A Pennsylvania parent was sentenced to spend between 10 and 20 years in prison after pleading guilty but mentally ill to several serious charges, including attempted homicide, aiding suicide, aggravated assault, kidnapping, interference with child custody, and endangering a child’s welfare.
Incident Details
The case dates back to October 2022, when 32-year-old S. Neggy took her 6-year-old child from a relative’s care and fled to a rural part of Pennsylvania. Family members alerted authorities after finding handwritten letters from Neggy. In these letters, she wrote about needing fentanyl to protect herself and her daughter and claimed that God told her she would die soon.
Police Search and Child’s Condition
Using cellphone tracking, police found Neggy and her child in the rural area. Tests showed the child had fentanyl and other opioids in her system. Fortunately, the child survived and was placed in the care of family members.
Parent’s Statement and Motive
During questioning, Neggy said she believed she was protecting her daughter from a serial killer and wanted to give her a peaceful death.
Sentencing and Mental Health Treatment
Common Pleas Judge Feliciani sentenced Neggy to 10 to 20 years in prison but ordered that she continue mental health treatment while incarcerated. After serving her sentence, she will be on probation for five years. The court’s decision reflects acknowledgment of her mental illness while holding her accountable for the crimes.
Officials Praise Law Enforcement and Prosecution
District Attorney Ziccarelli praised the local police department for their investigation and commended the professionalism of the Assistant District Attorney handling the complex case.