The loss of a child is always devastating, but when it’s due to neglect and abuse, it’s especially heartbreaking. The story of Zaelynn, a two-year-old girl who died after being left in a scorching hot closet, is a tragic reminder of the importance of protecting our most vulnerable citizens.
On a cold November day in 2024, police received a call to investigate a death at an apartment complex in Berne, Indiana. What they found was a scene of unimaginable neglect and abuse. Zaelynn’s parents, Sintia Perez and Jace Hirschy, had left their daughter to sleep in a closet with a space heater running through the night. The temperature in the closet had reached a staggering 109 degrees, causing Zaelynn’s body temperature to soar to 109.4 degrees.
The autopsy revealed that Zaelynn had died of hyperthermia, or overheating. The conditions in the apartment were filthy, with cockroaches infesting the home and a pot on the stove filled with mold and covered in flies. The couple’s two other children, ages 5 and 3, were found to have lice and were taken into custody by the Department of Child Services.
Perez and Hirschy were arrested and charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in death, neglect of a dependent, and another count of neglect of a dependent. They are currently being held at Adams County Jail, with a jury trial scheduled for March 7, 2025.
Zaelynn’s story is a tragic reminder of the importance of seeking help when needed. If you suspect child abuse, it’s crucial to call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or visit their website at (link unavailable) All calls are toll-free and confidential, and the hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
Zaelynn’s obituary described her as a happy, fun-loving child who was full of love and life. Her family will miss her dearly, and her story will serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting our children.
