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 a chance at life with someone who truly cares.

Unfortunately, little Zaelynn never got that chance – and her story must never be forgotten.

Shocked even the most seasoned officers

Writing about children who suffer or are harmed always breaks my heart, and this story contains graphic content that may not be suitable for all viewers. Viewer discretion is advised. However, I believe it is important to share – because what does it say about us as humans if we turn a blind eye to these children and fail to give them the justice they deserve?

A horrifying story unfolded in Berne, Indiana, just a few months ago — a case that has shaken the community to its core. The call came in on a cold November day in 2024 — police were needed for a death investigation at a quiet apartment complex.

What they found would shock even the most seasoned officers.

Authorities arrived to find a young couple, Sintia Perez, 21, and Jace Hirschy, 23, with their two small children — but when they asked about their third child, little Zaelynn, what the parents said next was absolutely chilling.

According to WANE, the family of five lived in filthy conditions, with little Zaelynn forced to sleep in a closet — her only source of warmth, a space heater running through the night. Tragically, this sleeping arrangement proved fatal.

Zaelynn died of hyperthermia, or overheating.

Slept in a closet

Court documents described how an officer immediately noticed a drastic rise in temperature upon stepping from the bedroom into the closet.

Inside, officers discovered the two-year-old lying on a soiled mattress in her crib, her diaper unchanged. Her small body was discolored — a heartbreaking sign of the tragic conditions she endured.

An autopsy revealed the toddler’s body temperature had soared to a staggering 109.4 degrees by the time police arrived. The mother, Sintia Perez, reportedly told investigators she had put Zaelynn to bed around 7 p.m. the night before and turned the heater up nearly to its maximum setting.

The next day, she didn’t wake up until 12:30 p.m.— but neither she nor Hirschy checked on their daughter until hours later, around 3 p.m. By then, it was too late.

Police reported that temperatures inside the closet had reached a scorching 109 degrees near the ceiling, creating a deadly environment for the helpless toddler.

Full of love and life

According to her obituary, Zaelynn was described as a happy, fun-loving child.

“Zaelynn was full of love and life. She always seemed to have her tongue out having fun and being happy,” it 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 friend expressed their condolences to the family, writing, “We are so very sorry for the loss of your precious Zaelynn.”

According to WPTA, the older children lived in an “extremely unhealthy” environment. The home was infested with cockroaches, and a pot on the stove was discovered filled with mold and covered in flies.

The Department of Child Services took custody of the couple’s two other children, ages 5 and 3, both of whom were found to have lice.

Perez and 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.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.