GATESVILLE, TX – A 9-month-old girl was rushed to a hospital in Temple after officers responding to a welfare call found her showing visible signs of extreme malnourishment, leading to the arrest of her parents on felony charges. The child, described by medical staff as being in life-threatening condition, had gained just over one pound since birth, according to a criminal complaint obtained by local media.
Jenny Sanchez, 23, and Adariance Rahman, 22, were each charged with injury to a child with serious bodily injury and endangering a child, according to the Gatesville Police Department. Officers were called Sunday night to a home on North 27th Street after someone reported concerns that the infant was not being properly cared for.
When officers arrived around 9 p.m., they observed signs of what police described as “extreme malnourishment.” The child was transported by paramedics to Baylor Children’s Medical Center in Temple for emergency treatment.
Medical findings and condition
Police said the infant appeared “severely underweight” and that her ribs, collarbones, shoulder blades, and spine were “prominently visible” through her skin. Authorities also noted the child’s eyes were sunken and her skin appeared pale and loose.
According to the complaint, Sanchez told officers the baby had been sick with the flu but had never been seen by a doctor or received a checkup since birth. She allegedly said she stopped breastfeeding at 4 months old and that the child did not consume formula, instead drinking water and eating squeezable baby food.
At the hospital, medical staff described the infant as “severely malnourished” and diagnosed her with refeeding syndrome, a condition that can occur when nutrition is reintroduced after prolonged deprivation. One staff member said the case was “one of the worst cases of malnourishment in an infant she has seen still living,” and described the situation as life-threatening.
Investigators documented the child’s weight at birth as 6 pounds, 14 ounces. At 9 months old, she weighed 7 pounds, 16.3 ounces.
Custody and charges
Authorities said Child Protective Services took custody of the infant as well as two other children living in the home. Officials indicated the child may face long-term health consequences, including potential growth issues and developmental delays affecting cognition and motor skills.
Sanchez was arrested at the hospital, while Rahman was taken into custody at the residence. Both remain charged in connection with the case as the investigation continues.
Gatesville police have not released additional details about the condition of the child or the status of the other children removed from the home.
