Pennsylvania mom charged after her blind, nonverbal daughter died from neglect

DICKSON CITY, Pa. (TCN) -- A 50-year-old woman has been charged in connection with the neglect death of her blind, nonverbal teenage daughter, authorities say.

The Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office announced the charges against Christine Harvey on April 15. According to a criminal complaint and probable cause affidavit, the 18-year-old victim, Brandy Harvey, was allegedly denied hygiene, food, necessary medication, and basic medical care by her mother for an extended period of time.

Harvey was charged with involuntary manslaughter, neglect of a care-dependent person, recklessly endangering another person, and additional related offenses.

On Dec. 10, 2025, authorities responding to a home found Brandy Harvey unresponsive, WOLF reports. According to the outlet, she had a seizure disorder, limited mobility, and other significant medical needs. 

Brandy Harvey had had a massive stroke as an infant, leading to her medical needs, the Scranton Times-Tribune reports. The coroner ruled her death a homicide. Medical findings included bedsores, dehydration, and malnutrition, all consistent with neglect, WOLF reports. In addition, according to the Times-Tribune, hospital staff noted Brandy Harvey’s toes were black and necrotic and her teeth were rotten. She died the day after she was taken to the hospital.

An investigation found human waste and an insect infestation in the Harvey home, WOLF reports. Brandy Harvey had allegedly been confined to a couch for an extended period. 

A criminal complaint obtained by WOLF alleges that Christine Harvey used her daughter’s Social Security benefits for herself. According to the Times-Tribune, Brandy Harvey received $61,530 in survivor’s benefits from 2022 to 2025 after her father died. 

During the investigation, family members, school employees, and medical personnel all expressed concern about Brandy Harvey’s condition. 

According to Christine Harvey, “[Brandy] was my whole world. Maybe I didn’t do things right. Maybe I don’t know. I just don’t know. But I tried my very best every day with her. She was my whole heart,” The Times-Tribune reports.

District Attorney Brian Gallagher said, “When someone is entrusted with the care of a vulnerable person — someone who cannot speak for themselves, cannot see for themselves and cannot protect themselves — that responsibility is absolute. To abandon that duty and allow a special needs person to suffer, deteriorate, and ultimately die under such deplorable conditions is as disturbing as it is criminal. For a parent to allow their child to suffer and rot like this is unconscionable. My thoughts and prayers are with this young woman; may she finally be at peace.”

Bail was denied for Harvey and she is scheduled to appear in court on April 29 for a preliminary hearing, per the Times-Tribune.

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