Teen with Special Needs Found Dead After Allegedly Being Kept in Cage by Mother and Grandmother

A 13-year-old girl in Arizona, who had the mental capacity of a 3-year-old, tragically passed away after being found unresponsive and covered in bruises at her family residence. Shockingly, the girl's mother and grandmother are accused of confining her in a makeshift cage.

The young girl lost her life on a Wednesday morning after her grandmother, Virginia Lujan, contacted the Tempe Police Department the previous night to report that her granddaughter was not breathing. Subsequently, police rushed the girl to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The authorities then made a disturbing discovery at the family's home in Tempe.

Following a thorough investigation, law enforcement arrested the girl's grandmother, Virginia Lujan, aged 55, and her mother, Jami Hodges. Inside their residence, a repugnant cage filled with feces was found, indicating the dire conditions in which the girl was allegedly kept.

Both relatives now face charges of child abuse after confessing to authorities that they confined the young girl in the cage. Shockingly, the cage was part of a bunk bed where the lower bunk had been removed and replaced with makeshift bars, reportedly used to "control her," as per police statements reported by 12News.

Police Chief Ken McCoy expressed deep concern over the situation, stating, "No child should ever have to endure suffering. We are committed to uncovering the truth and seeking justice on her behalf." McCoy emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable members of the community and ensuring accountability in cases of abuse.

The tragic circumstances surrounding the girl's death revealed that she had a cognitive impairment. Reports indicated that she had fallen down the stairs on a Sunday night. Shockingly, the grandmother admitted to not providing medical assistance, believing the child would recover on her own, as reported by AZ Family. The mother, aged 33, claimed she was unaware of the incident.

Upon examination, the girl was found to have extensive bruises and sores in various stages of healing. Medical professionals at the hospital dedicated hours to trying to save her life, but unfortunately, their efforts were in vain.

Furthermore, four other children, aged between 2 and 15, were removed from the residence near Route 60 by the Department of Child Safety following the distressing revelation. It was also disclosed that the children were not attending school, raising additional concerns about their well-being.

Jami Hodges was arrested and subsequently released, pending charges, while Virginia Lujan remains in police custody.