Crystal Canales called 911 to report her daughter was having trouble breathing. Investigators found the girl deceased and said she’d been that way for some time.
BALCH SPRINGS, Texas — A Balch Springs mother was arrested Friday after her 19-year-old daughter was found deceased last week in what authorities described as malnourished and severe conditions, according to a press release from the Balch Springs Police Department.
On Feb. 14, at approximately 2:33 p.m., officers responded to a 911 call from Crystal Canales at her home near 13000 Horseshoe Trail. Canales reported that her daughter, Delilah Villegas, was experiencing difficulty breathing.
When first responders arrived, they were directed to Villegas’ bedroom, where they noted a strong foul odor. According to police, the room contained a single mattress on the floor and two pallets of comforters, sheets, and pillows. Villegas was found lying on her right side in a near-fetal position and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Medical personnel estimated she had been deceased for at least six and possibly up to 24 hours, per the release. Investigators noted in the release that Villegas appeared severely malnourished and had multiple bruises and contusions.
According to the release, Canales told investigators that her daughter had been breathing before first responders arrived and had eaten Goldfish crackers earlier that day. Family members confirmed Villegas had severe autism, was non-verbal, and wore a diaper but had no major health conditions.
Investigators reported that Villegas had multiple wounds and exposed bones on the right side of her body. A body outline on the concrete floor indicated she had been in the same position for an extended period.
Canales told investigators she was treating what she called “bed sores” with Neosporin and did not seek medical care because Villegas would become violent. Police determined the last known hospital visit for Villegas was in 2021, and the most recent call for service at Canales’ residence was in May 2021.
Detectives determined Canales’ failure to obtain medical care constituted reckless conduct leading to serious bodily injury to a disabled person under her care, a second-degree felony. She was arrested and charged a week later on Friday.
As the investigation continues, no further details have been released. Neighbors told WFAA that Villegas attended high school in Mesquite.
