A heartbreaking and disturbing case has emerged in Tempe, Arizona, where a grandmother and mother are accused of severely abusing a 13-year-old girl with special needs, ultimately leading to her tragic death. The young girl, who had the mental capacity of a 3-year-old, was reportedly subjected to horrifying treatment, including being confined in a makeshift cage that was covered in feces.
Virginia Lujan, 55, and her daughter, Jami Hodges, 33, were arrested on Tuesday and charged with child abuse. The victim was Lujan’s granddaughter and Hodges’ daughter.
The Tempe Police Department shared details about the case, revealing that officers responded to a 911 call at Lujan’s home on the evening of January 21. Lujan had called emergency services, saying her granddaughter wasn’t breathing. When first responders arrived, they found the child unresponsive and rushed her to the hospital while attempting life-saving measures. Inside the home, officers noted the girl was covered in bruises and sores in various stages of healing, a sign of ongoing abuse.
During an interview with detectives, Lujan said the girl had fallen down the stairs two days earlier, on Sunday night, but she didn’t take her to the doctor because she thought the child would recover on her own. Investigators also learned the girl had a cognitive delay, functioning at the level of a toddler.
The victim’s mother, Hodges, told detectives she wasn’t aware of her daughter falling down the stairs. She also admitted she hadn’t been regularly checking on her daughter, who had been staying temporarily with Lujan, along with three of Hodges’ other children. Lujan was reportedly caring for four of Hodges’ five kids at the time.
Doctors at the hospital worked tirelessly to save the young girl’s life, but she sadly passed away in the early hours of January 22 due to her injuries.
When detectives searched Lujan’s home, they discovered a makeshift cage that reeked of a foul odor and was filled with feces. Investigators say both Lujan and Hodges admitted they used the cage to “keep control” of the child.
As of now, Lujan remains in custody, while Hodges was booked and later released pending further charges. Authorities have stated that the investigation is still ongoing, and additional charges may follow as more evidence comes to light.
This devastating case has left the community in shock as they await further updates from the authorities.
