If you’re unable or unwilling to care for a child, seek help from family, or take the child to a hospital, fire station, or contact child protective services. Every child deserves a chance at life with someone who truly cares.
Tragically, little Zaelynn never got that chance — and her story must never be forgotten.
A Heartbreaking Case in Berne, Indiana
In November 2024, police responded to a death investigation at a quiet apartment complex. What they discovered shocked even veteran officers.
Sintia Perez, 21, and Jace Hirschy, 23, lived in filthy conditions with their three young children. Two were present — but their third child, 2-year-old Zaelynn, was found dead after being forced to sleep in a closet with a space heater running on high.
Her body temperature reached 109.4°F. She died of hyperthermia.
Police found her in a crib with a soiled mattress and unchanged diaper. The closet was scorching, with temperatures near the ceiling matching her fatal fever. Perez admitted to placing Zaelynn there the night before and didn’t check on her until the afternoon.
Neglect and Squalor
The home was infested with cockroaches; a pot on the stove was filled with mold and flies. The couple’s two other children, ages 3 and 5, had lice and were removed by Child Services.
Perez and Hirschy face multiple charges, including Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Death, and are being held at Adams County Jail. Their trial is scheduled for March 7, 2025.
Remembering Zaelynn
Zaelynn was described as a joyful, loving little girl with bright blue eyes and a vibrant spirit. Her tragic death is a reminder that we cannot turn a blind eye to child neglect and abuse.