Woodbury Township, PA – A 38-year-old Pennsylvania woman will spend up to eight years in prison for neglecting her wheelchair-bound mother, who was found lying in her own feces and urine, suffering from severe infections and bedsores “the size of a fist.” The mother later died of sepsis caused by prolonged neglect.
The Incident: A Disturbing Scene of Neglect and Suffering
Authorities discovered the horrifying case on July 19, 2022, after a 911 call reported that an elderly woman was suffering from sores that would not heal. When officers arrived at the residence on the 300 block of Mill Hill Road in Woodbury Township, they found the victim barely responsive and in critical condition.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the woman had numerous open wounds, including one on her lower back “the size of a fist.” She was dehydrated, had extremely low blood pressure, and was found lying in soiled clothing and a diaper covered in feces and urine.
Paramedics noted that the victim’s wounds were foul-smelling and showed signs that she had not been moved in a long time. Despite emergency medical efforts, she died two days later on July 21, 2022.
An autopsy later confirmed the cause of death as sepsis resulting from a skin infection caused by prolonged exposure to feces and urine.
Investigation and Evidence
Police launched an investigation that revealed deeply troubling living conditions. The home was described as being in “deplorable condition,” with animal feces covering the floors and a strong, foul odor throughout the property.
The victim had become wheelchair-bound following a stroke in February 2021, which left her with weakness on her right side. Investigators determined that her daughter, Colleen Sayegh, was responsible for her care.
When questioned, Sayegh admitted that her mother had not been bathed for months and had not been taken to a doctor for more than a year. She told officers that she had attempted to treat her mother’s sores but that they continued to worsen.
“She was wailing in pain and could only answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to questions,” investigators wrote in their report.
Sayegh claimed her mother had “refused treatment” and that she believed the sores were healing, but the medical examiner determined they were much older and severely infected.
The examiner added that if Sayegh had simply washed and cared for her mother properly, her chances of survival would have been much higher.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
On Tuesday, Colleen Sayegh pleaded guilty to neglect of a dependent person, a first-degree felony, and was sentenced to 15 months to eight years in state prison, according to Blair County Prosecutor Peter Weeks.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Jackie Atherton Bernard sharply condemned Sayegh’s actions, telling her:
“We don’t even treat animals like this. Your actions are selfish. You chose to take care of yourself and your own medical needs while you left your mother to rot.”
Sayegh attempted to defend herself, claiming that her mother had “kept refusing treatment.” The court, however, rejected that argument, emphasizing her legal duty as a caretaker.
Reactions from Prosecutors and Authorities
Blair County Prosecutor Peter Weeks praised the collaborative work of the agencies involved in securing justice for the victim.
“This prosecution would not have been possible without the investigative efforts of the Pennsylvania State Police and the cooperation provided by Blair Senior Services, the paramedics, and the decedent’s treating doctors and nurses,” Weeks said.
“While nothing can erase the suffering of the decedent due to the neglect of her care, we are grateful for everyone’s efforts to hold the defendant accountable.”
Authorities have since stressed the importance of monitoring elder and dependent care situations to prevent similar tragedies.
Background and Broader Context
Under Pennsylvania law, neglect of a dependent person carries severe penalties when such neglect leads to injury or death. The case highlights ongoing concerns about elder abuse and caregiver neglect, which have risen in recent years, particularly among family caretakers of disabled or elderly relatives.
Advocates say the tragedy underscores the need for better community oversight and mental health support for caregivers, who may feel overwhelmed but still bear full responsibility for dependent adults.
Conclusion
The death of Sayegh’s mother stands as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of neglect. While Sayegh will now serve her prison sentence, the case has renewed discussions across Pennsylvania about elder care accountability and the urgent need for compassion in caregiving.
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