Texas – In a disturbing case out of Texas, a 12-year-old girl, identified as M. Sipps, died following a series of decisions by her parents that has left the community in shock and mourning. The young girl’s 36-year-old mother, identified as D. Balbaneda, and 40-year-old stepfather, identified as G. Gonzalez, are set to face a jury trial after being charged with injury to a child, following their alleged attempts to treat her severe injuries with vitamins and supplements instead of seeking professional medical help.
Sipps tragically passed away on August 12 after days of suffering from injuries sustained the previous week. Despite her deteriorating condition, which left her mentally and physically incapacitated and non-responsive, her parents allegedly opted not to seek medical attention. The sheriff’s office reported that the couple tried to nurse Sipps back to health using vitamins, smoothies, and supplements, a decision that likely contributed to the severity of the situation.
The situation escalated on the evening of August 12, when Balbaneda, realizing her daughter’s critical condition, called 911 and met emergency medical services at an intersection. Unfortunately, Sipps was already in a dire state, unconscious and unable to swallow, showing signs of respiratory distress. She was pronounced dead before 10 p.m. that night.
Sheriff D. Soward described the events in a press conference, detailing how Sipps had been left on a pallet at home, displaying minimal signs of consciousness, such as fluttering eyes and slight hand movements. Over the days leading to her death, instead of taking her to the hospital, her parents provided supplemental oxygen and attempted to feed her smoothies and vitamins.
The investigation led to the arrest of both Balbaneda and Gonzalez on August 13, the day after Sipps’ death. They were later released on $200,000 bonds each. During the investigation, it was revealed that the parents had avoided seeking medical help in order to prevent drawing negative attention to themselves, a decision that proved fatal. Sipps’ parents reportedly confessed to failing to provide necessary medical care to their daughter. Their reluctance to seek help was a misguided attempt to handle the situation privately, without considering the grave consequences.
Both parents appeared in court on December 4 and are scheduled for a jury trial on February 3. As of now, neither has legal representation recorded. The community and authorities have expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the circumstances leading to the young girl’s death. Sheriff Soward’s statements highlighted the severity of Sipps’ untreated injuries and the parents’ inadequate response.
An autopsy has been conducted, but the results have not yet been released, leaving important questions unanswered about the exact nature of the injuries that caused the girl’s death. This case serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of timely medical intervention, especially for minors who depend on the adults in their lives to prioritize their well-being. The upcoming trial will hopefully provide justice for Sipps and serve as a stern warning against such negligence.
