New Mexico Mother Sentenced After Abused 16-Year-Old Weighed Just 40 Pounds and Had Maggots on Her Body, Court Says
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO — A New Mexico mother will spend more than a decade in prison after her 16-year-old special needs daughter died severely malnourished, weighing just 40 pounds, with doctors discovering maggots crawling from her body, prosecutors said.
According to the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, Doraelia Espinoza pleaded no contest to reckless abuse of a child resulting in death and child abuse in connection with her daughter’s death.
Doctors Found Extreme Malnutrition and Neglect
The teenage girl, who has not been publicly identified, was brought to a hospital in Albuquerque in 2022. Medical staff immediately recognized the severity of her condition.
Prosecutors said the child was extremely malnourished, with no fat tissue or muscle mass remaining. In addition to severe starvation, doctors discovered scrapes and rashes around her vaginal area.
Most disturbingly, medical staff found maggots crawling out of the girl’s body, according to court records.
Prosecutors Describe “Prolonged Abuse”
During sentencing, Savannah Brandenburg-Koch, a deputy district attorney with Bernalillo County, emphasized that the case was not the result of a single mistake or moment of anger.
“This case is not a tragic accident, a lapse in judgment, a parent that is frustrated,” she said. “This case is about prolonged abuse.”
Investigators said the conditions leading to the teen’s death developed over several days, not moments.
Investigators Say Case Took Heavy Toll
Bernalillo County Detective Roger Garcia told the court that the investigation deeply affected those assigned to it.
“And not just because of the harm done,” Garcia said, “but who inflicted it.”
Authorities noted the child was particularly vulnerable due to her special needs, making her entirely dependent on adult care.
Mother Begs for Mercy, Claims She Loved Her Children
Espinoza’s defense attorney requested a 12-year prison sentence, while prosecutors sought 18 years.
Speaking through a translator, Espinoza addressed the court directly, pleading for leniency.
“I never wanted this,” she told the judge. “I love my children with my whole heart from the oldest to the youngest. I’m not a bad person, I’m just a hard-working mother who does everything for her children.”
Espinoza has five surviving children, court records show.
Judge Imposes 15-Year Sentence
Bruce Fox, the presiding judge, ultimately sentenced Espinoza to 15 years in prison, citing the prolonged nature of the abuse.
“It was physical injury and suffering of this child that took place,” Judge Fox said. “It didn’t happen in a moment or a reckless quick decision. This happened at a minimum of five or six days.”
Case Highlights Severe Child Abuse Concerns
The case has drawn attention across New Mexico due to the extreme neglect involved and the vulnerability of the victim. Prosecutors said the child’s condition reflected systematic and sustained abuse, rather than a single failure of care.
As Espinoza begins her prison sentence, the case serves as a grim reminder of the responsibility placed on caregivers to protect children who cannot protect themselves.
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