In a heartbreaking case out of Tempe, Arizona, authorities have ruled the death of a 13-year-old girl with the mental capacity of a 3-year-old as a homicide. Her grandmother allegedly kept her locked in a filthy makeshift cage filled with feces, leading to severe wounds that proved fatal.
Melony Granados died in January after police found her unresponsive at her grandmother Virginia Lujan’s home. Paramedics rushed her to the hospital, but she passed away the next day. Now, the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed the Tempe teen’s death as homicide, pointing to long-term child abuse in shocking living conditions.
Lujan, 55, faced child abuse charges for confining Melony in what police described as a horrifying setup. Investigators say it was a modified bunk bed with the lower part removed, surrounded by baby gates and makeshift bars. The enclosure reeked of foul odors and was covered in waste, while the rest of the house showed “deplorable” filth.
When police arrived on January 22, Lujan claimed Melony had simply fallen down the stairs. She admitted she didn’t call for help right away, thinking the injuries weren’t serious, and only sought aid when the girl lost consciousness. But experts noted Melony’s bruises and sores were in different healing stages, showing repeated beatings over time to “keep her in line.”
Melony’s mother, Jami Hodges, 33, lived separately but knew about the cage, according to officials. Both women confessed to using it for control. Hodges told police she never heard about any stair fall. She’s now charged with child abuse, tampering with evidence, and tampering with a witness, but authorities released her pending formal charges. Her four other children are in the custody of Arizona’s Department of Child Safety.
Tragically, Lujan died in jail last month from natural causes before facing trial. This Arizona child abuse case has stunned the community, highlighting the urgent need for better protection for vulnerable kids like Melony. Police continue their investigation into the homicide ruling.
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