MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX – Two Texas sisters, Brenda Garcia, 38, and Tania Garcia, 37, have been arrested and charged with felony injury to a child, unlawful restraint, and invasive visual recording after allegedly spending months abusing and torturing a 12-year-old girl who had turned to them for help. The abuse was reportedly so severe that the victim was starved, beaten with household items, choked, and repeatedly told to “just die.”
Victim Seeks Help, But Finds Abuse Instead
The shocking allegations came to light on Sept. 28, when the 12-year-old girl disclosed to investigators that she had been subjected to ongoing physical and sexual abuse. The victim, who had initially sought refuge from an abusive home environment, went to Brenda Garcia for help after being sexually assaulted by her uncle. Garcia, who was friends with the uncle, reportedly agreed to let the victim move in with her and her sister, Tania, in March.
However, the Garcia sisters allegedly began abusing the victim almost immediately upon her arrival. According to the victim’s testimony, she was tied up, beaten with objects, choked, and cut by the sisters on a regular basis. The abuse reportedly included being starved, forced to eat off the floor, and being photographed naked by the sisters.
Medical Confirmation of Abuse and Malnutrition
The victim was taken to Texas Children’s Hospital, where medical staff confirmed that her injuries were consistent with abuse and malnutrition. Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office investigators responded to the hospital and began their investigation, confirming the victim’s claims of severe mistreatment.
Authorities later reported that the victim had extensive bruising, cuts, and scars on her body, including a gash on her forehead that had become infected. The victim’s harrowing experience highlights the physical and emotional toll inflicted by the Garcia sisters.
Sisters Deny the Abuse; Evidence Contradicts Their Claims
In an interview with detectives, the Garcia sisters reportedly dismissed the victim’s accusations, claiming she was “psychotic” and that her injuries were self-inflicted. However, investigators uncovered cellphone videos and security footage from inside the sisters’ home that contradicted their statements, showing clear evidence of the abuse.
The sisters allegedly strangled the victim with a belt, tied her to chairs, and subjected her to psychological degradation, further adding to the trauma the child endured.
Charges and Arrests
On Oct. 3, after an extensive investigation, authorities executed arrest warrants for Brenda and Tania Garcia. The sisters were taken into custody without incident and are currently being held in the Montgomery County Jail. They are each facing 18 felony charges, including felony injury to a child, unlawful restraint, and invasive visual recording. Each of their bonds has been set at $200,000.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office has expressed deep concern over the nature of the case, with Sheriff Wesley Doolittle calling it “deeply disturbing” and emphasizing the importance of community awareness in protecting vulnerable children.
Investigation and Child Protective Services Involvement
Due to the severity of the allegations, Child Protective Services (CPS) has been notified, and authorities continue to investigate the full scope of the abuse. The investigation remains active, with police gathering further evidence to support the charges against the sisters.
As the case progresses, there are ongoing concerns about the long-term impact of the abuse on the 12-year-old girl, who has been described as being traumatized and shaken by the experience.
Call to Action
What are your thoughts on the case? How can we better protect vulnerable children from such horrific abuse? Share your opinion in the comments below and discuss ways the community can work together to safeguard children from harm.
