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
New Jersey Homeland Security raid captures 46 undocumented workers at Avenel warehouse

New Jersey Homeland Security Raid Uncovers 46 Undocumented Workers at Avenel Warehouse

On Thursday, federal officials announced the arrest of at least 46 undocumented…
Soybean farmers 'grateful' for Trump's trade deal with China

Soybean Farmers Reap Rewards from Trump’s Landmark China Trade Deal

In a significant development for American agriculture, China has agreed to resume…
Small Vermont town draws ‘Beetlejuice’ fans to iconic horror movie site

Vermont Village Attracts ‘Beetlejuice’ Enthusiasts to Celebrated Horror Film Location

For almost four decades, the quaint town of East Corinth, Vermont, has…
Tom Brady blames fatherhood and $375m Fox job for making him sick

Tom Brady Cites Fatherhood and Lucrative $375M Fox Deal as Sources of Stress and Illness

In his latest newsletter, Tom Brady shared a candid moment, reflecting on…
Where did it all go wrong for Andrew? A timeline of his downfall

Unraveling the Downfall: A Comprehensive Timeline of Andrew’s Descent

Andrew will no longer hold the title of prince and is set…
Death row inmate Stephen Bryant chooses firing squad execution after admitting to gruesome murder

Shocking Choice: Death Row Inmate Stephen Bryant Opts for Firing Squad After Confessing to Heinous Crime

A South Carolina inmate on death row, convicted over two decades ago…
Funeral home recovers 300+ piles of human remains outside Las Vegas

Shocking Discovery: Over 300 Human Remains Unearthed at Las Vegas Funeral Home

The mystery surrounding the illegal dumping of over 300 piles of human…
LA fire crews told to abandon smoldering blaze that reignited as Palisades Fire: Report

Breaking: LA Fire Crews Withdrawn as Persistent Palisades Blaze Reignites – Latest Updates

A recent article in the Los Angeles Times reveals that firefighters were…