Tragic Death of 13-Year-Old Girl with Epilepsy in Makeshift Cage: A Story of Abuse and Neglect
A 13-year-old girl with epilepsy was found dead in her grandmother's Arizona home, where she had been kept in a "makeshift cage." Melony Granados, who had cognitive impairments, was in the care of her grandmother, Virginia Lujan. Lujan was charged with child abuse in connection with the teen's death, which was ruled a homicide by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office.
The Tempe Police Department had been waiting for the medical examiner's report to consider additional charges against Lujan. However, Lujan passed away in custody at the Maricopa County Jail due to natural causes. The home where Granados lived was described as filthy, with unsanitary conditions and a bunk bed converted into a makeshift cage.
On January 20, Lujan called 911 to report Granados was unresponsive, claiming the girl had fallen down the stairs. Granados died the next day at a hospital. Investigators found extensive bruising on the girl and discovered the unsanitary living conditions in the home, including the makeshift cage where Granados was kept for extended periods.
Granados, who had epilepsy and severe cognitive impairments, was one of five children of Lujan's daughter, Jami Hodges. Hodges had transferred custody of four of her children to Lujan. In February, Lujan was indicted on charges of child abuse, evidence tampering, and contributing to the dependency of a child.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Maricopa County Attorney's Office, and Tempe Police Department did not respond to requests for comment. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office declined to provide a statement on the case.