If you’re unable or unwilling to care for a child, it’s crucial to seek help from a family member or relative. If they too refuse, don’t hesitate to take the child to a hospital, fire department, or contact child protective services. Every child deserves the chance to grow up in an environment where they are cared for and loved.
Sadly, little Zaelynn never had that chance, and her story should never be forgotten.
A Shocking Case That Stunned Even the Most Experienced Officers
Writing about children who suffer or face harm is always deeply painful, and this particular story is especially heartbreaking. It contains graphic details that may not be suitable for all readers, so viewer discretion is advised. However, I believe it’s vital to share this story. What does it say about us as humans if we ignore children like Zaelynn and fail to ensure they get the justice they deserve?
This tragic story began in Berne, Indiana, a quiet town that was recently shaken to its core by a horrifying case. In November 2024, a call came into the police department for a death investigation at an apartment complex. What authorities discovered upon arrival was truly shocking, even for the most seasoned officers.
Sintia Perez, 21, and Jace Hirschy, 23, were found in their apartment with their two small children. When officers asked about their third child, little Zaelynn, the parents’ response was chilling.
A Family Living in Unthinkable Conditions
According to reports from WANE, the family of five was living in absolutely filthy conditions. Zaelynn, a two-year-old girl, was being forced to sleep in a closet with only a space heater running through the night to keep her warm. Tragically, this arrangement ultimately cost Zaelynn her life.
Zaelynn died from hyperthermia, or overheating, caused by the dangerously high temperature in the closet.
When officers arrived, they immediately noticed a drastic temperature difference upon stepping from the bedroom into the closet where Zaelynn had been sleeping. Inside, they found the toddler lying on a soiled mattress in a crib, with her diaper unchanged. Her small body was visibly discolored, a heartbreaking indication of the horrible conditions she had endured.
An autopsy later revealed that by the time authorities arrived, Zaelynn’s body temperature had soared to a staggering 109.4 degrees, a temperature far beyond the point of survival. According to her mother, Sintia Perez, she had put Zaelynn to bed around 7 p.m. the previous evening and turned the space heater up nearly to its maximum setting. However, she didn’t check on her daughter until around 3 p.m. the following day, many hours later. By then, it was far too late to save her.
Police reported that the temperature inside the closet reached a deadly 109 degrees near the ceiling, creating a lethal environment for the helpless child.
Zaelynn Was Full of Life and Love
Despite the unimaginable tragedy, Zaelynn’s obituary painted a picture of a lively and joyful child. She was described as always having a smile on her face, and she loved life to its fullest.
“Zaelynn was full of love and life. She always seemed to have her tongue out, having fun and being happy,” her obituary read. “Zaelynn had big, beautiful crystal blue eyes and long, long eyelashes, and they brightened up the room every time she smiled. Her entire family will miss this spunky little girl greatly.”
A close friend of the family expressed their condolences, writing, “We are so very sorry for the loss of your precious Zaelynn.”
The Unbearable Conditions the Family Was Living In
According to WPTA, the home was in a deplorable state. The living conditions were “extremely unhealthy,” with the apartment infested with cockroaches. In the kitchen, a pot was found on the stove, filled with mold and covered in flies—an appalling sight that speaks to the severe neglect the children endured.
The other two children, ages 5 and 3, were also found in poor condition. The Department of Child Services took custody of them after discovering that both had lice.
The Arrest of the Parents
Sintia Perez and Jace Hirschy were immediately arrested and charged with one count of Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Death (a Level 1 Felony), one count of Neglect of a Dependent (a Level 6 Felony), 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.
The Death of Zaelynn has prompted a wave of outrage and heartbreak in the community, sparking discussions about the importance of being aware of signs of child abuse or neglect and taking swift action when children are at risk. Every child deserves the right to live in a safe and loving environment, and it’s up to the people around them to make sure that this happens.
If you ever suspect child abuse or neglect, please don’t hesitate to act. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is available to offer support and guidance. You can call 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453), or visit www.childhelp.org for more information. The hotline is available 24/7 and provides assistance in over 170 languages. All calls are toll-free and confidential.
The death of Zaelynn serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the vulnerability of children and the urgent need for vigilance and care from those responsible for their well-being. We must never turn a blind eye to these stories, because every child deserves love, safety, and a chance to grow.
