Ariz. mother, grandmother accused of keeping 13-year-old special-needs girl locked in cage before teen died

An Arizona teen with the mental capacity of a 3-year-old died after she was found unresponsive and covered in bruises at her family home – where her mother and grandmother allegedly kept her locked up in a makeshift cage.

The 13-year-old girl died Wednesday morning after she was rushed to the hospital by police when her grandmother, Virginia Lujan, reported Tuesday night that her granddaughter was not breathing, according to the Tempe Police Department, multiple outlets reported. 

Police, upon further investigation, arrested Lujan, 55, and the teen’s mother, Jami Hodges, after investigators found what appeared to be a foul-smelling cage filled with feces inside their home in Tempe.

Both relatives are now facing child abuse charges after they allegedly admitted to police they kept the youngster in the cage – which was part of bunk bed where the lower bunk had been removed and replaced with makeshift bars – to “control her,” police said, 12News reported.

“No child should ever have to endure suffering. We are committed to uncovering the truth and seeking justice on her behalf,” Police Chief Ken McCoy said at a press conference Thursday, Fox 10 reported. 

“The tragic loss of a child is a profound reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the most vulnerable in our community. Investigations like this demand meticulous attention to detail and sensitivity to the emotional toll that it takes on everyone involved.”

McCoy said the department is committed to holding the pair accountable.

The teen, who had a cognitive impairment, reportedly fell down the stairs Sunday night, with her grandmother telling police she didn’t provide medical aid thinking the child would be fine, AZ Family reported. 

The 33-year-old mother claimed she wasn’t aware of the fall, police said. 

Police said the youngster was covered in bruises and sores that were in different stages of healing when she was taken to the hospital, where doctors spent hours performing life-saving efforts.

Four additional children, ranging from ages 2 to 15, were removed from the home near Route 60 by the Department of Child Safety following the disturbing discovery, according to AZ Family.

The children weren’t attending school, according to investigators.

Additional charges could be filed as police investigate. 

“This case is on-going and still actively being investigated,” police said, according to Fox 10.

“More charges could be pending as more evidence is discovered.”

Hodges was booked and released, pending charges, as Lujan remains in police custody, police said.