In a tragic incident in Atascosa County, Texas, a couple has been apprehended following the death of their 12-year-old daughter. The parents allegedly delayed seeking medical attention for four days while attempting to treat the child's severe condition with smoothies.
Denise Balbaneda, 36, and Gerald Gonzales, 40, residents of Christine, an unincorporated community in Atascosa County, are now facing legal consequences. The couple has been charged with injury to a child causing serious bodily injury by omission, a felony offense in Texas.
According to Atascosa County Sheriff David Soward, the child, identified as Sipps, sustained life-threatening injuries on August 8, 2024. However, her parents did not seek professional medical care until August 12, when Balbaneda finally called emergency services.
"They thought they could nurse her back to health."
The sheriff reported that during the four-day period, Sipps was in a critical state, barely responsive, and only able to "flutter her eyes and move her hands a little bit." The parents' decision to withhold medical treatment and instead attempt to heal her with smoothies proved fatal.
Atascosa County, formed in 1856 and named after the Atascosa River, covers an area of 1,232 square miles. Its economy primarily relies on agriculture and oil production. The incident occurred near Jourdanton, the county seat, located approximately 35 miles south of San Antonio. Jourdanton, founded in 1909 and named after Jourdan Campbell, had a population of 4,253 as of the 2020 census.
This case highlights the critical importance of timely medical intervention, especially in rural areas where emergency medical services may face challenges due to distance and resources. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, which handles child abuse cases, may become involved in the investigation.
Child neglect, a form of child abuse where caregivers fail to provide for a child's basic needs, can have severe consequences. In this instance, the parents' decision to withhold medical treatment led to tragic results, underscoring the legal and moral obligations of guardians to ensure proper care for minors under Texas law, where the age of majority is 18.
As of August 16, 2024, Gonzales remains in custody, while Balbaneda has been released on bond. The investigation continues as authorities await autopsy results to determine the exact cause of the child's injuries and subsequent death.