Matthew and Samantha Dylewski were sentenced in New York after pleading guilty to criminally negligent homicide in the death of their 3-year-old daughter, Joycelynn Dylewski. During sentencing, the judge condemned the home’s conditions as “deplorable and unsui
A New York courtroom delivered a stark message after Matthew and Samantha Dylewski pleaded guilty in the death of their 3-year-old daughter, Joycelynn Dylewski.
Both were handed the maximum prison term of 16 months to four years for criminally negligent homicide after the case moved through the system following a February 2025 emergency response. The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office was called to the family’s home in the village of Corinth after reports that the little girl was unable to breathe. Joycelynn was rushed to a hospital, where she later died.
As investigators and the court examined what led up to that moment. details came into focus that the judge did not soften during sentencing. New York State Senator Jim Tedisco said Joycelynn’s death was ruled a homicide caused by complications from “acute and chronic neglect.” Authorities described a home with filthy conditions and a severe lice infestation that allegedly went untreated for weeks—and possibly even months—before Joycelynn developed anemia. They also said her hair was severely matted and that her teeth were badly decayed.
The timeline of medical care was also central to what the court heard. Authorities said Joycelynn had not received medical care for more than ten months leading up to her death. Investigators further stated that clonidine, a prescription medication that had not been prescribed to Joycelynn, was found in her system.
During sentencing, the judge addressed the conditions investigators uncovered in blunt terms, calling the home “…deplorable and unsuitable for any child to be living in.” Matthew spoke to the court before receiving his sentence, telling it, “I wish it was me that died to this day.”
The judge’s reply made the focus unavoidable. As reported by WNYT, the judge told him, “Your entire job and it’s a gift to have a child. Your entire job was to keep her safe.” The court also delivered another emotional statement. saying. “You will have to live with this loss for the rest of your life. This was completely preventable, and it’s unconscionable.”.
Matthew and Samantha. who also share four other children. had originally faced multiple counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Those charges were later dropped. CBS 6 News also reported that the couple’s four surviving children are now living with relatives and are protected by an order preventing contact with their parents.
The case is already fueling push for change. Senator Tedisco and other local lawmakers are advocating for legislation known as “Joycelynn’s Law. ” which would significantly increase the maximum penalty for criminally negligent homicide involving a child. raising potential sentences to between 20 years and life in prison. per local NY reports.
Joycelynn Dylewski Matthew Dylewski Samantha Dylewski criminally negligent homicide Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Corinth Saratoga County New York sentencing acute and chronic neglect Joycelynn’s Law Jim Tedisco
So they were neglecting her and got a slap? 16 months seems too low.
Wait, I saw somewhere it was like an overdose? But then it says lice and filth?? Either way that poor kid. Why did they even plead guilty if it was an accident.
Judge ripped into them like this is the only cause, but what about the medication part, clonidine? If it was in her system but wasn’t prescribed to her, doesn’t that mean someone else gave it? Idk, just seems weird.
Deplorable and unsuitable for any child… yeah no kidding. Also “untreated for weeks and maybe months” like how did nobody notice? Schools, neighbors, anything?? And the teeth decay and matted hair—just heartbreaking. I don’t even understand how the doctors missed it if she wasn’t getting medical care for 10 months like they said.