(Warning: potentially triggering content)
A New York couple have now learned their fate after pleading guilty in the tragic death of their 3-year-old daughter. Joycelyn Dilewski.
According to several local New York media outlets, Matthew And Samantha Dilewski Each received a maximum prison sentence of 16 months to four years after pleading guilty to manslaughter by criminal negligence.
The fateful case is of February 2025, when Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office responded to the family home in Corinth Village after reports the little girl was unable to breathe. according to CBS 6 NewsJoycelyn was taken to the hospital, where she later died.
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As investigators delved deeper into the circumstances surrounding her death, the details became more disturbing. According to a statement from the New York State Senator Jim TediscoJoycelyn’s death was ruled a homicide caused by complications of “acute and long-term neglect.” Authorities said the child had severely matted hair, was living in unsanitary conditions, and suffered from a severe lice infestation, which reportedly went untreated for weeks – and possibly months – leading to anemia.
Investigators also found that Joycelyn’s teeth were badly decayed and that she had not received medical care for more than ten months, leading to her death. Authorities further said that clonidine, a prescription drug that was not prescribed to him, was found in his system.
During sentencing, the judge did not shy away from describing the conditions uncovered by investigators by calling home:
“…deplorable and unfit for any child to live in.”
Matthew addressed the court before being sentenced. according to CBS 6 NewsHe said:
“I wish it was me who would die today.”
But the judge made it clear where responsibility ultimately lay.
As reported WNYTThe judge told him:
“Your whole job and it’s a gift to have a baby. Your whole job was to keep him safe.”
During the sentencing, the judge also gave another emotional statement.
according to News10 ABCThe court further said:
“You’re going to have to live with this loss for the rest of your life. This was completely preventable, and it’s unconscionable.”
Matthew and Samantha, who also have four other children, originally faced multiple counts of endangering the welfare of a child, though those charges were later dropped. CBS 6 News It also noted that the couple’s four surviving children are now living with relatives and are protected by an order preventing contact with their parents.
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The heartbreaking case is already inspiring calls for legal changes. According to local NY reports, Senator Tedisco and other local lawmakers are advocating for legislation called “Joycelyn’s Law” that would significantly increase the maximum penalty for criminally negligent homicide involving a child, increasing the potential sentence from 20 years to life in prison.
Such a horrifying story all around…
If you have serious reason to suspect child abuse, call the ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org.
(via image) Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office/New York State Senate)
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