By The Nexus Gazette.
August 16, 2024
In a deeply tragic incident in Christine, Texas, a 12-year-old girl named Miranda Sipps lost her life after her parents attempted to treat her severe injuries with homemade smoothies instead of seeking urgent medical help. Miranda, a cheerleader at Jourdanton Junior High School, was found in critical condition when her mother finally called 911 on Monday evening, four days after the injuries occurred.
According to reports, Miranda sustained life-threatening injuries the previous Thursday. In an alarming turn of events, her mother, 36-year-old Denise Balbaneda, and stepfather, 40-year-old Gerald Gonzales, did not seek medical assistance during the critical period. Instead, they tried to nurse her back to health by giving her smoothies fortified with vitamins, despite her being largely unconscious and unable to properly swallow.
For four agonizing days, Miranda lay in her home, only able to flutter her eyes and move her hands slightly, while her parents chose to rely on their unconventional treatment. The decision to delay professional medical care proved fatal, as Miranda succumbed to her injuries shortly after emergency services were finally contacted.
Denise Balbaneda and Gerald Gonzales have since been arrested and charged with a first-degree felony for injury to a child by omission. Authorities suspect that the couple avoided seeking medical attention to prevent law enforcement from discovering the circumstances surrounding Miranda’s injuries.
Atascosa County Sheriff David Soward expressed shock and disbelief at the unusual nature of the case. “This is not something we see every day,” Soward commented. The exact cause of Miranda’s injuries is still under investigation, and the final autopsy report is pending. It has been confirmed that her injuries were unrelated to school, which had just resumed earlier that day.
Miranda Sipps, who would have turned 13 later this month, had her young life tragically cut short. The sheriff’s office continues to investigate the circumstances leading to her death, and the community is left grappling with the senseless loss of a vibrant young girl.
This heartbreaking incident underscores the critical importance of seeking timely medical attention for serious injuries. Miranda’s story serves as a somber reminder to prioritize the well-being of our loved ones and trust in professional medical care when faced with life-threatening situations.
Resources:
1.https://www.yahoo.com/news/12-old-texas-girl-dies-203538520.html
3.https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/08/15/texas-cheerleader-dead-parents-treat-injuries-smoothies/