A South Carolina woman, Shirl Lee Sweeny, has been accused of allowing a 17-year-old diabetic girl in her care to drink a milkshake, which ultimately led to the teenager’s death. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division charged Sweeny with unlawful conduct towards a child after the girl passed away in August 2022. The teenager had been diagnosed with diabetes in June 2021, but failed to attend follow-up appointments despite medical staff advising Sweeny of the importance of the girl receiving her insulin. Sweeny was responsible for the teen’s welfare and failed to take her to medical appointments for over a year, neglecting to administer her insulin, which ultimately led to the tragic outcome.
In September 2021, the teen was hospitalized for high blood pressure, and the medical staff informed Sweeny, the girl’s guardian, that the girl’s insulin was not optional. Despite these warnings, the teenager was not taken to the hospital when she began vomiting on August 12, 2022. Medical professionals had previously advised Sweeny that vomiting could be a symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis. The following day, Sweeny called 911 after finding the girl on the bathroom floor. She was overheard by a dispatcher stating that she knew the girl shouldn’t have had the milkshake that led to the tragic events. The teen was taken to the hospital with extreme weight loss and high blood glucose levels, ultimately passing away. The cause of death was determined to be hyperosmolar ketoacidosis due to diabetes and it was listed as a homicide.
Sweeny faced charges for the teen’s death, as investigators determined she had placed the young girl at an “unreasonable risk of harm” that impacted her life, physical health, and safety. It was found that Sweeny had failed to ensure the teenager attended medical appointments and received her necessary insulin, leading to the escalation of her health condition. The tragic outcome of the maltreatment ultimately resulted in the teenager’s untimely death. The charges brought against Sweeny highlighted the grave consequences of neglect and failure to provide proper care for vulnerable individuals under her guardianship.
The case serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of providing proper care and attention to individuals with medical conditions, particularly when they are unable to advocate for themselves. The neglect and failure to administer necessary medication, as well as attend medical appointments, led to detrimental effects on the teenager’s health and ultimately resulted in her premature death. The charges against Sweeny shed light on the severe consequences of neglect and the critical need for responsible guardianship, especially when caring for individuals with complex medical needs like diabetes. The heartbreaking outcome of this case underscores the vital importance of ensuring proper care and attention for those who are vulnerable and dependent on caregivers for their well-being.
The legal charges brought against Sweeny serve as a warning to caregivers and guardians about the serious consequences of neglecting to provide adequate care for individuals under their supervision. The tragic death of the diabetic teenager underscores the necessity of following medical guidance and ensuring that individuals with serious health conditions receive the necessary treatment and support to maintain their well-being. The case highlights the crucial role that caregivers play in advocating for and supporting vulnerable individuals, emphasizing the significant impact that negligence can have on the lives and health of those entrusted to their care. The charges against Sweeny demonstrate the legal accountability that caregivers may face when failing to meet their responsibilities and obligations to those in their care, particularly when their neglect results in harmful or fatal consequences.
