An Arizona teenager with the intellectual capacity of a 3-year-old has died after being found unresponsive and bruised in her parents' home. There, her mother and grandmother allegedly kept her in a makeshift cage.
Tempe police said the 13-year-old girl died Wednesday morning after her grandmother, Virginia Lujan, called her to the hospital Tuesday night to report her granddaughter wasn't breathing, according to multiple reports. The agency reported.
Further investigation led police to Lujan, 55, and the boy's mother, Jami Hodges, after investigators discovered what appeared to be a foul-smelling cage filled with feces inside their Tempe home. I was arrested.
The parents are currently facing charges of child abuse. Police say the child allegedly admitted to police that he kept the child in part of the cage (the bottom bunk of the bunk had been removed and replaced with makeshift bars) “to keep her under control.” He said so. 12 News reported.
“No child should have to endure suffering. We are committed to uncovering the truth and pursuing justice on her behalf,” Police Chief Ken McCoy said at a news conference Thursday. . Fox10 reported.
“The tragic loss of a child is a profound reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the most vulnerable in our communities. Investigations such as this one require the utmost attention to detail and the commitment of all involved. Consideration must be given to the mental burden placed on
McCoy said the department is committed to holding the two men accountable.
The cognitively impaired teen reportedly fell down the stairs Sunday night, and her grandmother told police she didn't seek medical help because she thought the child would be okay. . AZ Family reported.
Police said the 33-year-old mother said she didn't notice the fall.
Police said the girl was covered in bruises and sores in various stages of healing when she was taken to the hospital, and doctors spent hours performing life-saving measures.
AZ Family says four more children, ranging in age from 2 to 15, were removed from a home near Route 60 by Child Safety following the alarming discovery.
Investigators said the children were not attending school.
Additional charges may be filed as the police investigation progresses.
“This case is ongoing and remains an active investigation,” police said, according to Fox 10.
“Further charges may be pending if further evidence is discovered.”
Police said Lujan remains in police custody, and Hodges was charged and released, pending charges.
