Wednesday, September 1, 1999
Theresa Sieniarecki v. State of Florida
No. 94,800

Place of Origin
Broward County
Facts
Theresa Sieniarecki was charged with aggravated manslaughter of a disabled person, her 50-year-old mother Patricia Sieniarecki. Patricia's body was found in October 1996 in a Dania apartment where she and Theresa lived in impoverished conditions, without electricity. A medical examiner found that Patricia died of infections caused by dehydration, malnutrition, and lack of hygiene. Her 5'3" body weighed 68 pounds. There was testimony that Patricia refused to see a doctor about longstanding health problems, would eat little, and was unconcerned about her hygiene. At trial Theresa was found guilty of the lesser included offense of neglect of a disabled person. The Fourth District Court rejected Theresa's claim that the statute under which she was sentenced is unconstitutional and unlawfully required her to seek treatment for her mother against her mother's wishes. She appeals.