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
Iran executes man convicted of spying for Israeli intelligence

Iran Executes Convicted Israeli Spy: Unveiling the High-Stakes Espionage Drama

Iranian authorities have executed a man accused of espionage for Israel’s intelligence…
Once-thriving shopping mall is eerily empty on Sunday before Christmas

Deserted Mall: A Surprising Sight Just Days Before Christmas

In a stark contrast to its bustling past, a once-celebrated shopping mall…
Israeli diaspora minister says Australia should have seen 'writing on the wall' before terror attack

Israeli Minister Criticizes Australia’s Oversight Before Terror Attack: Calls for Proactive Measures

Amidst the tragic aftermath of a terror attack that claimed 15 lives…
Bondi Beach suspects filmed antisemitic video manifesto, Australian investigators say

Australian Investigators Report Antisemitic Video Manifesto Filmed at Bondi Beach

Authorities in Australia report that the suspects involved in the Bondi Beach…
Bali bombings' linked to Philippines terror hotspot

Unveiling the Connection: Bali Bombings Traced Back to Notorious Philippine Terror Hub

Allegations have emerged against Sajid and Naveed Akram, a father-son duo, who…
Boys at her school shared deepfake nudes of her. After a fight, she was the one expelled

Outrage as Victim of Deepfake Harassment Faces Expulsion After School Fight

THIBODAUX, La. (AP) — At a Louisiana middle school, a group of…
FILE - Colorado Gov. Jared Polis speaks to the National Governors Association at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 25, 2025. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Colorado Governor Criticizes Trump for Denying Disaster Requests Amid Political Tensions

DENVER (AP) — Colorado Governor Jared Polis has criticized President Donald Trump…
Bondi Beach massacre dad unmasked at last in final photograph before the deadly attack - as fresh new details are revealed about his trips to India with terror suspect son Naveed

Identity of Bondi Beach Tragedy Father Finally Revealed

A striking new image of Sajid Akram, the man behind the Bondi…