In a tragic incident in Texas, a 12-year-old girl, Miranda Sipps, has died after her parents attempted to treat her life-threatening injuries with smoothies and vitamins instead of seeking medical help, officials have reported. Miranda passed away on Monday at a hospital after being transported there by emergency services.
The incident began when Miranda sustained severe injuries four days prior. During this time, her parents, Denise Balbaneda (36) and Gerald Gonzalez (40), reportedly did not seek medical attention. Instead, they tried to treat her at home with smoothies and vitamins, despite her worsening condition. The parents allegedly attempted to provide her with oxygen in a bid to revive her, but she remained unresponsive and mentally incapacitated.
On the fourth day, when Miranda was unable to breathe, her parents called emergency services. However, in an unusual move, her mother left the house with Miranda in a car, reportedly to avoid police presence at their home. The vehicle was intercepted by police near a highway, where Miranda was found unconscious but still alive. She was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead shortly after arrival.
Sheriff David Soward of Atascosa County revealed that the parents may have avoided seeking medical help due to the attention the situation might draw. The couple reportedly believed they could nurse their daughter back to health on their own. During the four days, Miranda was described as being able only to “flutter her eyes and move her hands a little bit.”
An autopsy is being conducted to determine the exact nature of Miranda’s injuries. Meanwhile, her mother and stepfather have been arrested and charged with injury to a child causing serious bodily injury.
