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In Corinth, Matthew and Samantha Dylewski face charges of criminally negligent homicide following the death of their three-year-old daughter, Joycelynn, in February. The couple was arrested in Glens Falls and arraigned on Wednesday (May 6). They were released on bail and are scheduled to appear in court again on Tuesday (May 13).
The charges stem from the unsanitary conditions in which Joycelynn lived, including a severe bug infestation and evidence of chronic neglect. According to the Times Union, authorities responded to a call on February 19, finding Joycelynn struggling to breathe. She was taken to Saratoga Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. An autopsy confirmed her death resulted from complications due to chronic neglect.
The Dylewskis had previously been charged with five counts of endangering the welfare of a child, one for each of their five children. They were also arrested in March for allegedly violating a court order that prohibited contact with their children. The surviving children are now in the care of relatives.
During a press conference, Saratoga County Undersheriff Jeff Brown stated that Joycelynn's death could have been prevented with timely intervention. He emphasized the severity of the living conditions, noting the presence of body lice on the child. CBS6 Albany reported that the residence was condemned shortly after Joycelynn's death.
The investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be filed as more information comes to light. The Dylewskis face a potential sentence of up to four years in prison if convicted. WNYT noted that criminally negligent homicide involves failing to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk.