A 12-year-old girl in Texas d*ied after her parents didn’t seek medical attention after she suffered life-threatening injuries. Instead, they gave her smoothies and vitamins, according to authorities.
Deputies said Miranda Sipps, a cheerleader at Jourdanton Junior High School, suffered unknown life-threatening injuries for about four days before she tragically di*ed Monday.
Before her de*ath, her parents, 36-year-old Denise Balbaneda and 40-year-old Gerald Gonzales, allegedly tried to treat her injuries through smoothies and vitamins.
“They were trying to give her smoothies, but somebody who is unconscious is not able to swallow,” Soward noted.
Before her de*ath, her parents, 36-year-old Denise Balbaneda and 40-year-old Gerald Gonzales, allegedly tried to treat her injuries through smoothies and vitamins.(Source: Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office)
As Miranda’s condition continued to deteriorate and she began having trouble breathing, her mother finally called 911, according to press release.
First responders met Miranda and her mom on the highway after they had left their home. Deputies said Miranda was found alive, but unconscious.
“She was not talking. She basically could flutter her eyes and move her hands a little bit over a four-day period,” said Atascosa County Sheriff David Soward. “And they had her laying on a pallet in the house.”
The 12-year-old girl was pronounced de*ad in the emergency room.
Balbaneda and Gonzales were both arrested on Tuesday and charged with a first-degree felony for injury to a child by omission.
Investigators believed the couple avoided seeking medical attention to prevent law enforcement from coming to their home.
Even after calling 911, Balbaneda left their house and met emergency responders on the road.
The investigation into Miranda’s de*ath is ongoing and a full autopsy to determine a cause of de*ath is pending.
According to a GoFundMe page, Miranda leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter.
“She was taken from us far too soon in an unexpected way, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and memories that we will cherish forever,” the organizer said.
Miranda would have turned 13 later this month.
