
A 13-year-old girl with severe cognitive disabilities died after being found in a makeshift cage in Arizona, leading to the arrest of her mother and grandmother on child abuse charges.
Key Takeaways
- A 13-year-old girl named Melanie was discovered living in a makeshift cage in deplorable conditions in Arizona.
- The girl’s grandmother, Virginia Lujan, and mother, Jami Hodges, were arrested on child abuse charges.
- Melanie had severe cognitive issues and was covered in bruises and sores when found.
- Four other children, aged 2 to 15, were taken into state custody following the incident.
- The case highlights serious concerns about child protection systems and the care of vulnerable children.
Tragic Discovery in Arizona Home
In a shocking case of child abuse, a 13-year-old girl with severe cognitive disabilities was found living in appalling conditions in an Arizona home. The girl, identified as Melanie, was discovered in a makeshift cage constructed from baby enclosures and bars. Virginia Lujan, 55, the girl’s grandmother, called the police to report that Melanie was not breathing. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Melanie died after hours of treatment.
Authorities described the living conditions as deplorable. The makeshift cage where Melanie was kept was littered with feces, and the home was in a state of disarray. Melanie’s body was covered in bruises and sores in various stages of healing, indicating long-term abuse.
Ariz. mother, grandmother accused of keeping 13-year-old special-needs girl locked in cage before teen died https://t.co/UMiw0sYpOV pic.twitter.com/Kqeeina6hJ
— New York Post (@nypost) January 24, 2025
Caregivers’ Justification and Arrest
Virginia Lujan and Jami Hodges, 33, Melanie’s mother, admitted to keeping the girl in the cage, claiming it was necessary to control her behavior. Lujan asserted that Melanie’s bruises were from falling down the stairs and did not seek medical care, believing she would recover on her own. Both women were arrested on child abuse charges, with Lujan remaining in custody while Hodges was released pending further investigation.
“The best way to describe it, it was a bunk bed, but the lower bed of that bunk was not there. And the bunk bed around the bottom was surrounded by baby cages and makeshift bars,” said Jessica Ells, describing the horrific conditions.
The case has deeply disturbed local law enforcement. Tempe Police Chief Kenneth McCoy stated, “The Tempe Police Department is committed to holding these individuals responsible and ensuring that no child endures this type of suffering.” As the investigation continues, authorities are considering the possibility of homicide charges.
Impact on Other Children and Community Response
The tragedy extends beyond Melanie’s suffering. Four other children, aged 2 to 15, were also living in the home under Lujan’s care. These children, who were not attending school, have been taken into state custody. Neighbors reported that the children seemed scared and standoffish, raising questions about why the situation wasn’t detected earlier.
Ongoing Investigation and Call for Justice
Authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation to uncover the full extent of the abuse and any systemic failures that may have contributed to it. The focus now is on seeking justice for Melanie and ensuring that such a horrific situation never occurs again.
Sources:
Mentally-Handicapped 13-Year-Old Dies After She’s Kept in Cage; Mom & Grandmom Jailed
Police: Family members kept teen in cage, abused her to death
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