Matthew Dylewski, 34, and Samantha Dylewski, 33, have been sentenced to 16 months to four years in New York State prison after pleading guilty to criminally negligent homicide in the 2025 death of their three-year-old daughter, Joycelynn. The maximum sentence was handed down by a judge following reports of severe neglect in the family's home in Corinth, New York.
Details of Neglect and Death
Joycelynn Dylewski died in February 2025 after she was found struggling to breathe at home and was taken to hospital, where she later died. An investigation by the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office ruled her death a homicide due to complications of "acute and chronic neglect." Authorities discovered the girl with severely matted hair, living in unsanitary conditions, and suffering from a severe lice infestation that went untreated for weeks or months, ultimately leading to anaemia. She had not received medical attention in ten months, and her teeth were severely decayed. Additionally, the prescription medication clonidine, which was not prescribed to her, was found in her system.
Reaction and Calls for Tougher Laws
New York State Senator Jim Tedisco, Assemblyman Matt Simpson, and Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby are now advocating for new state legislation called "Joycelynn's Law." This law would increase the maximum prison sentence for criminally negligent homicide of a child from the current 1 1/3 to 4 years to 20 years to life. "Joycelynn Dylewski deserved a happy childhood and to grow up and reach her full potential in a loving home," Tedisco said. "What she endured as a three-year-old child at the hands of her parents is sickening and unimaginable. This was premeditated criminal neglect of a child! Her death wasn't caused by a fit of anger and one or two violent acts toward Joycelynn but in premeditated actions over a period of time!"
Prosecution and Sentencing
District Attorney Brett Eby prosecuted the parents to the full extent of the law, securing the maximum sentence currently available. The Dylewskis admitted to criminally negligent homicide, and the court imposed the maximum penalty of 16 months to four years in prison. The case has sparked outrage and a push for legislative change to ensure that future cases of child neglect resulting in death carry harsher penalties.
