Honk News (Tempe, AZ) – In a shocking case from Arizona, a grandmother and mother face serious allegations of abusing a 13-year-old girl with special needs, leading to her tragic death. Reports indicate that the child, who had the mental capacity of a 3-year-old, suffered severe beatings and was subjected to harsh disciplinary measures, including confinement in a makeshift cage covered in feces.
Virginia Lujan, 55, and Jami Hodges, 33, were arrested on Tuesday and face charges of child abuse related to the tragic death of their granddaughter and daughter.
On Tuesday, Jan. 21, at approximately 9 p.m., officers from the Tempe Police Department arrived at Lujan’s residence following a 911 call. The call was made by the grandmother, who informed the emergency dispatcher that her 13-year-old granddaughter was unresponsive.
First responders quickly arrived at the location, found the victim, and initiated life-saving efforts before transporting her to a nearby hospital for further care. Authorities at the scene observed that the individual displayed numerous bruises and sores, each appearing to be at different stages of healing, suggesting a pattern of sustained physical mistreatment.
Following early assessments and the critical nature of the child’s health, law enforcement alerted the Criminal Investigation Bureau regarding the situation.
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During a conversation with investigators, the grandmother of the victim stated that she was looking after the child when she made the emergency call.
“Lujan told investigators the child had fallen down the stairs two days prior, on Sunday night,” the release states. “She said she did not seek medical attention because she believed the girl would be fine. It was learned the girl had a cognitive delay and had the mental capacity of a 3-year-old.”
According to police, the mother of the victim informed detectives that she had “no knowledge of a fall” concerning her daughter. Hodges confirmed that her daughter had been “temporarily residing with Lujan, who was looking after four of Hodges’ five children.”
“Hodges admitted to not seeing her 13-year-old daughter regularly since staying at her mother’s home,” the release states.
At the hospital, medical personnel dedicate several hours to executing critical interventions for the child. Tragically, she did not survive her injuries and was declared deceased in the early morning of Jan. 22, according to police reports.
Authorities later secured and carried out a search warrant at Lujan’s residence. Authorities reported discovering a structure resembling a makeshift cage, filled with waste and emitting a strong, unpleasant smell.
“Both Lujan and Hodges admitted that the girl was kept in this ‘cage’ to keep control of her,” the release states.
As of Thursday afternoon, the mother and daughter in custody were facing charges related to child abuse. However, police indicated that the investigation is still active, and further charges may arise depending on new evidence that comes to light.
Authorities reported that Lujan is still in custody, whereas Hodges has been processed and released while awaiting potential charges.