The Tragic Story of Little Zaelynn — A Life Lost Too Soon

If you’re unable or unwilling to care for a child, there are always options — reach out to a relative, bring them to a hospital or fire station, or contact child protective services. Every child deserves a safe, loving home. Sadly, little Zaelynn never got that chance.

This tragedy unfolded in Berne, Indiana, just a few months ago, leaving an entire community shaken. On a cold November day in 2024, police responded to a call for a death investigation at a quiet apartment complex. What they found inside horrified even the most seasoned officers.

Sleeping in a Closet

When questioned about their third child, parents Sintia Perez, 21, and Jace Hirschy, 23, revealed something chilling. Their two-year-old daughter, Zaelynn, had been forced to sleep in a small closet, her only source of warmth a space heater turned up almost to its maximum setting.

The heat inside became unbearable. Court documents state that the temperature in the closet reached 109 degrees near the ceiling. By the time police arrived, Zaelynn’s body temperature had soared to 109.4°F — she had tragically died from hyperthermia.

Officers also described heartbreaking details: a soiled mattress, unchanged diaper, and a bedroom-to-closet temperature spike so extreme it was immediately noticeable.

A Child Full of Love and Life

Her obituary described her as a joyful, lively little girl:

“Zaelynn was full of love and life. She always seemed to have her tongue out having fun and being happy. She had big, beautiful crystal-blue eyes and long lashes that lit up every room she entered. Her entire family will miss this spunky little girl greatly.”

The Home’s Condition

Investigators also found the home in extremely unhealthy conditions — cockroach infestations, mold-covered cookware, and overall neglect. The couple’s other children, ages 3 and 5, were taken into custody by child services. Both were found to have lice.

Perez and Hirschy were arrested and charged with:

• Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Death (Level 1 Felony)

• Neglect of a Dependent (Level 6 Felony)

• Additional counts of neglect

They are currently being held at Adams County Jail, with a jury trial set for March 7, 2025.

A Call for Awareness

Stories like Zaelynn’s are deeply painful, but they remind us of an important truth: we must protect the most vulnerable among us. If you ever suspect child neglect or abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. Calls are free, confidential, and available 24/7 in over 170 languages.

Little Zaelynn’s life was far too short, but her story must never be forgotten.