Injuries from 1976 led to death in May

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A 36-year-old woman who spent nearly her entire life in a care facility died this year from injuries she suffered when she was 4 months old, police said Thursday.

The death of Linda Gatica on May 9 was ruled a homicide after Austin police investigators determined that the head injury she suffered in February 1976 was likely caused by her grandmother, Martha Gatica. The case is now considered closed because the grandmother has since died.

According to a police statement, Gatica was taken to the hospital by her mother with head injuries that appeared suspicious.

"CPS was notified at the time and conducted an investigation," the statement. "Gatica was subsequently discharged from the hospital and released to CPS and placed in foster care. The Austin Police Department was not notified at the time of this incident."

After Gatica died, an investigation was opened.