A 12-year-old cheerleader from Christine, Texas, tragically lost her life after her mother and stepfather allegedly failed to seek medical attention for her life-threatening injuries. The young girl suffered serious injuries on August 8 but didn’t receive proper medical care for four crucial days. The victim, identified as Miranda Sipps, passed away on August 12, just days before she would have celebrated her 13th birthday.
Parents’ Failure to Act
An investigation by the Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Investigation Division revealed that the parents had failed to seek medical assistance for their daughter. This was despite her being mentally and physically incapacitated and non-responsive for an extended period. Instead of taking her to a hospital or calling for emergency services, they attempted to care for her at home. It wasn’t until the girl went into respiratory distress that her mother finally made the decision to call 911.
Attempted Home Remedies
According to Sheriff David Soward, the parents tried tending to their daughter at home while she was primarily unconscious, attempting various ineffective remedies. One of these involved trying to give the incapacitated girl a smoothie with vitamins. The sheriff pointed out this was extremely difficult given her unresponsive state.
Unclear Circumstances of Injuries
While the investigation has uncovered the neglect that followed Miranda’s injuries, the exact nature and cause of those injuries remain unclear. Sheriff Soward admitted that he was “not 100% sure” about the details of how Sipps was hurt. When authorities finally reached her, the girl could only flutter her eyes and move her hands slightly.
Emergency Response and Hospital Transfer
The final moments of this tragic event unfolded when authorities received a 911 call from Miranda’s mother, who had finally decided to seek help. Rather than waiting for emergency services at their home, the mother left with Miranda, possibly to avoid having law enforcement at the house. Authorities intercepted them en route, and EMS promptly took over, transporting the critically ill girl to Methodist Hospital in Atascosa.
Tragic Outcome and Ongoing Investigation
Upon arrival at Methodist Hospital in Atascosa, medical staff worked to save Miranda’s life. Despite their vigorous efforts, the extent of Miranda’s injuries and the prolonged delay in receiving proper care proved too much to overcome. Tragically, Miranda Sipps was pronounced dead at 9:55 p.m. local time. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Miranda’s death continues, with authorities awaiting the final autopsy report to provide more clarity on the case.
Arrests and Charges
Following the tragic death of Miranda Sipps, authorities took swift action against her mother and stepfather. Denise Balbaneda, 36, and Gerald Gonzales, 40, both from Christine, were arrested on August 13 and booked into the Atascosa County Jail. The couple has been charged with injury to a child causing serious bodily injury by omission, which is classified as a first-degree felony. But both were released on $200,000 bond.
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