Honk News (Houston, TX) – A Texas woman has been arrested following the tragic death of a 16-year-old girl with disabilities in her care, who was found to weigh only 78 pounds.
Tracy Gonzales, 48, faces charges related to causing serious bodily harm to a disabled individual. Authorities in Houston initiated an investigation at approximately 7:45 p.m. on March 25 following a report regarding a body found in the 700 block of East 32nd Street, located on the northern side of the city. Upon their arrival, authorities discovered Nayeli Perez deceased in her bedroom, exhibiting “unknown injuries.” The examination revealed that her death was a result of foul play.
In the following months, authorities gradually assembled the details surrounding Nayeli’s heartbreaking end. At some point, custody of the girl was awarded to Gonzales — the police and publicly accessible court records do not specify when — and the defendant started to receive disability payments intended for Nayeli’s support.
However, it is claimed that Gonzales did not reach out to authorities regarding Nayeli’s worsening condition. Authorities report that Gonzales feared for the safety of her children. She allegedly confessed to using a belt as a form of discipline on the victim.
The affidavit revealed, “Defendant stated she would close her eyes and didn’t know where she struck [Nayeli],” the affidavit said.
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Gonzales reportedly stated she would strike Nayeli due to the victim’s “inability to use [the] bathroom and eat food,” according to police reports. Authorities discovered her lifeless body clad only in a diaper, as all her clothing had been soiled, according to the affidavit. According to police, she endured stab wounds to her genitals, along with malnutrition and dehydration. Gonzales stated she had been out for the entire day and came back to discover the victim in a “somewhat difficult” state, according to police reports.
Authorities report that the girl was performing at a first-grade level in both math and reading. Authorities report her weight at 78 pounds. It is reported, referencing documents, that Nayeli was approximately 40 pounds heavier in February 2022. It was also reported that Gonzales served as Nayeli’s foster mother.
Frank Rodriguez, a neighbor, shared with the outlet that the victim attended school with his daughter, but she ceased attending about a year ago. Gonzales stated that Rodriguez consistently provided reasons for Nayeli’s frequent absences from class.
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Before that, Rodriguez indicated that everything seemed normal.
“She was simply an ordinary girl,” he shared with the television network.
Gonzales currently resides at the Harris County Jail, with a bond set at $200,000. The upcoming court appearance is set for January 7.