Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C-Ballston Lake), Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Adirondack) and Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby today are calling for new state legislation, “Joycelynn’s Law,” to increase the maximum prison sentence for criminally negligent homicide of a child to 20 years to life.

Currently, the maximum sentence is 1 and 1/3 to 4 years in prison.

This legislation, “Joycelynn’s Law,” that Senator Tedisco and Assemblyman Simpson are introducing, is in response to the recent sentencing of a Corinth couple, Matthew and Samantha Dylewski, for criminally negligent homicide in the February 2025 death of their 3-year-old daughter, Joycelynn. Both received the maximum sentence of 1 and 1/3 to 4 years in state prison.

“Joycelynn’s Law” would raise the penalty for criminally negligent homicide of a child from a Class E felony to a Class A felony.

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office ruled Joycelynn’s death a homicide due to complications of “acute and chronic neglect” describing the girl as having matted hair and living in unclean conditions.

The Judge in the case described the conditions Samantha was living in as “deplorable and unsuitable for any child to be living in.”

Joycelynn had a severe lice infestation that lasted weeks, possibly months with no medical care, which developed into anemia. Her teeth were rotten and black, and she had received no medical care in 10 months. The prescription medication Clonidine was found in her system and given to her without a prescription.

“Joycelynn Dylewski deserved a happy childhood and to grow up and reach her full potential in a loving home. What she endured as a three-year-old child at the hands of her parents is sickening and unimaginable.  This was premeditated criminal neglect of a child! Her death wasn’t caused by a fit of anger and one or two violent acts toward Joycelynn but in premeditated actions over a period of time! Even to the extent that her cries of pain and anguish were silenced by an illicit drug. Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby prosecuted Joycelynn’s parents to the full extent of the law and got the maximum sentence that’s currently available to judges.  ‘Joycelynn’s Law’ named in Joycelynn Dylewski’s memory, would change the law so those convicted of criminally negligent homicide of a child get real prison time of 20 years to life instead of the current maximum of 1 and 1/3 to 4 years, so the sentence reflects the severity of the crime. The sentence these individuals got under the current law is not justice for Joycelynn. A modicum of justice would be to strengthen the law and send perpetrators of these crimes to prison for 20 years to life,” said Senator Jim Tedisco.

“No child should ever suffer the kind of prolonged neglect and unimaginable harm that little Joycelynn Dylewski endured. I commend Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby for delivering the fullest extent of justice our law allows but it is not enough. The heartbreaking circumstances of this case reveal a devastating failure that current law simply does not address with sufficient gravity,” stated Assemblyman Simpson. “By raising the maximum penalty for criminally negligent homicide of a child to 20 years to life, we send an unmistakable message: those who betray their most basic duty to protect a vulnerable child will face consequences that match the severity of their actions. This legislation is essential not only to deliver real justice for Joycelynn, but to deter future tragedies and ensure our laws better safeguard every child across New York State. Our youngest and most vulnerable deserve far stronger protections, and we must demand stronger accountability for those who fail them so profoundly.”

“I commend Senator Tedisco and Assemblyman Simpson for their leadership in advancing tougher sentencing guidelines in cases involving the death of a child. While no sentence can undo such a tragedy, strengthening penalties helps ensure accountability and sends a clear message that crimes resulting in the death of a child will be treated with the seriousness they deserve,” said Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby.