YAKIMA, Wash. – A caregiver in Yakima, Darlina Ann Chilson, will not serve jail time after pleading guilty to second-degree manslaughter. The case involved the death of 16-year-old Kayce McDérmed in 2016.
Chilson, 52, was initially charged with second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter. She was sentenced to 23 months, but her sentence was credited to time served on electronic monitoring at home while awaiting trial.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Chilson allegedly neglected Kayce while serving as her caretaker. Chilson became Kayce’s legal guardian in 2014 after caring for her since 2001. Kayce was quadriplegic, and completely dependent on her caregiver. Chilson was paid $4,000 a month to care for Kayce.
In March 2016, Chilson brought Kayce to Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, now Yakima MultiCare, where staff determined she was maltreated. She was subsequently transferred to Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Doctor James Metz reported that Kayce had “severe lung infections, with significant skin breakdown and ulcerations.” The pressure ulcers were stage 3 to 4, described as bed sores with dead flesh reaching the bone. Doctor Metz also noted that Kayce’s right ear had nearly rotted off, indicating she had been in the same position for at least a month. The 16-year-old weighed only 45 pounds.
Doctor Carole Jenny, who also cared for Kayce at the hospital, stated in the affidavit that this was one of the worst cases of neglect she had seen in her 45 years of medical work. Kayce passed away in May 2016.
The affidavit also revealed that Sahara Chilson, Darlina’s daughter, claimed her mother was continuously using methamphetamine while caring for Kayce.
NonStopLocal is working to learn more from authorities on this case.
