A Texas mother has been arrested after her 19-year-old daughter, who had autism and was nonverbal, was discovered dead in a horrifying state on Valentine’s Day.
Authorities in Balch Springs responded to a 911 call from Crystal Canales, who reported that her daughter, Delilah Villegas, was having trouble breathing. But when officers arrived, they were met with a disturbing scene—an overwhelming foul odor coming from the teenager’s bedroom. Inside, they found Delilah’s emaciated body curled in a near-fetal position, her remains resembling a “mummified state.”
Medical personnel determined the young woman had been dead for at least six to 24 hours. Further examination revealed severe malnutrition, multiple open wounds, and exposed bones. Shockingly, officers noted her body was so deteriorated that she appeared to be a child rather than a 19-year-old.
“They thought she was probably 13,” said Officer Pedro Gonzalez during a press conference. “There were large lacerations exposing decaying limbs.”
Investigators learned that Villegas’ grandmother and great-uncle lived in the same home—yet neither had seen her in weeks, with the great-uncle claiming he hadn’t seen her in a year. Authorities also discovered a deadbolt and lock on her bedroom door, with only a single mattress and some bedding inside.
When questioned, Canales admitted she had not sought medical attention for her daughter. Detectives ruled that her reckless neglect directly led to the teen’s suffering and death. She has been charged with injury to a disabled person, a second-degree felony.
Neighbors were heartbroken by the news. “We never saw the girl come out,” said Denise Gomez, who knew the victim. “Nobody deserves to suffer like that.”
The investigation is ongoing, and while Canales is facing charges, no legal action has been taken against the grandmother or great-uncle at this time.
