Houston, January 15, 2026
A Houston father, Fernando Vega, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty in connection with the tragic deaths of his 6-week-old twin daughters, Massail and Mirena Vega. The girls were found unresponsive in their crib, with autopsies revealing injuries consistent with blunt-force trauma. Vega’s plea agreement avoided a capital murder trial. The case has highlighted the serious issues surrounding child abuse and neglect.
Houston
A Houston father, Fernando Vega, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty in connection with the deaths of his 6-week-old twin daughters. The sentencing took place on January 14, 2026, in the 351st District Court in Harris County. Vega pleaded guilty to two counts of injury to a child causing serious bodily injury, a first-degree felony, avoiding a capital murder trial through a plea agreement with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
Vega, 23, will serve concurrent 40-year sentences and will be transferred to a Texas state prison. He received credit for 631 days already served.
Details of the Case
The tragic case involves the deaths of his twin daughters, Massail and Mirena Vega, who were found unresponsive in their crib at a southeast Houston home in October 2023. Autopsies conducted by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences determined the infants died from injuries consistent with blunt-force trauma. These injuries included fractures to the girls’ legs, clavicles, and ribs, with one twin also suffering a head fracture. Both children were also found to be malnourished and dehydrated.
Timeline of Events
Authorities stated that the injuries were not accidental and likely occurred over multiple incidents.
- October 4, 2023: First responders were called to a home in the Pasadena area after the twins were found unresponsive. They were pronounced dead at the scene. Vega told investigators he was the last person to see the children alive around 5 or 6 a.m. and claimed he left them in his grandmother’s care.
- April 2024: Vega and the twins’ mother, Angelina Calderon, were initially charged with two counts each of injury to a child causing serious bodily injury following the completion of the autopsy reports.
- October 2024: A grand jury indicted Vega on two capital murder charges based on further evidence from the investigation.
- July (year not specified in latest snippets): Angelina Calderon pleaded guilty to charges against her. As of January 2026, new court filings indicate Calderon is facing bond violations in her separate case.
- January 14, 2026: Fernando Vega pleaded guilty to injury to a child causing serious bodily injury and was sentenced to 40 years in prison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was sentenced in the deaths of the twin baby girls?
A: Fernando Vega, a Houston father, was sentenced.
Q: What was Fernando Vega sentenced for?
A: Fernando Vega was sentenced for pleading guilty to two counts of injury to a child causing serious bodily injury.
Q: How long was Fernando Vega’s prison sentence?
A: Fernando Vega was sentenced to 40 years in prison.
Q: When were the twin girls found unresponsive?
A: The twin girls were found unresponsive in their crib in October 2023.
Q: What were the names of the twin daughters?
A: The twin daughters were named Massail and Mirena Vega.
Q: What was the cause of death for the twin infants?
A: Autopsies determined the infants died from injuries consistent with blunt-force trauma.
Q: Was anyone else charged in this case?
A: Yes, the mother, Angelina Calderon, was also charged and pleaded guilty to charges against her.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Fernando Vega |
| Location | Houston, Harris County, Texas |
| Date of Sentencing | January 14, 2026 |
| Sentence | 40 years in prison (concurrent sentences) |
| Charges Pleaded Guilty To | Two counts of injury to a child causing serious bodily injury |
| Victims | Massail and Mirena Vega (6-week-old twin daughters) |
| Date Victims Found | October 2023 |
| Cause of Death | Blunt-force trauma, malnourishment, and dehydration |
| Co-defendant | Angelina Calderon (mother, also pleaded guilty to charges) |
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
