A Wisconsin mother has pleaded guilty in a heartbreaking case involving her daughter’s tragic death due to starvation. On Thursday afternoon, 53-year-old Amy S. Laszkiewicz admitted her guilt in a Waukesha County courtroom. She was charged with abusing her 23-year-old daughter, Cora Laszkiewicz, who had severe autism and died from malnourishment on January 4, 2023.
The case began in June 2023, when Amy was charged with recklessly neglecting a vulnerable individual, leading to death. According to court documents, Amy said she restricted her daughter’s food partly because she didn’t want to upset her by addressing sensitive topics like weight.
Amy was initially arrested on June 21, 2023, but posted a $10,000 bail and was released. However, in August, a court commissioner decided there was enough evidence to keep her in jail temporarily. She was later granted bail again.
During Thursday’s hearing, Amy entered what’s known as an Alford plea. This means she maintains her innocence but acknowledges that the evidence against her would likely convince a jury of her guilt. She now faces up to 40 years in prison, though prosecutors plan to recommend 15 years behind bars. Sentencing is scheduled for March 21.
The tragedy began to unfold on the morning of January 4, when Amy called 911 after finding her daughter lifeless in bed. Authorities arrived at their home in Muskego, Wisconsin, to find Cora beyond help. The young woman, standing 5’5”, weighed just 70 pounds at the time of her death. A medical examiner later described her condition as “extremely thin and emaciated,” with visible hip and rib bones, sunken eyes, and no body fat.
Dr. Amy Shiel, who conducted the examination, reported that Cora was severely dehydrated as well. Her skin showed signs of “turgor,” a condition where the skin doesn’t recover after being pinched, indicating extreme dehydration.
Cora’s death was ruled a homicide caused by her caregiver’s failure to provide proper food and water. Investigators learned that Amy had kept her daughter isolated at home since the COVID-19 pandemic began. According to Amy, Cora hadn’t left the house or seen a doctor in years. The last documented visit was in 2019, though her primary care physician had not seen her since 2017, when she weighed 135 pounds at age 17.
Amy admitted she noticed her daughter getting thinner but believed she would “bounce back.” She also told investigators she didn’t want to call for medical help because she feared upsetting her daughter. “Maybe my decisions weren’t right,” Amy said during questioning. “I probably should have taken her in, but I didn’t want to upset her more.”
Amy described her daughter as a picky eater who stuck to a gluten- and dairy-free diet, often eating breakfast burritos. She also confirmed that she was solely responsible for her daughter’s feeding and hygiene.
At the Thursday hearing, prosecutors argued that Amy should be held in custody until sentencing, saying she could be a flight risk after her conviction. However, the court allowed her to remain free on bail until her March sentencing date.
This case highlights the tragic consequences of neglect and the devastating impact it can have on vulnerable individuals like Cora. As her story unfolds in court, it continues to draw attention to the critical importance of proper care for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
