Arizona Grandmother Faces Charges in Tragic Death of Granddaughter with Epilepsy

The grandmother of a teenage girl with epilepsy has been indicted for child abuse and additional crimes related to the death of her granddaughter. Virginia Lujan, 55, allegedly kept her granddaughter in a makeshift cage for extended periods, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

Details Surrounding the Indictment

The charges stem from the tragic death of Lujan’s granddaughter, who suffered from a rare form of epilepsy and cognitive impairments that limited her functioning to the level of a 3-year-old. In a distressing turn of events, Lujan called 911 on January 20 after discovering her granddaughter unresponsive in their Tempe home.

Emergency Response and Discovery

Paramedics and police arrived at the two-story townhouse near U.S. 60 and Mill Avenue to find the young girl lying on the living room floor. She had visible marks and bruising on multiple parts of her body. Unfortunately, despite immediate medical attention, she succumbed to her injuries the following day.

“No child should ever have to endure suffering,” commented Ken McCoy, the police chief, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. “We are committed to uncovering the truth and seeking justice on her behalf.”

Conditions in the Home

Investigators revealed disturbing conditions inside Lujan’s home. They discovered a modified bunk bed that functioned as a makeshift cage where the victim was allegedly confined. This enclosure was created using large rails and plastic baby gates, held together with zip ties. Additionally, police uncovered unsanitary living conditions, including human waste on the floor of the cage.

Authorities described the home as “disorderly and filthy,” with trash and dead insects, such as cockroaches, present throughout the space. Court documents indicated that the elevated bed frame provided a space underneath the top bunk, which served as the confinement area for the girl.

Family Circumstances

The victim was one of five children belonging to Lujan’s daughter, Jami Hodges, aged 33, who had transferred guardianship of four of her children to Lujan in 2021. At the time of the incident, the family lived in cramped conditions in the three-bedroom townhouse due to structural issues at their previous home.

Hodges and her two-year-old daughter slept in the living room, while Lujan occupied a bedroom on the second floor. The remaining children shared two other bedrooms, with alarming reports indicating that none were enrolled in or attending school.

Further Investigations

Hodges reported that upon returning home from a dental appointment, she noticed her daughter displaying unusual behavior along with a significant rash under her armpits and on her legs. Soon after, first responders were summoned to the home once more, and the child was found covered in bruises at different stages of healing, with notable swelling on her face.

During the investigation, Lujan claimed that her granddaughter had fallen days before, an assertion that raised further questions. After sustaining extensive injuries, the girl was rushed to a hospital, but tragically, she was declared dead shortly thereafter.

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

Hodges faced arrest but was ultimately released pending charges. Meanwhile, Lujan is currently held on a secured appearance bond of $500,000 as she awaits further legal proceedings. In addition to child abuse, Lujan faces charges of tampering with physical evidence, tampering with a witness, and three counts of contributing to the dependency of a child.

A Call for Accountability and Awareness

This heart-wrenching case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children in our communities. As details continue to unfold, the community seeks answers and accountability for the tragic loss of a young life that should never have been subjected to such suffering.