Denise Balbaneda, 36, and Gerald Gonzales, 40, are facing charges in connection with their 12-year-old daughter’s death after allegedly attempting to treat her life-threatening injuries with smoothies and vitamins. The child, identified as Miranda Sipps, sustained severe injuries on August 8 and was taken back home by her mother and stepfather instead of being taken to a hospital. Balbaneda called 911 four days later to report that her daughter was experiencing respiratory issues. The investigation revealed that the parents failed to seek medical assistance for the girl, even though she was mentally and physically incapacitated. The girl was transported to the hospital but was pronounced dead.
The parents were arrested and charged with injury to a child causing serious bodily injury by omission, which is a first-degree felony. Their bond was set at $200,000 each. Miranda Sipps was a cheerleader at Jourdanton Junior High School. The Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office stated that Balbaneda finally called 911 when the girl went into respiratory distress. Dispatchers instructed her to pull over on the side of a highway so that EMS could meet her there and transport the unconscious child to the hospital. Despite their attempts to treat the girl’s injuries themselves, she was pronounced dead after arriving at the hospital.
The sheriff’s office is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the injuries that led to the child’s death. It is unclear how the girl sustained these severe injuries, as details have not been released. However, it is evident that the parents’ failure to seek immediate medical attention for their daughter played a significant role in the tragic outcome. The sheriff’s office has not provided any further information on the case, and it remains unclear if additional charges will be filed against Balbaneda and Gonzales.
The tragic death of Miranda Sipps highlights the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for life-threatening injuries. The parents’ decision to attempt to treat their daughter’s injuries with smoothies and vitamins instead of taking her to the hospital likely contributed to her untimely death. This case serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of neglecting medical care for serious injuries, especially in cases involving children. The community is left mourning the loss of a young cheerleader whose life was cut short due to her parents’ alleged negligence.
As the investigation into Miranda Sipps’ death continues, more details may emerge regarding the circumstances leading to her severe injuries. The Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office is working to determine the events that transpired between the initial injury on August 8 and the child’s tragic death. The community awaits further updates on the case and the potential consequences for Balbaneda and Gonzales. This devastating incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of seeking immediate medical attention in cases of serious injuries, particularly when the life of a child is at stake. It remains to be seen how the justice system will unfold in response to this heartbreaking tragedy.
