Arvada, Colorado – A Colorado man is headed to prison after investigators found his disabled mother dying in conditions described by deputies as “covered in filth and maggots,” with severe bed sores, fractures and no access to basic care. The horrifying neglect case has now resulted in a decade-long prison sentence.
Brian Seitz, 38, was sentenced to 10 years on Monday after pleading guilty to negligent death of an at-risk person. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office arrested Seitz and his girlfriend, 55-year-old Laura Prats, in May 2024. First responders discovered his 58-year-old mother, Sheryl Seitz, on April 29, 2024, lying on an air mattress inside the garage of an Airbnb on Kendall Street in Arvada, a suburb of Denver.
Discovery of the victim
Authorities said the victim was found “covered in filth and maggots,” unresponsive and in clear medical crisis. She was taken to a nearby hospital but died the next day. Deputies later learned the abuse likely occurred about two miles away at an RV storage lot along W. 56 Avenue, where the suspects and victim were living in separate units.
Hospital staff documented that Sheryl had severe bed sores, two hip fractures, a “loosely connected wrist,” ulcers, septic shock, and maggots actively burrowing into her wounds. Investigators who inspected her trailer found no running water, no proper bed, and only a single space heater used for warmth.
Years of caregiving support misused
For six to seven years, Seitz and Prats were the victim’s primary caregivers. Investigators said the pair received state-funded home health care payments for more than 80 hours a week, money intended to provide Sheryl with safe, consistent care. Instead, the conditions revealed suggested long-term neglect.
An autopsy determined Sheryl’s death was a homicide caused by neglect, noting she suffered from prolonged immobility due to rheumatoid arthritis and neck fractures, which went untreated.
Son’s explanation to investigators
In a later interview with a local news outlet, Seitz attempted to justify the conditions his mother was found in. He claimed they had moved her from the RV park to the Airbnb to clean her up and said he tried removing the maggots from her body.
“We were trying to, but she wouldn’t allow us to take the blankets off of her,” he said. “I didn’t tell her she had to do anything because that’s my mom. She was of sound mind. I let her make her own choices.”
He added that he offered daily to call an ambulance, insisting she refused outside help.
Investigation details
Deputies disputed that explanation, pointing to the medical findings that showed long-term, extreme neglect. Detectives noted the absence of basic living necessities in her RV, including water and adequate bedding, along with injuries that could not have developed within a short period.
Authorities emphasized that the victim’s physical state reflected ongoing medical deterioration, not a sudden decline.
Co-defendant awaiting sentencing
Prats, who pleaded guilty to the same charge, is scheduled to be sentenced on December 23. Prosecutors said both individuals were responsible for providing continuous care and both failed to meet even minimal standards of safety.
Community reaction and wider concerns
Cases like this continue to raise concerns about oversight within home healthcare programs. Officials often warn that vulnerable adults—especially those with chronic illnesses or limited mobility—depend heavily on the reliability and accountability of their caregivers. Without proper monitoring, neglect can escalate unnoticed until tragedy occurs.
Conclusion
The sentencing closes a deeply disturbing chapter in a case that revealed severe systemic and personal failures. Authorities say the investigation highlights the importance of watching for warning signs of neglect among at-risk adults.
If you’ve had experiences or concerns related to elder or at-risk adult care, share your thoughts in the comments.
