Netflix's new true crime documentary A Child of My Own follows the life of Eleonor Alejandra Marin Mendoza, who kidnapped a newborn baby from a hospital in Mexico in June 2009. The documentary, filmed two years after her release from prison, shows how she and her husband Arturo have rebuilt their lives.
Background and Kidnapping
Alejandra married Arturo Calderon Gamino at age 17. Throughout her 20s, she suffered numerous miscarriages and underwent failed IVF treatments. At age 26, after another miscarriage, she faked a full-term pregnancy and kidnapped a newborn from the hospital where she worked.
A few hours after she was seen carrying the baby out of a maternity ward in a large gift bag, Alejandra and Arturo were arrested at a hotel in Mexico City. The baby girl, unharmed, was returned to her mother, Mayra.
Legal Consequences and Release
In 2011, Alejandra was found guilty of kidnapping — specifically the unlawful deprivation of liberty of a minor — and sentenced to 13 years in prison. She was released in 2023 after serving her sentence. Her husband was cleared of any wrongdoing after spending two years behind bars.
Life After Prison and Reconciliation
Speaking about her experience filming with Netflix, Alejandra commented: "Being a spectator to my own story was very impactful." When asked how she would write the ending to the special, she replied: "I think I would go into a different direction. I would keep growing and be able to enjoy myself."
Alejandra revealed that she and Arturo temporarily split up because he still wanted children, a dream she no longer pursued. During their separation, Arturo entered a new relationship that resulted in the birth of his son. The couple later reunited, and the documentary ends with them playing with his young son in the park.
Alejandra commented: "It makes me very happy to see him smile and to be fulfilled as a father." She added that becoming part of his son's life made her "even happier." A Child of My Own is available to watch on Netflix.
