A Texas woman is currently in custody after her 19-year-old daughter, who had autism, was found deceased in their family home last week. The woman, identified as 41-year-old Crystal Canales, is facing charges of causing serious bodily harm to a disabled person under her care, as per the Balch Springs Police Department.
The incident came to light on Valentine’s Day when Canales dialed 911, reporting that her daughter, Delilah Villegas, was experiencing breathing difficulties. However, the reality of the situation was reportedly far more severe. Law enforcement officers arrived at the residence on Horseshoe Trail shortly before 2:30 p.m. that day. Balch Springs is a small city located in the inner suburbs of Dallas.
Upon entering the girl’s room, first responders were met with a strong, unpleasant smell. They discovered a single mattress on the floor, surrounded by comforters, sheets, and pillows. Villegas was found on the floor and was declared dead at the scene. She was lying on her right side in a near-fetal position on the concrete floor, with a visible outline around her body, suggesting she had been in that position for an extended period.
Canales claimed that her daughter had been breathing before the arrival of the first responders and had consumed some Goldfish crackers earlier that day. Family members revealed that Villegas had severe autism, was non-verbal, and wore a diaper, but had no significant health issues.
Medical personnel estimated that Villegas had been lying on the floor for a minimum of six hours, possibly up to 24 hours, before help arrived. The young woman appeared malnourished, covered in bruises and bed sores, with exposed bones on various parts of her body. Public Information Officer Pedro Gonzalez stated that officers initially thought Villegas was around 13 years old due to her emaciated state.
Further tests are being conducted to determine the exact duration Villegas had been lying on the floor. Canales reportedly told police she had been treating her daughter’s bed sores with Neosporin, but had not sought professional medical help due to Villegas’ violent tendencies. Two other adults present in the home confirmed Villegas’ occasional aggression.
A review of medical records revealed that Villegas’ last known hospital visit was in 2021. The last call for service at the family’s address was also in May of the same year. Detectives concluded that a reasonable person would have sought medical treatment for Villegas’ severe injuries. The investigation is ongoing, and Canales is currently awaiting transfer to the Dallas County Jail.