Every Child Deserves Love and Care: The Heartbreaking Story of Little Zaelynn
No child should ever experience neglect or be left in harmful conditions. Every little one deserves love, care, and protection. If you’re unable to provide that, reaching out for help from family members or authorities like child protective services is crucial. Tragically, little Zaelynn never had that chance. Her story, filled with unimaginable sorrow, must be shared so she is never forgotten.
A Chilling Discovery
On a cold November day in 2024, law enforcement in Berne, Indiana, were called to investigate the tragic death of a two-year-old girl. What they uncovered left even the most seasoned officers in shock. Sintia Perez, 21, and Jace Hirschy, 23, lived with their two young children. When questioned about their third child, Zaelynn, their haunting response uncovered the terrifying truth.
The family’s living conditions were dire, and the young girl was confined to a small closet, forced to sleep on a soiled mattress with nothing but a space heater for warmth. Unfortunately, this dangerous environment led to her untimely death. Zaelynn passed away from hyperthermia—overheating caused by exposure to extreme heat.
The Heartbreaking Reality of the Conditions
Upon arriving at the apartment, officers immediately noticed a stark temperature difference between the bedroom and the closet where Zaelynn slept. Inside, the officers found the tiny child lying on a filthy mattress, her diaper unchanged, her fragile body a heartbreaking testament to the horrific conditions she endured. The autopsy revealed that Zaelynn’s body temperature had reached a staggering 109.4 degrees when authorities arrived—a level that left little hope of survival.
Perez explained that she had put Zaelynn to bed the night before at 7 p.m., turning the space heater nearly all the way up to keep her warm. However, Perez didn’t wake until 12:30 p.m. the following day, and neither she nor Hirschy checked on their daughter until 3 p.m. By then, it was far too late.
The temperature inside the small, cramped closet had soared to a lethal 109 degrees, a level of heat that proved unbearable for the tiny toddler.
Zaelynn’s Tragic Fate
Zaelynn’s death was the result of sheer neglect and disregard for her well-being. This story serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of children and the devastating consequences of neglect. Every child, no matter the circumstance, deserves a chance to thrive in an environment full of love, care, and safety. Zaelynn’s story is one of unimaginable loss, but it’s also a call to action: we must protect those who cannot protect themselves.
Let her story echo in our hearts, reminding us to stand up for the safety and care of every child.
Remembering Zaelynn: A Bright Spirit Lost Too Soon
Zaelynn was more than just a child—she was a radiant soul whose infectious joy and playful nature touched everyone around her. Described in her obituary as a girl with “big, beautiful blue eyes” and “long eyelashes that could light up any room,” she was the epitome of life’s sweetness. Zaelynn had a “spunky little spirit” that filled her family with love and laughter, and her loss is felt deeply by all who knew her.
A Home Unfit for a Child
Behind the tragedy of Zaelynn’s death was a home that was nothing short of a nightmare for young children. The living conditions were appalling and dangerous. The older siblings were forced to live in an “extremely unhealthy” environment, with cockroaches crawling through the home. A pot left on the stove was found filled with mold, its surface swarming with flies—a chilling testament to the neglect that surrounded them.
The severity of the situation was undeniable. The Department of Child Services intervened, taking custody of the couple’s two other children, both aged 5 and 3. Sadly, these children were found to have lice, a clear sign of the unsanitary conditions they had been subjected to.
Seeking Justice: Legal Consequences
The authorities moved quickly to arrest Sintia Perez and Jace Hirschy, charging them with multiple counts of neglect, including the most serious charge: Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Death, a Level 1 Felony. These charges reflect the heart-wrenching reality of the couple’s disregard for their children’s well-being. Perez and Hirschy are currently incarcerated at Adams County Jail, with their jury trial set for March 7, 2025.
Zaelynn’s death was a result of cruelty and neglect that no child should ever have to face. While her family mourns her loss, justice must be served to ensure that no other child suffers in similar conditions.