(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 several 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 it 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 NewsJoycelynn was rushed to a hospital where she later died.
Related: Jake Reiner makes first public appearance since parents Rob & Michele’s murder
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 TediscoJoycelynn’s death was ruled a homicide caused by complications from “acute and chronic neglect.” Authorities said the child had severely matted hair, lived in filthy conditions and suffered from a severe lice infestation that reportedly went untreated for weeks — and possibly even months — leading to anemia.
Investigators also found that Joycelynn’s teeth were badly damaged and that she had not received medical attention for more than ten months leading up to her death. Authorities also said clonidine, a prescription drug that had not been prescribed to her, was found in her system.
During sentencing, the judge didn’t hold back as he described the conditions investigators uncovered, calling home:
“…deplorable and unfit for any child to live in.”
Matthew addressed the court before receiving his sentence. According to CBS 6 Newshe said:
“I wish it was me who died that day.”
But the judge made it clear where responsibility ultimately rested.
As reported by WNYTthe judge said to him:
“Your whole job, and having a child is a gift. Your whole job was to keep her safe.”
The judge also made another emotional statement during sentencing.
According to News10 ABCadded the court:
“You will have to live with this loss for the rest of your life. This was completely preventable and it is unconscionable.”
Matthew and Samantha, who also share four other children, had initially faced multiple charges of endangering the welfare of a child, although those charges were later dropped. CBS 6 News also noted that the couple’s four surviving children now live with relatives and are protected by an order preventing contact with their parents.
Related: Nick Reiner CLAIMS Trust Fund Money left by murdered parents Rob & Michele
The heartbreaking case is already giving rise to calls for changes to the law. Senator Tedisco and other local lawmakers are pushing for legislation known as “Joycelynn’s Law” that would significantly increase the maximum penalty for criminally negligent homicide involving a child, raising potential penalties to between 20 years and life in prison, according to local NY reports.
Such a terrible story all around…
If you have good 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.
(Image via Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office/New York State Senate)
