Nayeli Perez: Foster Mother Charged in Connection with Teenagers Death in Houston

The tragic death of Nayeli Perez, a 16-year-old girl with disabilities, has led to serious criminal charges against her foster mother, Tracy Gonzales, as reported by PEOPLE. 

On March 25, 2024, crime scene investigators were called to a home in Independence Heights where they found Nayeli Perez unresponsive. 

According to Houston police reports, Nayeli Perez weighed only 78 pounds at the time of her death.

She allegedly suffered from severe malnutrition, dehydration, and stab wounds, as reported by ABC13 News.

Nayeli Perez’s death was officially ruled a homicide by forensic experts from the Harris County Institute of Forensic Science.

This led to a months-long criminal investigation by the Houston police department.

On December 30, 2024, her foster mother Tracy Gonzales, 48, was arrested and charged with injury to a disabled person with serious bodily injury

According to the local police department, Gonzales failed to provide adequate care for Perez, who had autism and developmental delays.

Tracy Gonzales

When law enforcement officials arrived on the scene, they found Nayeli in her bedroom.

She was reportedly unresponsive and dressed only in a soiled diaper, as reported by PEOPLE. 

Autopsy reports revealed horrifying details: stab wounds to her genitals, severe malnutrition, and dehydration. 

Gonzales reportedly failed to provide adequate care, food, and medical attention, directly leading to the teen’s tragic demise.

Additionally, Gonzales allegedly admitted to disciplining Perez with a belt only. 

According to a criminal complaint filed against Gonzales, she neglected Perez’s deteriorating condition for fear of losing custody of her own children. 

Instead of seeking help, Gonzales reportedly cashed the teen’s disability checks while the girl’s health continued to spiral downward.

Neighbors described Nayeli as a “normal girl” with learning disabilities and autism. 

However, her condition dramatically worsened after she stopped attending school a year before her death.

Medical records from February 2022 showed that Perez weighed 118 pounds—40 pounds more than at the time of her death.

After Tracy Gonzales's arrest, Child Protective Services removed her two young daughters from her custody. 

She is currently held at the Harris County Jail on a $200,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on January 7, 2025.

This case has sparked outrage across Houston, with many calling for systemic changes in how foster care placements are monitored. 

"How does someone with a history of neglect continue to care for vulnerable children?" one community advocate asked.

As the court date approaches, the Houston community—and beyond—awaits justice for Nayeli Perez. 

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