Albuquerque woman pleads guilty in 2024 death of 3-year-old (60)

An Albuquerque woman pleaded guilty Monday in connection with the 2024 death of a 3-year-old child and faces up to 15 years in prison. The plea came in a case that also involved the child’s mother, who told medical staff the toddler had fallen in a bathroom.

The toddler was brought to UNMH in 2024 after Kerri Santos claimed the child fell in the bathroom, according to Albuquerque police. Medical professionals determined the toddler was already dead on arrival and noticed signs of abuse on the body, police said.

Police say Christina Pena-Cantor was traveling with Santos during that time and was present during the abuse. One of Santos’s children who witnessed the abuse also said Pena-Cantor would tie up the three-year-old.

Pena-Cantor entered a plea agreement with the state on Monday. She faces a maximum of 15 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been announced.