[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]
A New York couple has now learned their fate after pleading guilty in connection with the tragic death of their 3-year-old daughter, Joycelynn Dylewski.
According to multiple local media outlets in upstate New York, Matthew and Samantha Dylewski each received the maximum prison sentence of 16 months to four years after pleading guilty to criminally negligent homicide.
The devastating case dates back to February 2025, when the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office responded to the family’s home in the village of Corinth after reports that the little girl was unable to breathe. According to CBS 6 News, Joycelynn was rushed to a hospital, where she later died.
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As investigators dug deeper into the circumstances surrounding her death, the details became increasingly disturbing. According to a statement from New York State Senator Jim Tedisco, Joycelynn’s death was ruled a homicide caused by complications from “acute and chronic neglect.” Authorities said the child had severely matted hair, was living in filthy conditions, and suffered from a severe lice infestation that allegedly went untreated for weeks — and possibly even months — leading to anemia.
Investigators also found that Joycelynn’s teeth were badly decayed and that she had not received medical care for more than ten months leading up to her death. Authorities further stated that clonidine, a prescription medication that had not been prescribed to her, was found in her system.
During sentencing, the judge did not hold back while describing the conditions investigators uncovered, calling the home:
“…deplorable and unsuitable for any child to be living in.”
Matthew addressed the court before receiving his sentence. According to CBS 6 News, he said:
“I wish it was me that died to this day.”
But the judge made it clear where the responsibility ultimately rested.
As reported by WNYT, the judge told him:
“Your entire job and it’s a gift to have a child. Your entire job was to keep her safe.”
The judge also delivered another emotional statement during sentencing.
According to News10 ABC, the court added:
“You will 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 share four other children, had originally faced multiple counts of endangering the welfare of a child, though those charges were later dropped. CBS 6 News 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 prompting calls for legal changes. Senator Tedisco and other local lawmakers are advocating for legislation known as “Joycelynn’s Law,” which would significantly increase the maximum penalty for criminally negligent homicide involving a child, raising potential sentences to between 20 years and life in prison, per local NY reports.
Such a terrible story all around…
If you have sincere cause 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.
[Image via Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office/New York State Senate]
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