Dad is awarded custody of girl born to slain mom

Three months after being delivered via emergency C-section when her mother was fatally shot in a drug-related assault, infant Darla Woundedhead was awarded to her biological father Tuesday by a state juvenile judge.

Third District Judge Andrew Valdez gave custody of the baby, who carries her mother's name, to her father, Carlos Manuel Najera Godoy.

The mother, 30-year-old Darla Woundedhead, was shot in the abdomen and chest while standing in the doorway of the Dream Inn Motel, 1865 W. North Temple, over what police believe was an argument about drugs. A paternity test later showed Godoy is the biological father.

Speaking through a Spanish translator, Godoy told the court Tuesday he is willing to do everything in his power to care for his daughter.

"I care very much for her," Godoy said, adding he has support from family members.

But the moment was darkened by the reality that the girl likely will need constant care for the rest of her life.

"The baby is described as being in a persistent vegetative state," said Division of Child and Family Services spokeswoman Carol Sisco, who added case workers believe the girl likely will need assisted care for the rest of her life.

Currently, Sisco said the infant is still at a local hospital on a ventilator. While she can survive off the ventilator for short periods of time, Sisco said, she still depends on it most of the time.

Despite the seemingly daunting task, Godoy indicated to the court he wants a chance to take care of his daughter.

"He's been up there at the hospital every day," Sisco said. "It's sad."

"It's a sad day," Valdez added. "Everybody here, especially the dad, has a heavy heart."

Sisco said the baby is expected to be brought back to Primary Children's Medical Center this week to be evaluated for possible additional surgery. In the meantime, Sisco said state social workers will help the father with the paperwork needed to apply for Medicaid. He already has had training in how to care for his daughter by hospital staff, she said.

The case will come before Valdez for a 45-day review in early January.

---

E-mail: gfattah@desnews.com