A woman has been imprisoned for neglecting her vulnerable, disabled mother, leading to her tragic death in unsanitary conditions. Colleen Sayegh, 38, was sentenced to serve between 15 months and eight years in prison for the negligent care of a dependent person.
Authorities discovered Sayegh’s mother in a Pennsylvania residence in a severely debilitated state on July 19, 2022. She exhibited multiple open wounds, dehydration, and “extremely low” blood pressure. Sadly, the wheelchair-bound woman passed away two days after being found, with investigations revealing she had been left in squalid conditions with animal waste covering the premises.
Following a stroke in February 2021, the victim had become wheelchair-bound and experienced weakness on her right side. Sayegh acknowledged that she had not attended to her mother’s basic needs, including bathing her or seeking medical attention for over a year.
An autopsy confirmed that the mother succumbed to sepsis resulting from a skin infection likely stemming from the unsanitary environment. Medical experts highlighted that had Sayegh properly cared for her mother, her chances of survival would have been significantly higher.
During her sentencing, Sayegh attempted to justify her actions by claiming her mother refused treatment. However, the judge condemned her actions as selfish, emphasizing that she prioritized her own needs over her mother’s well-being. Despite the sentencing, some individuals expressed outrage over the perceived leniency of the punishment, calling for a more severe penalty for Sayegh.
