It's hard to imagine more atrocious circumstances for a child to be dealing with than those experienced by little Joycelynn Ann Dylewski. The girl allegedly had a serious lice infestation, rotted teeth, and was living in squalor in Corinth, New York, per the Times Union. The child also reportedly had anemia and was allegedly given blood pressure medication. She tragically passed away on February 19, 2025. Joycelynn "died from acute and chronic neglect," in the words of the outlet. That grim finding was reportedly determined by Saratoga County Sheriff Jeffrey Brown.
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"You Failed as a Parent," Said the Judge
Per the Times Union, Saratoga County Judge James R, Davis harshly admonished her dad, Matthew Dylewski, on Monday, June 22, He said, "You failed as a parent." Davis imposed a sentence of one and one-third to four years to be served by Dylewski in state prison for criminally negligent homicide.
The outraged judge also added, "Your entire job was to keep her safe. She was a 3-year-old, and you failed in the most horrific way. She was completely reliant upon you....This was completely preventable, and it's unconscionable, and I want you to think about that fact."
"I Still Want To Die," Her Father Morosely Said in Court
Addressing the court, Dylewski, 34, said, "I totally wish that it didn't happen...I still want to die so I can be with her."
His wife, Samantha, 33. got the same penalty as her husband earlier this month. The couple reportedly must stay away from their other kids for the next 12 years.
Joycelynn's Parents Allegedly Blamed Others at First for Their Daughter's Death
Accordng to the Times Union, Jennifer Buckley, the first assistant district attorney, prosecuted both Dylewskis. They reportedly originally tried to shirk responsibility for the tragedy. Buckley said that Samantha Dylewski at first blamed her other youngsters for Joycelynn's demise. Samantha claimed they allegedly left blood pressure pills on the floor. Matthew Dylewski, for his part, allegedly said that first responders did not come quickly enough to help his child.
Buckley also expressed anger at what befell this innocent child. She said in court in part, "The conditions of the home were deplorable...Both of her parents failed her. Joycelynn's death is a tragedy. Her death never should have happened."
