Child Found in Cage Ignites Outrage and Reform Demands in Arizona

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A 13-year-old girl with severe cognitive issues died after being found living in a makeshift cage in deplorable conditions in Arizona, leading to the arrest of her caregiver and mother on child abuse charges.

Quick Takes

  • 13-year-old Melanie was found unresponsive in a makeshift cage and died after hours of hospital treatment.
  • Virginia Lujan (grandmother) and Jami Hodges (mother) admitted to keeping Melanie in the cage to control her.
  • Melanie’s body was covered in bruises and sores; the home was in deplorable conditions.
  • Lujan and Hodges face child abuse charges; homicide charges may be considered.
  • Four other children, aged 2 to 15, were also living in the home and are now in state custody.

Tragic Discovery and Arrests

In a shocking case of child abuse, a 13-year-old girl identified as Melanie was found living in inhumane conditions inside a makeshift cage in Arizona. The girl, who had severe cognitive issues with the mental capacity of a 3-year-old, was discovered unresponsive by her grandmother, Virginia Lujan, who called the police. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Melanie died after hours of treatment.

The disturbing details of the case have led to the arrest of Lujan and Melanie’s mother, Jami Hodges, on charges of child abuse. Both women admitted to keeping Melanie in the cage as a means to control her behavior. The Tempe Police Department is currently investigating the case, with the possibility of homicide charges being considered as the investigation continues.

Deplorable Living Conditions

The makeshift cage where Melanie was kept was described by law enforcement as a modified bunk bed with horrifying additions. Officer Jessica Ells provided a chilling description of the scene, “The best way to describe it, it was a bunk bed, but the lower bed of that bunk was not there. And the bunk bed around the bottom was surrounded by baby cages and makeshift bars,”

The living conditions were described as disorderly and deplorable, with the cage area littered with feces. Melanie’s body was covered in bruises and sores in various stages of healing, indicating long-term abuse. Lujan claimed the bruises were from falls down the stairs and did not seek medical care, believing Melanie would recover on her own.

Impact on Other Children and Community Response

The case has broader implications, as four other children, aged 2 to 15, were also living in the home under Lujan’s care. These children, who are Melanie’s siblings, were not attending school and have now been placed in state custody. Neighbors reported that the children seemed scared and standoffish, raising questions about why the situation wasn’t noticed or reported earlier.

Tempe Police Chief Kenneth McCoy emphasized the department’s commitment to justice for Melanie and highlighted the importance of community vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals. The case has sparked outrage and calls for reform in child protection services, with many questioning how such severe abuse could go undetected for so long.

Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings

As the investigation continues, Virginia Lujan remains in custody, while Jami Hodges has been released pending further investigation. The police are working diligently to gather all necessary evidence to ensure justice for Melanie. The cause of Melanie’s unresponsiveness is pending an autopsy, which may provide crucial information for potential homicide charges.

Sources:

Mentally-Handicapped 13-Year-Old Dies After She’s Kept in Cage; Mom & Grandmom Jailed

Police: Family members kept teen in cage, abused her to death

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