A Houston woman arrested last month in connection with the March death of a disabled teenager was previously investigated by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services for alleged child abuse and drug use, according to DFPS records.
Tracy Gonzales, 48, was caring for 16-year-old Nayeli Perez in March 2024 when Perez died. Gonzales admitted to routinely beating Perez with a belt out of frustration for her inability to use the bathroom and eat on her own, according to a December arrest warrant.
Perez’s death was ruled a homicide by officials and a review by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Science stated she died from complications of dehydration, malnutrition and blunt and sharp force injuries. Gonzales was charged with injury to a disabled person with serious bodily injury, a felony…