State police in Blair County say a Williamsburg woman is behind bars following an over two year investigation into the death of her elderly mother.
Troopers say 37-year-old Colleen Sayegh is accused of failing to properly care for her mother, resulting in the victim being hospitalized with various sores and open wounds, and later dying.
According to the affidavit, police were first contacted in July of 2022 after the victim was taken to Conemaugh Nason Medical Center for treatment.
Investigators say hospital staff reported that the victim was covered in urine and feces, as well as several open wounds and sores.
Hospital staff also reported that the victim had suffered severe dehydration and had an extremely low blood pressure, police noted in the complaint.
Troopers say the victim, who was wheelchair-bound, also showed signs of a recent stroke and was flown to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Cambria County.
Police say troopers were notified a couple days later that the victim had passed away in the hospital.
Prior to her passing, investigators say troopers conducted a search of her Woodbury Township residence.
Troopers noted that the home was in deplorable conditions, as it was reportedly littered with feces and a foul odor.
While on scene, investigators spoke with the victim’s daughter, identified as Sayegh, who confirmed that her mother had suffered a stroke, approximately one year prior, and stated that her mother was allegedly under her care after spending a short time in a nursing home.
According to Sayegh, police say the victim had allegedly “taken a turn for the worse” and was unable to fully communicate with her.
When questioned further about the type of care that she was providing to her mother, troopers say Sayegh admitted to not bathing the victim in “months” and stated that it had been over a year since she had seen a doctor.
Investigators say an autopsy report later determined that the victim died from a severe infection caused by the numerous sores and wounds that were discovered on her body.
Authorities noted that the victim was also diabetic, which reportedly made her more susceptible to infections.
According to online court records, Sayegh was arraigned this week on charges of neglecting care of a dependent person, aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter.
She is jailed at the Blair County Prison on $100,000 bail.