Tragedy struck in Texas as a 12-year-old girl, identified as Miranda Sipps, lost her life due to severe injuries that her parents allegedly attempted to treat with smoothies and vitamins. Denise Balbaneda, 36, and Gerald Gonzales, 40, have been arrested and charged with injury to a child causing serious bodily injury by omission, a first-degree felony.
The incident unfolded when Miranda sustained life-threatening injuries on August 8 and was taken back home by her mother and stepfather instead of seeking immediate medical help. The parents opted to try treating the girl's injuries at home, leading to a delay in proper medical intervention.
Four days after the initial injury, Balbaneda called 911 to report that Miranda was experiencing respiratory issues. It was then revealed that the parents had failed to seek medical assistance for the incapacitated and non-responsive girl, only reaching out for help when she went into respiratory distress.
Emergency services instructed Balbaneda to pull over on the side of a highway while attempting to drive Miranda to the hospital. When EMS arrived, the girl was unconscious but alive. She was rushed to the hospital but, tragically, was later pronounced dead.
The Atascosa County Sheriff's Office is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding Miranda's injuries and subsequent death. This heartbreaking case serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking immediate medical attention in cases of severe injury or distress.
