Stepfather and Mother Charged in Death of 12-Year-Old Miranda Sipps Bond Out of Jail
The community of Atascosa County, Texas, was left reeling after the tragic death of 12-year-old Miranda Sipps. Now, her stepfather and mother, Gerald Gonzales and Denise Balbaneda, who were charged in connection with her death, have bonded out of jail, according to the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Denise Balbaneda, 36, was released on bond Thursday evening, while Gerald Gonzales, 40, bonded out of jail on Saturday afternoon. Both were arrested on August 13 and booked into the Atascosa County jail on charges of injury to a child causing serious bodily injury by omission. Their bonds were set at $200,000 each.
The tragic events unfolded on August 12 when Balbaneda called 9-1-1 from her home in Christine to report that Sipps was not breathing. She attempted to rush Sipps to the hospital in Jourdanton, but emergency dispatchers instructed her to stop her vehicle and meet EMS at a specified location. Despite efforts by medical staff at Methodist Hospital Atascosa, Sipps tragically passed away.
Further investigations revealed that Sipps had sustained serious, life-threatening injuries on August 8, ultimately leading to her untimely death. At just 12 years old, Sipps, a student at Jourdanton ISD, had her whole life ahead of her. Her upcoming 13th birthday now serves as a painful reminder of the innocence lost in this heartbreaking tragedy.
As the community mourns the loss of Miranda Sipps, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting and advocating for the most vulnerable among us. The road to justice may be long and difficult, but ensuring that those responsible are held accountable is essential in honoring Miranda’s memory.
Stay tuned to KSAT for the latest updates on this developing story.
Copyright 2024 by KSAT – All rights reserved.
