Teen mom accused of trying to kill her infant son in his hospital crib

GALENA PARK, Texas -- A teen mother is accused of trying to kill her own baby boy after hospital employees say they caught her on surveillance video. Cynthia Kaye Wood, 19, is charged with attempted capital murder.

According to court documents, Wood told authorities she was eating M&Ms and watching "Law and Order" when her infant son started gasping for air. However, police officers say that's a straight up lie. They say she tried to kill him in his hospital crib.

"We're extraordinarily shocked by how horrific this specific case was," said prosecutor Michele Oncken.

Wiping back tears, Wood appeared distraught and emotional inside a Harris County courtroom Monday morning. The young Galena Park mother stands accused of trying to kill her 5-month-old son inside Memorial Hermann Hospital.

"The surveillance video shows her actions on video of putting her hand over the child's mouth and pinching his nose, and him resisting against her," said prosecutor Tiffany Dupree.

Wood's infant son was receiving care for breathing issues on Sunday, October 12, according to the charging document. Investigators say nurse Kristen Green spotted the mom holding her child slumped over in her arms, claiming Wood wasn't calling for help, despite vital sign alarms sounding off.

"Memorial Hermann's Children Hospital saved this baby's life. The nurses, the doctors, the medical team did a great job that day," said Dupree.

Authorities explain Wood told them the infant reached for his pacifier, and started gasping for air. However, prosecutors say security video shows the mother covering the boy's mouth with a blanket and her hand, pinching his nose and holding him down as he kicked his legs.

"Having heard the description for police officers and how distraught he was, we're steeling ourselves to watch it, quite frankly," Oncken said.

In court, Wood didn't say much. Her family and lawyer didn't want to comment on the arrest or what may have led up to it.

Wood told police officers at the time she was mad at herself, but insisted she didn't hurt her baby boy.

"No defense, nothing makes this right," Oncken said.

Wood's bond was set at $250,000. The baby and Wood's other child, a 5-year-old girl, are now in state custody. The baby remains in the hospital where he's been treated for breathing issues, but he's said to be improving, and the 5-year-old is with a foster family.

Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital issued the following official statement:

Prosecutors add that another infant of Wood's died last year in Mississippi. They're now looking into that case carefully. CPS says the medical examiner's office lists the death as complications of seizure disorder.