12-Year-Old Escapes, Covered in Injuries — Police Say 2 Sisters Restrained and Abused Her for Months By Sean Neumann

After allegedly enduring months of abuse at the hands of the two women she believed might save her, a 12-year-old Texas girl reportedly made a daring escape last month and found help.

Now, the two women who took the girl into their home this past March are behind bars, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office announced that sisters Brenda Garcia, 38, and Tania Garcia, 37, were arrested last Friday, Oct. 3, and charged with felonies for allegedly causing injury to a child and the unlawful restraint of another person. 

Tania was also charged with invasive visual recording, according to local ABC 13, as authorities allege in court documents obtained by the outlet that she took nude photos of the 12-year-old over the course of several months while she was staying at Brenda’s home.

ABC 13 reported the girl, whose identity has remained private to protect her safety, had been staying with an uncle because her mother lives in another country. However, the girl told detectives she was being sexually abused by the uncle and reached out to Brenda, the mother of the uncle’s friend, about staying with her, the outlet reported.

The girl began staying with Brenda in March, and court documents allege that the abuse began shortly after she moved in.

A release from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reported the girl alleged the two sisters had physically and sexually abused her. The young girl allegedly told police she was beaten with belts, cords, and sticks, while she was also cut with scissors and choked with a belt, per ABC 13 citing the Sheriff’s Office. Investigators also alleged she was restrained.

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After escaping Brenda’s home, the outlet reported that the girl was found with an infected gash on her head, as well as several other injuries across her body.

“The child was taken to a local hospital, where medical staff confirmed injuries consistent with abuse and malnutrition,” the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release late last week, adding that she is “safe and receiving medical care and support services.”

“This case is deeply disturbing, but it also highlights the importance of community awareness and the courage it takes to speak up,” Montgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle said. “Together, we can protect the most vulnerable among us and ensure that justice is served.”

Local police said the investigation remains “active and ongoing” but have yet to announce any further arrests tied to the case.

“To protect the child’s privacy and preserve the integrity of the case, no further details will be released at this time,” the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said. “Once more information becomes available, an update will be provided.”

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.