Patriarchs' neglect kills girl, 12.

Texas Cheerleader, 12, Dies After Mom and Stepdad Refuse Medical Help: Reports

A 12-year-old Texas girl, Miranda Sipps, is dead after her mother, Denise Balbaneda, and stepfather, Gerald Gonzales, neglected to seek medical attention for her life-threatening injuries. The tragic incident exposes the dangerous failure of the Texas child welfare system and the extreme disregard for human life exhibited by the parents.

Texas authorities launch an investigation into the death of 12-year-old Miranda Sipps, who succumbed to untreated injuries.

The Atascosa County Sheriff's Office said Balbaneda and Gonzales have been charged with injury to a child causing serious bodily injury omission.

The investigation began when Balbaneda finally called 911 on Monday, reporting her child needed medical assistance. Authorities instructed her to pull over so first responders could meet them. When they arrived, Miranda was unconscious but alive and later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.

Jourdanton Jr. High School, where Miranda was a cheerleader, released a statement:

"[The school] is dealing with the tragic loss of one of our Jr. High students... [We] have a School Crisis Team made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents/caregivers, and school staff at difficult times such as this."

Denise Balbaneda and Gerald Gonzales: Parents of Miranda Sipps neglected their child's severe injuries, leading to her death. Child Deaths: Florida dad accused of similar neglect.

Parents' Neglect and "Confession"

Sheriff David Soward revealed:

"The investigation revealed the parents failed to seek medical assistance for the girl, even though she was mentally and physically incapacitated and non-responsive... They were trying to give her smoothies, but someone who is unconscious is not able to swallow."

Miranda's injuries remained unclear, and an autopsy is underway to determine the cause.

Soward continued:

"[Miranda] was not talking. She basically could flutter her eyes and move her hands a little bit over a four-day period. They had her laying on a pallet in the house."

The parents were arrested on Tuesday, taken into custody without incident from their home in Christine, 53 miles from San Antonio.

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Originally reported by Taylor Ardrey for USA TODAY.