Indianapolis, Ind. – A 3-year-old girl is making an astonishing recovery after being severely beaten by her father and his girlfriend, according to police and hospital reports. Luna Cajigas is now walking, talking, and laughing, despite previously being rushed to Riley Hospital for Children in critical condition.
Incident and Investigation
Two weeks ago, Luna was found unresponsive and not breathing at a west Indianapolis apartment while in the care of her father, Joshua Cajigas, 24, and his girlfriend, Mellie Jackson, 22. Court documents indicate Cajigas told police he found Luna soaking wet and limp, alleging that they had put her in the shower because she wouldn’t wake.
“I want to take her pain. I want to be able to heal her, but I can’t,” said Lexus Burnette, Luna’s mother, highlighting the emotional toll of the abuse.
Doctors discovered bruises all over her body, brain bleeding, and a jaw fracture just below her eyes. Parts of her skull had to be removed to relieve pressure on her brain. Medical staff determined that the injuries were too severe to have resulted from a bookshelf accident, as claimed by Cajigas.
Charges and Legal Action
- Joshua Cajigas: neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, domestic battery causing serious bodily injury, battery causing serious bodily injury.
- Mellie Jackson: neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Luna’s abuse.
Recovery and Support
Luna celebrated her fourth birthday in her hospital room, and her mother said she is showing signs of a full recovery:…