A New York father told the court he wishes he had died instead of his daughter, after being sentenced for her negligent death.
Matthew Dylewski pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide in the death of his 3-year-old daughter, Joycelynn. He was sentenced Monday.
Authorities found Joycelynn struggling to breathe, covered in lice, with black, rotted teeth, and the blood pressure medication Clonidine in her system.
The sheriff's office ruled her death a homicide due to acute and chronic neglect.
Prosecutors said the lice infestation caused anemia, which damaged Joycelynn's heart and organs.
They noted that other children in the home had received medical care, but Joycelynn had not seen a doctor in 10 months.
Investigators described the home as full of flies, with boots stuck to the floor and kitchen sink filled with sludge.
The apartment was condemned.
During sentencing, Matthew said, "I wish it was me that died to this day."
The judge stated, "You will have to live with this loss for the rest of your life. This was completely preventable, and it’s unconscionable."
Joycelynn's mother, Samantha, also pleaded guilty and was sentenced earlier this month.
Both parents received the maximum sentence: 16 months to four years in prison.
The couple's four other children are living with relatives, with a protective order keeping the parents away.
