A mother in Texas has been arrested after authorities discovered the remains of her 19-year-old daughter with autism in a shocking state inside their home. The woman, 41, faces charges related to serious bodily injury inflicted on a disabled person under her care.
The investigation began on Valentine’s Day when the mother called emergency services, claiming that her daughter was struggling to breathe. However, what first responders encountered upon arrival painted a much darker and more tragic reality.
Police and emergency personnel arrived at the home that afternoon and were met with an overwhelming foul odor. Entering the young woman’s bedroom, they found a bare mattress on the floor surrounded by comforters, sheets, and pillows. Lying on the floor beside the mattress was the 19-year-old, positioned on her right side in a near-fetal state. Authorities noted a distinct outline around her body, suggesting that she had been on the ground for an extended period.
Despite her mother’s claims that she had been breathing and had eaten some crackers earlier that day, medical assessments determined that she had likely been lying in that spot anywhere from six to twenty-four hours before help arrived. Reports indicated that she appeared severely malnourished, with numerous bruises, bed sores, and even exposed bones on multiple parts of her body, including her thigh, shoulder, hip, buttocks, hand, and ankle.
Authorities initially mistook the teenager for someone much younger, estimating her to be around 13 years old due to her severely emaciated appearance. She was described as being “skin to bone,” with some officers remarking that she looked “mummified.”
The mother explained that she had been using over-the-counter ointment to treat her daughter’s sores but avoided seeking professional medical attention due to concerns over her daughter’s history of aggressive behavior. Family members confirmed that the young woman, who was non-verbal and wore diapers, had episodes of aggression toward relatives. However, investigators determined that a reasonable caregiver would have sought medical assistance given the severity of her condition.
Medical records showed that the last time the young woman had received professional medical attention was in 2021. Similarly, police records revealed that the last documented service call to the family’s residence had also occurred that year.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, the mother was taken into custody and is currently awaiting transfer to a larger detention facility.
