State ends jurisdiction over newborn slaying

All state agencies associated with a disabled baby girl delivered through emergency C-section after her mother was fatally shot have signed off now that the infant has gotten Medicaid to help with her continuing care.

Darla Mariela Woundedhead Najera was legally placed in the custody of her father, Carlos Najera Godoy, in November, but the state kept jurisdiction until the Medicaid issue was resolved to ensure ongoing medical care for the girl.

Third District Juvenile Judge Andrew Valdez officially ended all state involvement at a hearing Thursday.

"Thank you for giving her to me," Godoy told the judge, speaking through a Spanish interpreter. "I promise to take very good care of her."

Godoy visits Darla every day and said he has been learning different medical procedures to help the child in hopes that she eventually will improve and can live with him. Darla has been moved from LDS Hospital to a long-term care facility.

Her mother, Darla Woundedhead, 30, died after being shot in the abdomen and chest while standing in the doorway of a Salt Lake City motel during what police believe was an argument over drugs.

The baby was born 13 weeks early on Aug. 18 and, for a time, was in extremely critical condition. Doctors suspect she may have sustained some brain damage due to oxygen deprivation, and she was born with three drugs in her system: cocaine, opiates and barbiturates.

Godoy, however, has visited her daily and officially established paternity with a DNA test.

"I know she loves me," Godoy told the judge Thursday. "I feel that love. There are exercises that even the nurses can't do with her that she can do with me."

"Thank you," Valdez replied. "This child is very lucky to have you as a father."

After the hearing, Valdez asked to see photos of the baby and Godoy proudly displayed baptismal pictures while the two spoke in Spanish.

The court previously had placed Darla in the custody of the Division of Children and Family Services while paternity and other matters were being sorted out.

Five people have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting and are in the process of being prosecuted for the crime.

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E-mail: lindat@desnews.com