A 12-year-old Texas girl named Miranda Sipps died after her mother and stepfather failed to seek medical attention for four days following life-threatening injuries. Instead of taking her to the hospital, they tried to nurse her back to health with smoothies. Sipps was found in critical condition when her mother called 911, and she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. The investigation revealed that Sipps had been suffering from severe injuries for four days, during which she was largely unconscious. Her parents attempted to treat her with smoothies containing vitamins. The mother, Denise Balbaneda, and stepfather, Gerald Gonzales, were arrested and charged with a first-degree felony for injury to a child by omission.
The cause of Sipps’ injuries is still under investigation, and the final autopsy report is pending. Sheriff David Soward expressed his surprise at the unusual circumstances of the case, noting that it is not something they typically encounter. Sipps’ parents may have avoided seeking medical attention to prevent law enforcement from coming to their home. The case has shocked the community, as Sipps was a cheerleader at Jourdanton Junior High School. She would have turned 13 later this month. The sheriff’s office has not provided further updates on the investigation.
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