirza Bethsaida Magana, 48, was released from the Harris County Jail after posting $10,000 bail, court records show.

The baby's parents told police that they noticed that the infant "was acting strange" and appeared lethargic when they would return from work, according to an arrest warrant filed Wednesday.

The family installed a recording device in the baby's room at their southwest Houston residence, and what the footage revealed was shocking, investigators said. The family fired the nanny and called police. In the videotape, Magana was seen suffocating the baby, carrying her around by the head and tossing her in the crib, the arrest warrant states. The child is about 7 months old.

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Magana was in the family's home for five months. Court documents say nanny cam video shows Magana placing her hands over the child's nose and mouth.

"She places both hands over the complainant's nose and mouth and applies force... causing the baby to flail about, struggling to breathe."

Police say another video shows Magana "holding the baby up by her head... as the child's dangling body made jerking movements."...

According to police, doctors said the baby was at risk for suffocation and neck or spine injuries due to Magana's alleged actions.

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