Arizona girl’s death ruled homicide after being kept in cage at grandmother’s home: report
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The death of a 13-year-old girl with epilepsy has reportedly been ruled a homicide, after authorities said she had been kept in a “makeshift cage” inside her grandmother’s Arizona home.

Melony Granados — who suffered from a rare form of epilepsy and cognitive impairments that left her functioning at the level of a 3-year-old — had been in the care of her grandmother, Virginia Lujan. Lujan, 55, was charged in February with child abuse and related offenses in connection with the teen’s death, prosecutors said.

The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office recently confirmed Granados’ death was ruled a homicide, ABC15 reported.

“While investigating, officers discovered a bunk bed that had been adapted into a makeshift enclosure where the victim was kept for extended periods of time, along with grossly unsanitary conditions throughout the home,” the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office said at the time.

Granados, who had epilepsy and severe cognitive impairments, was one of five children belonging to Lujan’s daughter, Jami Hodges. Hodges had previously transferred custody of four of her children to Lujan.

Police units responds to the scene of an emergency.

FILE PHOTO: Police units respond to the scene of an emergency. (Getty Images)

In February, Lujan was indicted on charges including child abuse, evidence tampering, and contributing to the dependency of a child, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and Tempe Police Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. A spokesperson for the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office declined to comment.

Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Live updates: Thune says he can't make Obamacare commitments in shutdown talks

Live Coverage: Thune Unable to Promise Changes to Obamacare Amidst Government Shutdown Negotiations

The Senate reconvenes Friday with another vote that could reopen the government…
Border Patrol arrest

Trump’s Visible Push to Militarize Chicago Persists

CHICAGO () Operation Midway Blitz has been ongoing for weeks now around…
Keith Urban guitarist 'other woman' Maggie Baugh's REAL boyfriend

Meet Maggie Baugh’s Actual Boyfriend: The Guitarist Linked to Keith Urban

The young guitarist at the center of rumors that she is Keith…
He has the 'it' factor

He’s got that special something

Nobody in the Yankees clubhouse knows pitching like Gerrit Cole. When reflecting…
Taylor Swift fans heartbroken after album 'exposes' her as 'mean girl'

Taylor Swift Fans Disappointed as Album Paints Her as a ‘Mean Girl’

Taylor Swift’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl, has upset some…
Michigan church shooting bodycam video shows police confront gunman

Michigan church shooting bodycam video shows police confront gunman

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Police in Michigan released…
Rangers take no Artemi Panarin chances in matchup with Devils

Rangers play it safe with Artemi Panarin against Devils matchup

Although Artemi Panarin participated in line rushes during the morning skate in…
Trump directs admin to review federal funding to Portland amid anti-ICE 'anarchy,' Leavitt says

Trump Orders Administration to Evaluate Federal Funding to Portland Due to Anti-ICE Protests, According to Leavitt

President Trump has instructed his administration to examine which federal funds might…