HOUSTON – The Houston couple arrested over the weekend in connection with the deaths of their infant twins could face more serious charges, according to a prosecutor on the case.
Angelina Belinda Calderon and Fernando Vega -- both 21 -- faced a judge this morning for the first time on charges of injury to a child-serious bodily injury. Their 6-week-old twins were found dead in their bassinet on October 4, 2023. Calderon and Vega were picked up over the weekend after a report last week from the medical examiner revealed the injuries and neglect.
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Calderon and Vega are both jailed on $750,000 bonds. Court documents show their twins were assaulted with and against a blunt object. The parents neglected to ensure their safety and supervision, failed to provide necessary medical attention and nourishment, and utilized a deadly weapon, according to those documents.
The prosecutor on the case tells KPRC 2 they’re gathering more evidence and a grand jury could decide whether to charge either parent with murder or with additional charges.
“HPD has gone through this case and they are still gathering some additional evidence and I think they will come to a determination on what charging may be appropriate for each one,” Assistant District Attorney Appelbaum said. “At this point, they are both charged with the same thing and will make that determination when all the facts are presented to the Harris County grand jury.”
RELATED: Disturbing details emerge in Houston twins’ death ruled homicide, parents charged
Houston criminal defense attorney Mario Madrid represents Vega.
“Because of the seriousness of this case, he’s [Vega] a young person and obviously the allegations are extremely serious. At the same time, he’s facing serious penalties,” Madrid said. “He seemed to be in shock, the moment was big for him and with the court I found him to be very respectful. But at the same time, he seemed to be a little scared obviously with the charges he’s being faced with.”
ADA Appelbaum explained this case involved acts of “commission” meaning someone actively does something and “omission,” meaning someone fails to act.
“The law requires parents to basically do certain things for children: provide food, shelter, medical care, protection, things like that. And there was an omission on that as well.”
“The allegations are alleged to be horrific. These two children were about six weeks old and appeared to suffer blunt force injuries, severely malnourished and old and new and new injuries on both of the children. Quite alarming and as I say it kind of goes to the fact that these injuries and the fact that they were malnourished are things a reasonable caregiver should have been aware of and that’s why they are charged with that omission part.”
BACKGROUND: ‘Very heartbreaking scene’: Twin infants die after father finds them unresponsive in crib at SE Houston home
Calderon’s bond reduction hearing is scheduled for Friday. and Vega’s is scheduled for May 29.
Appelbaum said it’s tough to say if either parent will have their bail reduced.
“Bond is not supposed to be used as an instrument of oppression, it’s supposed to basically ensure that they will show up,” he said.
Both murder and injury to a child-serious bodily injury carry a penalty range of 5-99 years or life in prison, according to Appelbaum.
RELATED: Houston parents charged in connection with deaths of infant twins