A Texas couple is facing charges after their 12-year-old daughter died following a four-day period where they allegedly failed to seek medical attention for her severe injuries. Instead, they reportedly attempted to treat her with smoothies.
Miranda Sipps, a cheerleader from Christine, Texas, was found unconscious by emergency responders on Monday evening after her mother finally called 911. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Sipps was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
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An investigation revealed that Sipps had sustained life-threatening injuries the previous Thursday. For the next four days, her mother, Denise Balbaneda, and stepfather, Gerald Gonzales, allegedly neglected to seek medical help, even as Sipps remained largely unconscious.
Sheriff David Soward stated that the couple tried to treat Sipps’ injuries by giving her smoothies with vitamins. “They were trying to give her smoothies, but somebody who is unconscious is not able to swallow,” Soward noted.
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Both Balbaneda and Gonzales were arrested and charged with a first-degree felony for injury to a child by omission. Investigators believe the couple avoided medical attention to prevent law enforcement from coming to their home.
The cause of Sipps’ injuries remains under investigation, but Sheriff Soward stated they were not related to her school. Sipps would have turned 13 later this month.
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