A 13-year-old Arizona girl died on Wednesday, a day after she was reportedly found living in a cage
Virginia Lujan, 55, contacted Tempe police after her granddaughter was reported not breathing, based on information from KNXV. The authorities discovered the girl in a distressing condition, covered in sores and bruises, living in a makeshift cage filled with feces and a foul odor.
The police spokesperson, Jessica Ells, described the scene as a bunk bed surrounded by baby cages and makeshift bars. The lower bed of the bunk was missing. This was reported by KPHO.
Due to severe cognitive impairments, the girl had the mental capacity similar to that of a 3-year-old. Lujan was responsible for looking after her granddaughter and four other children belonging to Jami Hodges, 33. While Hodges was temporarily residing with Lujan, she did not spend much time with her own daughter, as indicated by KSAZ.
Lujan allegedly told police that her granddaughter fell down the stairs on Sunday, and she did not seek medical attention because she thought the girl was fine. Hodges claimed she was unaware of the incident.
Lujan and Hodges allegedly confessed to keeping the girl in a cage to keep control of her.
Hodges’ four other children range in age from 2 to 15. Police said the children are in state custody, noting that none of them were in school.
Lujan and Hodges were arrested on child abuse charges. However, Hodges was released pending further investigation.
[Feature Photo: Tempe Police Department]
