A Comal County jury on Jan. 28, 2026, found 53-year-old Susan Rae Helton of New Braunfels guilty of four counts of injury to a child causing serious bodily injury involving two of her adopted children, according to information released by the Comal County Criminal District Attorney’s Office.

The first-degree felony offenses carry a punishment range of five to 99 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, with the possibility of probation. Jurors assessed punishment at 20 years in prison on each count. Judge Stephanie Bason of the 466th District Court and visiting Judge Don Burgess ordered the sentences for Counts One and Two to run consecutively with Counts Three and Four, resulting in a total sentence of 40 years. Under Texas parole law, Helton must serve at least half of that sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

Assistant District Attorney Lauren Cole told jurors during trial that Comal County juries “do the right thing and do not stand for someone abusing children especially in the manner this woman has.”

Investigation Began With CPS Referral

The case originated from a Child Protective Services referral raising concerns about physical abuse and neglect involving two adopted children in Helton’s home. Investigators noted the alarming physical condition of the children early in the inquiry. One child, age 14, weighed approximately 48 pounds, while a 13-year-old sibling weighed about 50 pounds.

A joint investigation by the New Braunfels Police Department and CPS included forensic interviews conducted at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Comal County. According to prosecutors, two victims described prolonged starvation and physical punishment with a belt when they were accused of taking food. They also reported being confined in small triangular enclosures made from baby gates, sometimes for weeks at a time, including overnight confinement intended to prevent them from accessing food. Other children in the home corroborated those accounts, and investigators concluded the two victims had been specifically targeted.

During an unannounced CPS home visit, investigators located the gate structures inside the residence. Both victims independently demonstrated how the enclosures were assembled, and Helton also showed investigators how she configured them for sleeping. Prosecutors said Helton admitted confining the children, claiming they were “sugar-seeking” and stealing food.

Medical Evidence Showed Severe Malnutrition

Authorities determined Helton homeschooled the children and failed to follow up on medical referrals. Records reviewed by CPS and law enforcement showed the two victims gained only about six pounds over a five-year period and grew less than three inches during that time.

After removal from the home and access to regular nutrition, the children gained more than eight pounds within a month. Medical professionals later diagnosed both with severe malnutrition and failure to thrive.

Dr. Shona Rabon of Dell Children’s Medical Center testified the case was among the most severe instances of malnourishment she had encountered, stating the children’s lack of growth resulted solely from insufficient caloric intake and proper nutrition, adding, “It was as simple as that.”

Victim Testimony Detailed Years of Abuse

Jurors heard testimony from both victims, who described longstanding confinement, hunger, and punishment inside the home. One victim testified she was forced to remain inside the gated enclosure for most of the day while completing schoolwork, exercising, eating, and sleeping, and said she continues to experience nightmares about Helton attempting to capture her again.

The second victim told jurors he was starving and would be beaten with a belt or returned to the enclosure if caught taking food. He also testified he was sometimes denied restroom access and that the children were warned not to tell anyone about conditions in the home. When asked how life changed after removal, he quietly responded, “A lot,” explaining he could finally eat normally, play outside, and see his sister eat.

Defense Testimony and Cross-Examination

Helton testified in her own defense, stating she previously operated a licensed daycare and had received training on nutrition and discipline through daycare and foster-care programs. She denied striking the children with a belt, forcing excessive exercise, or requiring them to eat inside the enclosures.

During cross-examination, prosecutors confronted Helton with prior statements, and she acknowledged she had not been truthful in earlier testimony. She also admitted she knew withholding adequate food could cause serious health consequences and that she confined the two children for convenience to give herself a break. She further testified one child slept in the enclosure for up to 18 months.

Closing Arguments and Sentencing

Chief Civil Prosecutor Jessica Frazier told jurors Helton had been entrusted to provide a permanent, safe home but instead “caged them like animals” and deprived them of basic needs. ADA Cole described the children as “not victims, but survivors” and “fighters.”

Following sentencing, both survivors delivered statements in court describing the impact of the abuse. Prosecutors credited their testimony as central to the conviction.

Officials Cite Community Effort and Survivors’ Courage

The District Attorney’s Office thanked jurors, investigators, CPS personnel, medical professionals, and advocacy staff who participated in the case, emphasizing the coordinated effort required to protect the children and secure the convictions.

Officials also highlighted the courage of the two survivors, now young adults, who testified against Helton after years of abuse. Prosecutors said the convictions ensure Helton will not be able to harm other children and underscored the community’s responsibility to safeguard vulnerable youth.

---

---

Disclaimer

The content provided in this publication is for educational and informational purposes only. The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News strives to deliver accurate and impactful stories. However, readers are advised to seek professional legal counsel and guidance for their specific legal inquiries and concerns. The publication does not assume any responsibility for actions taken by individuals based on the information presented. 

Additionally, while every effort is made to ensure the reliability of the information, the publication does not warrant the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the content. Readers are encouraged to verify any legal information with official sources and to use their discretion when interpreting and applying the information provided.

A Couple of Our Other Reads

You may be interested in our publishing about a Texas judge filing a lawsuit over same-sex wedding refusals.

Or you may find our publishing on a TABC agent receiving a stipend for a degree he didn’t hold, of interest. 

Follow Us on Social Media

If you are interested in staying updated on matters about your government in Texas and other important stories, trust The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News to provide reliable information that matters to you. You can follow us on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, Reddit, YouTube, Tumblr, and LinkedIn to stay connected and informed.

FACEBOOK: TheHawksEyeNews
INSTAGRAM: Hawk_s_Eye_C_and_N
X: TheHawksEyeNews
REDDIT: TheHawksEyeCN
YOUTUBE: The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News
TUMBLR: The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News
LINKEDIN: The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News

---