A mother from Texas has recently faced charges following the tragic death of her 19-year-old daughter, Delilah Villegas, who had severe autism and was nonspeaking. The authorities described the condition in which Delilah was found as “mummified,” leading to a heartbreaking discovery. Crystal Canales, the mother, made a distress call to 911 on the afternoon of February 14, reporting that her daughter was unresponsive and not breathing at their residence in Balch Springs, according to a press release from the Balch Springs Police Department (BSPD).
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When emergency responders arrived, they found Delilah Villegas in a state of severe malnourishment with multiple bruises and contusions, leading them to initially believe she was much younger, possibly 13 years old. The sight of Delilah lying in a near-fetal position on the floor, with visible lacerations exposing decaying limbs, shocked authorities. The police described her condition as “skin-to-bone” and likened her appearance to that of a mummified body, with protruding shoulder bones and severe bedsores indicating prolonged neglect.
The circumstances surrounding Delilah’s death raised concerns as medical examiners estimated she had passed away at least 6 to 24 hours before authorities were alerted. Despite her mother’s claims that Delilah had been breathing and had eaten earlier that day, rigor mortis and other post-mortem changes suggested otherwise. Balch Springs police determined that Crystal Canales, by failing to seek medical attention for her daughter’s severe injuries and conditions, had been neglectful in her care, resulting in serious bodily harm to a disabled person.
Crystal Canales was taken into custody on February 21 after authorities issued an arrest warrant, charging her with one count of serious bodily injury to a disabled person, classified as a second-degree felony. While investigating Delilah’s living situation, the police spoke with family members who revealed concerns about Delilah’s aggressive behaviour towards them and incidents of violence in the past. However, character witnesses described Canales as a dedicated mother who was actively involved in her daughter’s life and education.
The police noted that despite a previous welfare check in 2021 where the family was deemed healthy and well, the circumstances leading to Delilah’s tragic demise remained puzzling. Investigators found no signs of starvation in the home, with available food supplies and a seemingly suitable environment. Family members indicated that Delilah, although wearing diapers, had no significant health issues and was capable of cooking for herself, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
As Crystal Canales awaits her transfer to Dallas County Jail, questions loom over the events that led to Delilah Villegas’ death and the potential negligence that contributed to her deteriorating condition. The tragic outcome serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of caring for vulnerable individuals, especially those with disabilities, and seeking timely medical attention when needed. The ongoing investigation aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident, providing answers and ensuring justice for Delilah.