An Arizona teenager with the mental capabilities of a three-year-old child died after she was found unconscious and covered in bruises in her family home – where her mother and grandmother allegedly locked her in a makeshift cage.
The 13-year-old girl died Wednesday morning after being rushed to the hospital by police when her grandmother, Virginia Lujan, reported Tuesday evening that her granddaughter was not breathing, Tempe police said, multiple media outlets reported.
After further investigation, police arrested 55-year-old Lujan and the teen’s mother, Jami Hodges, after investigators found a smelly cage full of feces in their Tempe home.
Both family members now face child abuse charges after allegedly admitting to police that they had kept the child in the cage – which was part of the bunk bed where the bottom bunk had been removed and replaced with makeshift bars – to “keep her under control the police said. 12News reported.
“No child should ever have to endure suffering. We are committed to uncovering the truth and seeking justice on her behalf,” Police Chief Ken McCoy said at a news conference Thursday. Fox 10 reported this.
“The tragic loss of a child is a profound reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the most vulnerable in our community. These types of investigations require meticulous attention to detail and sensitivity to the emotional toll it takes on everyone involved.”
McCoy said the department is committed to holding the couple accountable.
The teen, who had cognitive impairment, reportedly fell down the stairs on Sunday evening, with her grandmother telling police she did not provide medical attention because she thought the child would be fine. AZ Family reports this.
The 33-year-old mother claimed she was unaware of the fall, police said.
Police said the youngster was covered in bruises and sores that were in various stages of healing when she was taken to hospital, where doctors performed life-saving efforts for hours.
Four additional children, ages 2 to 15, were removed from the home near Route 60 by the Department of Child Safety after the disturbing discovery, according to AZ Family.
According to the researchers, the children did not go to school.
Additional charges may be filed as police investigate.
“This case is ongoing and actively investigated,” police said, according to Fox 10.
“More charges may be pending as more evidence is discovered.”
Hodges was arrested and released pending charges because Lujan remains in police custody, police said.
