A Texas cheerleader’s parents, accused of attempting to treat her severe injuries with smoothies, are set to go to trial.
Denise Balbaneda, 36, and Gerald Gonzalez, 40, face serious charges following the tragic death of their 12-year-old daughter, Miranda Sipps, who passed away on Aug. 12 due to injuries sustained days prior. The Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office reported that Balbaneda, the mother, and Gonzalez, the stepfather, did not seek medical help for the girl, despite her being mentally and physically incapacitated and non-responsive.
They reportedly tried to help her recover with smoothies and vitamins, even though she was unable to swallow while unconscious.
Records indicate that Balbaneda and Gonzalez, arrested in August, appeared in court on December 4 and are scheduled for a jury trial on February 3. Both defendants were unrepresented by legal counsel. On August 13, both individuals were taken into custody and later released after posting a bond of $200,000.
Limited information has emerged about the injuries that resulted in Miranda’s death. Atascosa County Sheriff David Soward mentioned in a press conference after the arrests that Miranda had sustained “life-threatening injuries” that rendered her unconscious. He mentioned, “She wasn’t speaking; she could only flutter her eyes and move her hands slightly.” For four days, she was kept lying on a pallet in the house.
Soward explained that Balbaneda and Gonzales essentially admitted to not seeking medical care for their daughter to avoid unwanted scrutiny. Rather than seeking hospital care for their unconscious daughter, they opted for supplemental oxygen and attempted to provide her with “smoothies,” vitamins, and supplements, even though she couldn’t swallow.
After Miranda experienced respiratory distress, Balbaneda made the decision to call 911. A young girl was transported to a hospital, where she was declared deceased. An autopsy has taken place, but the report is still pending release.