Mom, family members have emotional outburst as couple charged in twins’ deaths appear in court

In Houston, Texas, Angelina Belinda Calderon and Fernando Vega, both 21 years old, are facing severe accusations of abuse in connection with the tragic death of their 5-week-old twins. Each is being held in jail on a $750,000 bond for their respective cases.

The couple, charged with two counts each of injury to a child-serious bodily injury, appeared in court separately, where their attorneys requested bond reductions. While they did not comment during the proceedings, Calderon became emotional during an earlier hearing, expressing distress and directing blame towards Vega.

ABC13 reached out to Calderon’s family for their perspective on the situation. One relative declined to comment further than stating, “It’s God’s will.”

According to Edward Appelbaum, the prosecutor, both parents face charges related to both commission and omission of child abuse. He described the alleged abuses as “horrific,” detailing the severe injuries suffered by the twins, including blunt force trauma and severe malnutrition.

Mario Madrid, Vega’s defense attorney, described his client as coming to terms with the gravity of the charges, emphasizing Vega’s respectful demeanor during court proceedings.

The charges against both parents are first-degree felonies, carrying the potential for life imprisonment if found guilty. Calderon’s bond reduction hearing is scheduled for Friday, while Vega’s is set for late May.

The tragedy unfolded when Houston Police Department officers responded to a distress call at the couple’s home in October 2023. The infants, identified as Massail and Mirena Vega, were found unresponsive in their crib. Despite attempts at CPR, they did not survive. An autopsy revealed that the infants died from multiple injuries caused by blunt force trauma.

Further investigation uncovered concerning details about the twins’ lack of medical care and revealed Calderon and Vega as suspects. They were arrested on April 19 without incident.

Despite claims from Calderon’s family that she was at work when the babies died, police found evidence suggesting both neglect and abuse. Family members also disclosed allegations of previous abusive behavior by Vega towards Calderon.

While Calderon’s aunt does not believe she physically harmed the children, she acknowledges the need for accountability regarding neglect and other findings uncovered by investigators.