The Latest: Texas mother charged after daughter's body found
HOUSTON (AP) — The Latest on the death of a 5-year-old girl whose body was found in a Houston apartment (all times local):
5 p.m.
Police in Houston say the mother of a 5-year-old girl whose body was found in an apartment closet has been charged with evidence tampering.
Authorities say they're investigating Priscilla Torres "as having a role" in the death of her daughter. Sierra Patino's body was found by relatives Monday. Police believe Sierra's body was in the closet for days.
Investigators on Tuesday charged the 27-year-old Torres with tampering with evidence related to a human corpse. They say Torres could face additional charges as the investigation continues.
She is being held at the Harris County jail and it's not clear if she has an attorney to speak on her behalf.
Investigators are waiting on the results of an autopsy to determine how Sierra died.
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1:30 p.m.
Police say the body of a 5-year-old girl was in a closet in a Houston apartment for days before she was discovered by relatives.
Police haven't released the name of the girl whose body was found Monday nor provided a cause of death. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.
Police say her mother was there when officers arrived and that she is being questioned. No charges have been announced.
Houston police spokesman Kese (KEES) Smith says he has no information on whether the girl lived in the apartment where her body was found.
Lt. Larry Crowson says it's troubling that the body was apparently in the closet for days, regardless of whether her death was accidental or intentional.
