Parents Arrested for Failing to Seek Medical Help as Authorities Investigate
A 12-year-old girl from Texas has tragically died after her parents attempted to treat her life-threatening injuries with homemade remedies, including smoothies and vitamins, instead of seeking professional medical care. The girl, identified as Miranda Sipps, passed away on Monday at a hospital after her parents, Denise Balbaneda, 36, and Gerald Gonzalez, 40, finally called emergency services when she was unable to breathe.
Parents did not seek any medical help
Miranda’s injuries, described by authorities as “mentally and physically incapacitating,” had left her unresponsive for four days before her parents sought help. In a bizarre twist, after making the emergency call, Miranda’s mother fled the house with the girl in a car, reportedly to avoid police entering their home.
The car was intercepted by police near a highway, where Miranda was found unconscious but still alive. She was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead shortly after arrival.
Investigators revealed that during the four days Miranda was incapacitated, her parents did not seek any medical attention, instead opting to treat her with smoothies, vitamins, and possibly oxygen in an attempt to revive her. Atascosa County Sheriff David Soward commented on the case, saying, “Basically, they thought they could nurse her back to health, and we do not think they wanted the attention that this would draw if the little girl was injured.”
The parents informed authorities that over the four days, Miranda could only “flutter her eyes and move her hands a little bit.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover the funeral expenses for 12-year-old Miranda Sipps. The organizer, who identifies as Sipps’ aunt, reports that the fundraiser has raised $1,735 toward its $15,000 goal as of Thursday afternoon.
“She was taken from us far too soon in an unexpected way, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and memories that we will cherish forever,” the GoFundMe states. “As we come together to celebrate her life and mourn her loss, we are also faced with the financial burden of funeral expenses. We kindly request that you consider making a donation to help offset these costs. Your contribution will be a meaningful way to honor Miranda’s memory and support our family during this difficult time.”
The exact cause of Miranda’s severe injuries remains unclear, and an autopsy is being conducted to determine their nature. Both Balbaneda and Gonzalez have been arrested and charged with injury to a child causing serious bodily injury as the investigation continues.
