A Texas mother, Crystal Canales, has been arrested and charged after her 19-year-old daughter, Delilah Villegas, was found dead in a shocking and tragic condition at their home in Balch Springs on February 14.
Villegas, who had severe autism and was nonspeaking, was discovered in a state that authorities described as “mummified” and “severely malnourished,” with multiple bruises and contusions on her body.
According to the Balch Springs Police Department (BSPD), Canales called 911 to report that her daughter was unresponsive and not breathing.
When first responders arrived at the scene, they observed a “strong foul odor” coming from Villegas’ bedroom, where she was found lying in a near-fetal position on the floor.
Officers noted that Villegas appeared to be much younger than her 19 years, as her body was “skin-to-bone” with large lacerations exposing decaying limbs and bones.
It was later revealed that Villegas had been in this position for a prolonged period of time, as indicated by bedsores on her body and an outline on the floor.
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Medical examiners concluded that she had likely been dead for six to 24 hours before authorities arrived at the home.
While Canales claimed her daughter had eaten earlier in the day and had been breathing before first responders arrived, police believe Villegas had been dead for at least four hours before help arrived.
After an investigation, police determined that Canales had failed to seek medical care for her daughter’s severe injuries, which was considered “reckless conduct leading to serious bodily injury to a disabled person.”
Canales was arrested on February 21 and charged with serious bodily injury to a disabled person, a second-degree felony.
The family had a history of challenges related to Villegas’ autism, with some relatives stating that she could be aggressive at times. However, they also described Canales as a “great mother” who was involved in her daughter’s life.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Villegas’ death, and it remains unclear whether other family members will face charges.
