Detroit, Michigan – A Michigan mother is facing murder and child abuse charges after prosecutors alleged she beat her 14-year-old autistic daughter to death because she no longer wanted to care for her and wanted to pursue a relationship with her boyfriend.
Incident Overview
Vangie Renee Averhart, 37, is accused in the death of her daughter, Kylee Clark, who died at a hospital days after suffering catastrophic head injuries in July. Authorities say the abuse occurred inside their Detroit home on July 7, and a judge has now ruled there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
What Happened on July 7
According to courtroom testimony reported by The Detroit News, Averhart’s boyfriend told the court he left the mother and child alone for approximately 10 minutes before hearing Averhart scream for help.
When he returned, he found Kylee in visible distress and “making a noise.” He testified that he removed food from the teen’s mouth and attempted CPR before emergency responders arrived. Kylee was transported to a hospital, where she died five days later.
Medical Findings Presented in Court
Dr. Marcus DeGraw, a child abuse pediatrician, testified that Kylee’s injuries were not consistent with choking, as initially claimed.
“She suffered a massive, significant intracranial injury that ultimately led to her death,” DeGraw testified. “She had significant, direct blunt force trauma to the head … probably from multiple, direct blunt force blows. It would take a significant amount of force to cause these types of injuries.”
Prosecutors say the injuries resulted in a massive brain bleed, which ultimately proved fatal.
Prosecutors: Mother No Longer Wanted the Child
Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Tina Ripley told the court that Averhart had made her intentions clear in the months leading up to Kylee’s death.
“Ms. Averhart is only trying to protect herself. She wasn’t interested in protecting Kylee,” Ripley said. “She didn’t even want to be with Kylee anymore. She wanted to be with her boyfriend. She made that very clear.”
Kylee had autism and was also diagnosed with Cornelia de Lange syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes developmental delays and medical complications. Prosecutors argue that the child’s needs became something Averhart no longer wanted to manage.
Defense Points to Boyfriend
Averhart’s attorney, Dennis Whittie, argued that investigators had focused on the wrong suspect. He claimed Averhart told police that her boyfriend struck Kylee after she spilled milk.
“I think we have the wrong person sitting in the chair next to me,” Whittie told the judge.
Prosecutors, however, said the boyfriend consistently denied striking the child, passed a polygraph test, and was not present during the critical moments when the injuries occurred.
Conflicting Stories Raised Red Flags
Authorities testified that Averhart gave multiple contradictory explanations for how Kylee was injured. She initially claimed the girl choked on a sandwich, then later said it was a banana. Investigators said none of the accounts aligned with medical evidence.
Prosecutors also revealed that Kylee, who was nonverbal, allegedly lived in a locked room, and that Averhart had previously told others she “didn’t want this child anymore.”
Prior Child Welfare Concerns
Child Protective Services had reportedly investigated Averhart several times in the past over concerns for Kylee’s safety. Family members told reporters that Kylee’s father had been trying to gain custody in the months before her death.
Her paternal great-uncle, Jeffrey Clark, described the situation as heartbreaking.
“Kylee’s mother lied right from the get-go about pretty much everything,” he said. “It’s her own flesh and blood.”
Clark recalled hearing Averhart say, “You can have her, I don’t want her.”
Judge Orders Case to Trial
After reviewing testimony and evidence, the judge ruled there was probable cause for Averhart to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder and first-degree child abuse.
Averhart remains held at the Wayne County Jail without bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for November 26.
Remembering Kylee Clark
Kylee’s obituary described her as a child with a vibrant spirit who found joy in music, textures, colors, and familiar comforts.
“She loved music — it filled her days with joy and comfort,” the obituary read. “Kylee saw beauty in every color and brought brightness into every room with her spirit.”
Conclusion
As the case moves toward trial, prosecutors say the evidence points to a pattern of neglect, deception, and violence that ended in the death of a vulnerable child. The court proceedings are expected to further examine Kylee’s final days and the circumstances that led to her fatal injuries.
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