Ferndale, MI – A mother has been charged with murder following the death of her 14-year-old daughter with autism. Vangie Renee Averhart, 37, stands accused in connection with the death of Kylee Clark, who died in July at a hospital.
Prosecutors have stated that Kylee suffered fatal blunt force trauma to the back of her head. They described the severity of her injuries as comparable to those sustained in a high-speed car crash.
Averhart reportedly provided multiple inconsistent accounts regarding how her daughter sustained her injuries. Initial statements included claims that Kylee had choked on food, although further investigation contradicted these claims.
Family sources allege that Kylee lived in a locked room and that Averhart expressed a desire to disassociate from her daughter. Child Protective Services had previously investigated Averhart several times regarding the child’s wellbeing.
Kylee’s family reported that she sustained her injuries on July 7 and succumbed to her injuries five days later, in a local hospital. They highlighted that Averhart’s statements regarding the incident lacked credibility.
The victim’s paternal great-uncle characterized Averhart’s behavior as deceitful, adding that she lacked compassion for her daughter. He mentioned that Kylee’s father had sought custody in the months before the tragedy.
Averhart is being held without bond at Wayne County Jail. Her next court appearance is set for November 26.
