The Tragic Story of Zaelynn: A Life Cut Short Due to Neglect

Every child deserves to be cared for and loved. If you’re unable or unwilling to care for a child, seeking help from a family member or reaching out to authorities like child protective services is vital. Tragically, little Zaelynn never had that opportunity, and her heartbreaking story must be shared to ensure she is never forgotten.

A Shocking Discovery
On a cold November day in 2024, police were called to a death investigation at an apartment complex in Berne, Indiana. What they uncovered shocked even the most experienced officers. A young couple, Sintia Perez, 21, and Jace Hirschy, 23, lived with their two young children. When asked about their third child, Zaelynn, their chilling response revealed a horrifying truth.

The family lived in filthy conditions, with little Zaelynn forced to sleep in a closet with nothing but a space heater for warmth. Sadly, this setup proved fatal. Zaelynn died from hyperthermia, or overheating.

The Horrific Conditions
When officers arrived, they immediately noticed a significant temperature rise when moving from the bedroom into the closet where Zaelynn slept. Inside, they found the two-year-old lying on a soiled mattress, her diaper unchanged, and her small body showing signs of the tragic conditions she endured. The autopsy revealed that her body temperature had reached a staggering 109.4 degrees by the time authorities arrived.

According to Perez, she had put Zaelynn to bed the night before at 7 p.m. and turned the heater almost all the way up. Perez didn’t wake up until 12:30 p.m. the next day, and neither she nor Hirschy checked on their daughter until 3 p.m. By then, it was too late.

The temperature inside the closet had reached a deadly 109 degrees near the ceiling, making it an unbearable environment for the toddler.

A Life Full of Love
Zaelynn was remembered as a bright, fun-loving child. Her obituary described her as always full of life and joy, with big, beautiful blue eyes and long eyelashes that brightened up any room. “Zaelynn had a spunky little spirit, and she will be deeply missed by her entire family,” it read.

An Unfit Home
The conditions in the home were appalling. The older children were living in an “extremely unhealthy” environment, with the house infested by cockroaches. A pot on the stove was found filled with mold and covered in flies.

The Department of Child Services took custody of the couple’s two other children, aged 5 and 3, both of whom were found to have lice.

Legal Consequences
Perez and Hirschy were arrested and charged with multiple counts of neglect, including Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Death, a Level 1 Felony, and other counts of neglect. They are currently held at Adams County Jail, with their jury trial scheduled for March 7, 2025.