Neglected girl, 3, dies after being ravaged by lice in squalid home surrounded by filth

WARNING DISTRESSING CONTENT: The parents of three-year-old Joycelynn Ann Dylewski have been jailed for four years after she was forced to live in “deplorable” conditions in New York

The parents of a three-year-old girl who died as a result of the squalid conditions she was living in have been given the maximum sentence of four years behind bars.

Officials found that Joycelynn Ann Dylewski had been made to live in “deplorable” conditions at her home in New York which had led to her suffering a severe lice infestation on her head and face, according to local radio news station WAMC.

Prosecutors working on behalf of Saratoga County outlined the horrendous state of the home run by parents Matthew and Samantha Dylewski, and how Joycelynn had developed anaemia before her death in February 2025.

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Buckley said: “The lice infestation lead to anaemia. And the anaemia took its toll on Joycelynn’s heart, her organs, and took a toll on her 3-and-a-half-year-old body.”

County judge James R. Davis outlined some of the grim examples of her parents neglect including dead bugs falling from her hat when it was removed.

Davis explained that those investigating the case had “observed bugs all over her face and scalp, and a dead cockroach fell out of her winter hat when he took it off” adding that her teeth had become “rotten and black.”

One investigator “indicated that the next day he went to the family’s home and was told by the State Police who executed the search warrant that it was one of the worst living conditions that he had ever seen, and they recommended that he not go inside.”

Not only was Joycelynn forced to endure such horrendous conditions, her parents also neglected to take her to the hospital when she began developing serious health issues, according to the prosecution.

Assistant Attorney Buckley outlined: “Joycelynn had not been to the doctor in approximately 10 months. The other children went to the doctor but Joycelynn was not taken.

“We also know from the investigation and through the presentence investigation that Joycelynn had severe dental decay and needed work done.”

The tragic tot was also described as having taken quantities of prescription medication during this prolonged period of neglect.

Buckley stated: “Joycelynn Dylewski also had high levels of the prescription drug Clonodine in her system, which, when prescribed, is used to lower blood pressure.”

Parents Matthew and Samantha Dylewski both received a maximum sentence of four years in prison for their roles in the serious neglect. Matthew appeared to show some remorse upon receiving his sentence, saying: ““I totally wish that didn’t happen. I wish it was me that died instead of my daughter.”

Samantha, who was sentenced separately to her partner earlier this month, said: “Nothing is ever going to change. I still want to die so I can be with her. As their mother, it’s my duty to protect them from harm, and I failed”

Both parents were sentenced for criminally negligent homicide, a crime with a maximum penalty of four years, although Judge Davis told the pair that their actions were “certainly deserving of more.”

He expressed: “Your entire job was to keep her safe. She was 3-years-old. And you failed in the most horrific way. She was completely reliant upon you.

“And you failed as a parent. As you’ve stated, you will have to live with this loss for the rest of your life. This was completely preventable. And it’s unconscionable.”

Senators in New York State are now calling for a change in law meaning those found guilty of criminally negligent homicide could be jailed for far longer.

Called Joycelynn’s Law, the proposal suggests making the crime a felony with those found guilty receiving 20 years to life.

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