Woman sentenced for locking caretaker in dog crate and pouring boiling water on her

McKINNEY, Texas (TCD) -- A 37-year-old woman will spend 75 years behind bars for the "sadistic torture" of a 24-year-old who worked as a caretaker for the woman’s children and an elderly disabled adult at her home.

On Monday, Oct. 2, Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced a jury convicted Alicia Calderon of first-degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury to a household member.

In 2019, Calderon invited the victim to move in with her family in exchange for housecleaning and caretaking services. After several months, Willis said Calderon took the victim’s phone away, restricted her food intake, and limited her movements in and out of the home.

As the elderly woman’s condition worsened, Calderon locked the young victim in the room with her, and she lost over half of her body weight. As a result, the victim was unable to care for the disabled woman.

In July 2021, Calderon punished the victim by locking her in a dog crate and pouring boiling water on her after she snuck food from the house. Calderon poured boiling water on the caretaker again later that year, causing severe burns to her arms, chest, and back, but she prevented the victim from seeking medical care.

In February 2022, someone in the house allowed the victim to borrow his phone, and the victim sent her stepfather a Facebook message for help. According to Willis, it was the first time the victim had made contact with either of her parents in two years.

The stepfather called 911, and Collin County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the trailer home. Deputies removed stacked stones lined outside the door so the victim could escape.

According to Willis, the victim weighed just 68 pounds when she was found. Her head was reportedly shaved, and officials observed second- and third-degree burns all over her body.

Deputies also located the elderly woman, noting that her "condition had declined so much they initially believed she was deceased."

During the trial, the victim’s doctor described the significant medical treatments she underwent, including multiple surgeries and skin grafts. The victim was hospitalized for six weeks due to the injures and malnourishment she endured.

The victim testified and described the trauma and nerve damage she experienced and still suffers from today.

Additionally, prosecutors presented evidence during the trial, arguing that Calderon spent $78,000 of the elderly woman’s inheritance within three months. According to Willis, prosecutors believe Calderon used the elderly woman’s Social Security checks for several years and spent the money on tattoos, a party rental space, and tire rims.

In statement, Willis said, "Calderon tricked the victim into living with her, and then controlled her with unthinkable torture," adding, "We hope and pray this jury’s sentence will allow the victim to further heal from all the deep physical and emotional wounds inflicted by this defendant."

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• 75 years in Prison for Wylie Woman for Months-Long Sadistic Torture of Young Woman - Collin County District Attorney's Office