How Could You? Hall of Shame-Luna Cajigas case-Child Injury

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From Indianapolis, Indiana, a three year old girl, Luna Cajigas, has been hospitalized at Riley Hospital for Children as of the week of August 4, 2025. She is under guardianship from her biological father and father’s girlfriend.

The girl’s biological mother, Lexus Burnette, lost custody of the girl in May 2025. “The mother said she warned the court system that Luna was being abused, but the girl was still placed in her father’s custody.”

““I tried to tell them this is what I saw and what I’m noticing and they kept ignoring me,” said Burnette.”

“The victim’s father, 24-year-old Joshua Cajigas, and his 22-year-old girlfriend, Mellie Jackson, are now both charged with different levels of neglect resulting in injury.”

They are being “charged with beating their 3-year-old daughter nearly to death.

According to doctors at Riley Hospital for Children, the 3-year-old victim has a high probability of death due to her brain injuries.

Court records claim the girl’s father confessed he routinely beat the child as punishment, but insisted he didn’t know how she hurt her head.[]

Police were first called last week to an apartment complex along Waterfront Drive on Indy’s west side. Officers found a 3-year-old girl, Luna, covered in bruises from head to toe and unresponsive.

After being rushed to Riley, doctors said the girl suffered from brain bleeding and had the lowest possible coma score before someone is declared brain dead.

“When I first saw her, I felt like it was unreal,” said the girl’s biological mother, Lexus Burnette. “I’m just here fighting for her, but she’s fighting for her life.””

“The pair initially claimed the girl was hurt when a dresser fell on top of her, [UNBELIEVABLE!] but police say Cajigas eventually stated he “gave her a whooping because she tends to be disrespectful.”” [I have no words…]

“Cajigas also allegedly added, “Besides being disrespectful, she also pees the bed multiple times a night, and that’s also why she is disciplined.”” [I still have no words…]

3-year-old hospitalized with severe brain injuries; guardians charged with neglect
[FoX 59 8/12/25 by Jesse Wells]

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