Important new details released in death of Texas cheerleader whose parents gave her smoothies instead of taking her to the emergency room

Important new details have emerged in the tragic death of a 12-year-old Texas cheerleader. Authorities arrested her parents after they failed to take her to the hospital. Instead, they gave her smoothies and vitamins for four days and attempted to administer oxygen. As the girl lay dying, her mother finally decided to call emergency services.

They arrested the Texas cheerleader's mother, 36-year-old Denise Balbaneda, and her stepfather, 40-year-old Gerald Gonzales. Her daughter, Miranda Sipps, died from her injuries.

According to KSAT, authorities have investigated the home three times in the past year. The news station discovered three calls to the Atascosa County Sheriff's Office.

On March 28, authorities came to the apartment to check on the residents' well-being. Someone reported a woman who had scratches. Both a “male” and a “female” reported it was “all verbal.” Meanwhile, on November 1, Jourdanton Elementary School called Child Protective Services about a child in the home. Child Protective Services then called authorities.

Texas cheerleader dies

On October 29, someone called authorities and said Gonzales would not leave. Authorities went to the house and both parties separated. The sheriff held a press conference where he gave more details about the case. “She was not speaking, she could only shake her eyes and move her hands a little,” the sheriff said. “For four days they left her on a cot in the house.”

“The investigation revealed that the parents did not seek medical attention for the girl, even though she was mentally and physically incapacitated and unresponsive,” the sheriff's office said in a press release. “It appears that the mother eventually called 9-1-1 when the girl began to have difficulty breathing.”

The sheriff did not provide any further details about the Texas cheerleader's injuries.

Following the Texas cheerleader's death, the school district issued its first statement. They said they are “currently dealing with the tragic loss of one of our middle school students.”

“Jourdanton ISD has a school crisis team comprised of professionals trained to assist students, parents/guardians, and school staff during difficult times such as these. The district is focused on providing resources for those in our community impacted by this loss. We have counselors available in our junior high library for anyone who needs or wants help or support,” the post said.