Mother charged in connection to girl's death appears in court

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A mother charged in connection with the death of her four-year-old daughter made her first appearance in court overnight.

Maciel Delosangeles Sandoval is charged with injury to a child. She has also been placed under an immigration hold because she may be in the country illegally.

Sandoval and her roommate, Judith Herrera-Garcia, 35, were both arrested Monday. According to court documents, police found bruises and minor cuts all over Betsobeth Sandoval. Police say the women told them they did not get medical attention for Betsobeth because they were afraid of Child Protective Services.

Neighbors say they are still in shock.

"It's sad, it's discouraging, and it's scary to know that she would even have a parent that would allow something like that to happen to her," said neighbor Topeka McNeil.

Police say they are also speaking with Herrera-Garcia's 14-year-old son.

As for Sandoval, she is being held on an immigration detainer charged with serious bodily injury to a child. Her bond is at $60,000. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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