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Mom & grandma arrested after 13 year old mentally handicapped girl kept in cage dies

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Virginia Lujan & Jami Hodges arrested after 13 year old Tempe, Arizona mentally handicapped girl kept in cage dies.
Pictured, 13 year old mentally handicapped girl, Melony Rose, who died after being beaten and locked in makeshift cage at the hands of her grandmother and mother.
Virginia Lujan & Jami Hodges arrested after 13 year old Tempe, Arizona mentally handicapped girl kept in cage dies.
Virginia Lujan & Jami Hodges arrested after 13 year old Tempe, Arizona mentally handicapped girl kept in cage dies.

Virginia Lujan and Jami Hodges, grandmother and mom of 13 year old Tempe, Arizona, mentally handicapped girl kept in makeshift cage arrested after teen dies after merciless beating. 

The mother and grandmother of a 13 year old girl kept in a ‘makeshift’ cage were arrested after the teen was found unresponsive and later died at a hospital, Arizona police announced on Wednesday. 

Virginia Lujan, 55, the girl’s grandmother called police Tuesday night just before 9 p.m. after finding her 13-year-old granddaughter, Melony Rose, not breathing. The girl was rushed to a hospital, only to pass away, Wednesday morning.

The victim, described as having the mental acuity of a 3 year old and physically handicapped was found covered in bruises and sores, all in various stages of healing. Lujan told investigators that the girl had fallen down the stairs on Sunday night. She did not seek medical attention because she believed the girl would be fine, Tempe police said according to a press briefing.

Neighbors say they never knew or saw 13 year old teen girl

Lujan’s daughter, Jami Hodges, the mother of the victim, was temporarily staying with Lujan. Police say Lujan was caring for all five of Hodges’ children. The other four children are now in DCS custody and are being evaluated.

Police say Hodges admitted she had not been seeing her 13-year-old daughter regularly since the mentally handicapped girl staying with her grandmother.

During a search of the home, investigators came across a ‘makeshift’ cafe, described as ‘being full of feces and having a foul odor.’

Lujan and Hodges allegedly told police the girl was kept in the cage ‘to keep control of her.’

12 News speaking to neighbors, expressed horror about the 13 year old girl’s plight, telling the outlet that they had never heard of or ever seen the 13 year old girl or were even aware o her exsistence.

The grandmother according to police allegedly beat the child along with disciplining her by forcing her to spend time in a feces covered makeshift cage.

Virginia Lujan & Jami Hodges arrested after 13 year old Tempe, Arizona mentally handicapped girl kept in cage dies.
Pictured, 13 year old mentally handicapped girl, Melony Rose, who died after being beaten and locked in makeshift cage at the hands of her grandmother and mother.

‘My beautiful girl, my angel, my Melony Rose. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you…’ 

Lujan and Hodges were arrested on child abuse charges. However, Hodges was released pending further investigation, ABC15 reported.

Posted Jami Hodges on January 15 on Facebook: ‘Went to the gym and broke my nail while exercising so after I was done exercising I went and got my nail fixed now dinner! Seafood Alfredo made from scratch and a glass of wine for dinner. Made my babies theres with of course noodles and made mine with cauliflower rice keto friendlygonna watch a movie and study after kids go to bed. Very satisfying day off.’

Posted the mother in another post: ‘My beautiful girl, my angel, my Melony Rose. You have grown into a beautiful young lady, I can’t believe you are 11 years old. I wish I could slow down time, just a little bit. But I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you….’

The 13 year old’s death remains under investigation. 

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