A small memorial and a sense of grief remain outside a home in Balch Springs, Texas, where 19-year-old Delilah Villegas, who had autism and was nonverbal, was found dead on February 14.
Authorities say Villegas’ mother, Crystal Canales, called 911 that afternoon, reporting that her daughter was struggling to breathe. When officers arrived at the home, they noticed a foul odor coming from Villegas’ bedroom. Inside, they found her body in a near-fetal position on the floor. Medical personnel determined that she had been deceased for at least six and possibly up to 24 hours before being discovered.
Upon further examination, authorities noted signs of severe malnutrition, multiple wounds, and exposed bones. According to Balch Springs Officer Pedro Gonzalez, the young woman appeared much younger than her actual age due to extreme malnourishment. Officers described her body as being “skin to bone” with severe lacerations exposing decaying limbs. Her condition was likened to a mummified state.
During questioning, Canales admitted that she had not sought medical care for her daughter. Investigators determined that her failure to do so constituted reckless conduct, which led to serious bodily injury to a disabled person—a second-degree felony. Canales was arrested on Friday in connection with her daughter’s death.
Villegas’ grandmother and great-uncle also lived in the home. According to an affidavit of probable cause, the grandmother stated that she had not seen her granddaughter in several weeks, while the great-uncle claimed he had not seen her for nearly a year. Investigators found a deadbolt and lock on Villegas’ bedroom door. Inside the room, there was only a mattress on the floor and two pallets of comforters, sheets, and pillows.
Neighbor Denise Gomez, who was familiar with the family, expressed sadness over the situation. She stated that Villegas was never seen outside, and unless someone lived in the neighborhood for an extended period, they would not have known she was there. Another woman, who wished to remain anonymous, shared past photos of Villegas and mentioned that her daughter had attended school with her. The woman had assumed the family had moved, as she had not seen the young woman in nearly five years.
At this time, Villegas’ grandmother and great-uncle have not been charged.
