Shelby Stotts has been charged with second-degree manslaughter for the 2001 death of her newborn baby, identified through advanced DNA technology, found lifeless on the side of a Texas road.

The breakthrough in this cold case came after Othram, a DNA lab, utilized forensic-grade genome sequencing to match the baby, dubbed 'Angel Baby Doe,' to Stotts. Authorities revealed that Stotts failed to provide necessary medical care after giving birth, leading to the baby's death from bleeding. Currently held on a $100,000 bond, Stotts had been working at Cleburne High School, close to where the baby was found, but has since lost her job. This case underscores the continued efforts to pursue justice with the aid of modern technology.

The discovery of the newborn, 'Angel Baby Doe,' on the side of a road in November 2001, shocked the local community. Wrapped in a jacket with the umbilical cord still attached, the baby’s death highlighted a tragedy that remained unsolved for over two decades.

Authorities determined that the baby had bled to death after Shelby Stotts, the infant's mother, failed to seek prompt medical attention and did not clamp the umbilical cord following childbirth. The absence of immediate medical care was a critical factor in the newborn’s death, according to investigators.

Despite thorough investigations at the time, the case went cold until recent advancements in DNA technology provided new avenues for exploration. Investigators turned to Othram, a DNA lab located in The Woodlands, Texas, which specializes in forensic-grade genome sequencing. The lab’s cutting-edge techniques allowed them to extract and analyze DNA from the remains of the baby, ultimately leading to the identification of Shelby Stotts as the mother.

Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General, made an official statement acknowledging the relentless efforts of law enforcement and the technological developments that made this breakthrough possible. Paxton emphasized the commitment of the state's authorities to bring justice to even the oldest cases.

Shelby Stotts' arrest followed the successful DNA match that connected her to the newborn found 23 years ago. Stotts, who was employed at Cleburne High School near the location where the baby was discovered, has since been relieved of her duties with the Cleburne Independent School District following these serious allegations.

The tragic fate of 'Angel Baby Doe' occurred just two years after Texas enacted the 'Safe Haven Law' in 1999. This law permits parents to safely relinquish their newborns at designated locations without facing legal repercussions, providing a vital alternative for those unable to care for their infants.

Stotts is currently being held on a $100,000 bond as she faces the charges of second-degree manslaughter. The legal proceedings will aim to uncover all aspects surrounding the case, from the circumstances of the baby's birth to the actions taken—or not taken—by Stotts immediately following the delivery.

The combination of persistent investigative efforts, advancements in forensic science, and the legal framework designed to protect vulnerable infants underscores this case's complexity and poignancy. As the case progresses through the legal system, it sheds light on the pivotal role of modern technology in solving longstanding mysteries and delivering justice after years of uncertainty.