If you’re unable or unwilling to care for a child, seeking help from family, a relative, or child protective services is crucial. No child should ever be left to suffer in such conditions. Unfortunately, Zaelynn’s story was one of neglect that ended in tragedy—and it must never be forgotten.
A Tragic Loss That Shocked Berne, Indiana
On a cold November morning in 2024, a call for a death investigation stunned the small town of Berne, Indiana. Police officers arrived at a local apartment complex to discover a scene that would haunt them forever. What they uncovered left even the most seasoned officers in shock.
Zaelynn’s parents, Sintia Perez (21) and Jace Hirschy (23), had been living in appalling conditions with their two other young children. But it was the condition of little Zaelynn that would leave the authorities speechless.
A Deadly Mistake: Zaelynn’s Final Hours
Zaelynn’s parents reported that their two-year-old daughter was left in a closet to sleep overnight, with the only source of warmth being a space heater. The heat, however, became a fatal mistake.
Zaelynn died from hyperthermia, or extreme overheating. Court documents reveal that officers immediately noticed an unbearable rise in temperature as they entered the room where she was kept. The closet, which lacked ventilation and safety, became a deadly trap.
Inside, they found Zaelynn lying on a soiled mattress in her crib, her diaper unchanged. Her small body was discolored, a tragic reminder of the suffocating conditions she endured. Autopsy results confirmed that her body temperature had reached an alarming 109.4°F, a temperature high enough to be fatal. Tragically, her parents hadn’t checked on her until it was too late.
A Family’s Nightmare: The Neglect That Led to Death
Zaelynn’s mother, Sintia Perez, reported putting her daughter to bed at 7 p.m. the previous night and turning the heater up to an unsafe level. She then didn’t wake up until 12:30 p.m. the following day. However, neither she nor Hirschy checked on their daughter until hours later—by which time, the toddler’s life had already been claimed by the extreme heat.
The temperature inside the closet was recorded at 109 degrees, a level high enough to cause fatal hyperthermia, especially for a vulnerable child.
The Impact of This Tragedy
Zaelynn’s obituary paints a heartbreaking picture of the little girl she was before her life was cut short. Described as a fun-loving child with big, beautiful blue eyes and a radiant smile, she brought joy to those around her. Zaelynn was full of life, her family recalls. Her untimely death leaves a void that can never be filled.
Her family and friends remember her as a vibrant and joyful spirit. One family friend expressed their sorrow, writing: “We are so very sorry for the loss of your precious Zaelynn.”
An Uninhabitable Home: A History of Neglect
It wasn’t just Zaelynn who suffered in this neglectful environment. The couple’s two other children, ages 3 and 5, were also living in unhealthy and unsanitary conditions. Reports revealed cockroaches infested the home, and a moldy pot with flies was found on the stove. Both of the older children were found to have lice, further indicating the squalid living conditions they endured.
As a result, the Indiana Department of Child Services took custody of the couple’s surviving children, ensuring they would no longer face the same fate.
Arrest and Charges
Sintia Perez and Jace Hirschy were arrested and charged with Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Death (a Level 1 Felony) and Neglect of a Dependent (a Level 6 Felony). They are currently being held at Adams County Jail, awaiting trial on March 7, 2025.
Their actions, or lack thereof, robbed little Zaelynn of her future—a future that could have been full of love and care had the right support systems been in place.
Raising Awareness and Preventing Tragedies
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, it’s vital to speak up. No child should endure such suffering. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, there are resources available:
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National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453
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Visit www.childhelp.org for more information
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These services are available 24/7 in more than 170 languages, offering confidential and toll-free support.
A Call for Change
Zaelynn’s story is a tragic reminder that every child deserves safety, warmth, and love. The neglect she suffered should never have occurred. By raising awareness and offering support to families in crisis, we can help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Let Zaelynn’s story be a call to action for all of us. Protect children, support those in need, and always be vigilant in ensuring no child is left behind to suffer in silence
