A heartless woman has been imprisoned for her role in the neglect of her vulnerable, disabled mother, resulting in her tragic death in appalling conditions.
Colleen Sayegh, 38, confessed to failing to provide proper care for a dependent individual and received a sentence of 15 months to eight years in prison earlier this month.
Police discovered Sayegh’s mother in a Pennsylvania residence on July 19, 2022, in a dire state, barely responsive with severe open wounds, dehydration, and critically low blood pressure. The woman, who used a wheelchair, had festering wounds on her right side, emitting a foul odor, indicating prolonged neglect. She was also found covered in feces and urine and tragically passed away two days after being discovered by authorities.
Investigations revealed that the victim, who had suffered a stroke in February 2021, was wheelchair-bound and had right-side weakness. Sayegh claimed she believed she could manage her mother’s condition and attempted to address the sores, but her mother experienced unbearable pain during the process.
Sayegh admitted to not bathing her mother for months, neglecting to seek medical attention for over a year, and failing to provide essential care for her mother, who also had diabetes. An autopsy revealed that the victim succumbed to sepsis resulting from a skin infection likely caused by the unsanitary conditions she was subjected to.
During the sentencing, Sayegh mentioned that her mother had refused treatment, but the judge, Jackie Atherton Bernard, rebuked her actions, emphasizing the lack of humanity in her neglect. The judge condemned Sayegh’s selfishness and disregard for her mother’s well-being.
Despite the sentencing of 15 months to eight years in prison, some individuals have expressed outrage that the punishment was not more severe. Reader David Netzoff criticized the leniency of the sentence, while RamboJohnJ remarked on Sayegh’s lack of remorse.
The tragic incident has sparked public debate and condemnation of Sayegh’s actions, highlighting the need for compassion and proper care for vulnerable individuals.