Two sisters in Texas have been arrested after a 12-year-old girl escaped from their home, alleging months of torture, including being forced to crawl naked on the floor and bark like a dog. Brenda Garcia, 38, and Tania Garcia, 37, are charged with injury to a child and unlawful restraint, with Brenda also facing an additional charge of invasive visual recording.
The girl escaped on September 28 and told investigators she was starved, beaten with belts, cords, and sticks, and forced to eat dirt and hair off the floor. She was also tied to furniture with zip ties and only allowed to eat ramen noodles and drink water twice a day. At one point, Brenda allegedly choked the girl with a belt and told her to “just die already,” according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
When deputies found the child, she had visible injuries all over her body, including an infected gash on her forehead. She was taken to Texas Children’s Hospital, where doctors confirmed signs of abuse, neglect, and malnutrition. Surveillance video from inside the home and footage on Brenda’s phone supported the girl’s account, along with text messages in which Brenda allegedly admitted to hitting the child.
The sisters denied the allegations, telling investigators the girl was “psychotic” and had injured herself. Both were arrested on October 3. Brenda is held on bonds totalling $280,000, while Tania is held on $200,000. Sheriff Wesley Doolittle praised the victim’s courage and emphasised the importance of community awareness.
Investigators said the girl had previously lived with an uncle in Houston who allegedly sexually assaulted her. She sought help from Brenda, who knew the uncle, but instead of providing refuge, the abuse reportedly continued. Child Protective Services had been searching for the girl, but Brenda told them she had moved back to Honduras. The investigation is ongoing.
