Authorities Probe Tragic Case of Arizona Girl Discovered in Cage Incident

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A 13-year-old mentally handicapped girl in Arizona died after being found living in a makeshift cage, sparking an investigation into severe child abuse and neglect.

Quick Takes

Virginia Lujan and Jami Hodges arrested for child abuse after 13-year-old Melanie found dead in deplorable conditions
Melanie was kept in a makeshift cage made from baby gates and bunk bed parts
Girl’s body covered in bruises and sores; autopsy pending to determine cause of death
Four other children, aged 2 to 15, removed from home and placed in state custody

Shocking Discovery in Arizona Home

In a disturbing case that has rocked the community, a 13-year-old mentally handicapped girl named Melanie was found deceased in her Arizona home after being kept in inhumane conditions. The girl’s grandmother, Virginia Lujan, called the police to report that Melanie was not breathing. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Melanie tragically died after hours of treatment.

Ariz. mother, grandmother accused of keeping 13-year-old special-needs girl locked in cage before teen died https://t.co/UMiw0sYpOV pic.twitter.com/Kqeeina6hJ

— New York Post (@nypost) January 24, 2025

Upon investigation, law enforcement discovered a horrifying living situation for the young girl. Melanie, who had severe cognitive issues with the mental capacity of a 3-year-old, was being kept in a makeshift cage constructed from baby gates and parts of a bunk bed. The enclosure was described as filthy and littered with feces.

Arrests and Ongoing Investigation

Virginia Lujan and Melanie’s mother, Jami Hodges, were both arrested on child abuse charges. They admitted to keeping Melanie in the cage as a means of controlling her behavior. Lujan remains in custody, while Hodges has been released pending further investigation. As the case unfolds, authorities are considering the possibility of homicide charges.

“The best way to describe it, it was a bunk bed, but the lower bed of that bunk was not there. And the bunk bed around the bottom was surrounded by baby cages and makeshift bars,” stated Jessica Ells from the police department.

The investigation revealed that Melanie’s body was covered in bruises and sores in various stages of healing. Lujan claimed these injuries were from falling down stairs and did not seek medical care, believing the girl would recover on her own. This negligence raises serious questions about the level of care provided to Melanie and the other children in the home.

Deplorable Living Conditions and Neglect

The home where Melanie and her siblings lived was described as being in a state of severe disarray and filth. Four other children, ranging in age from 2 to 15, were also living in the home under Lujan’s care. These children, who were not attending school, have now been placed in state custody.

Neighbors reported that the children in the home seemed scared and standoffish, indicating potential long-term abuse and neglect. The fact that these children were not attending school raises additional concerns about their overall well-being and development.

Call for Justice and Protection of Vulnerable Children

Law enforcement officials have emphasized their commitment to seeking justice for Melanie and protecting other vulnerable members of the community. Tempe Police Chief Kenneth McCoy stated the department’s dedication to holding those responsible accountable for their actions, “The tragic loss of a child is a profound reminder of our shared responsibility to protect the most vulnerable in our community.”