Pewaukee mother charged following the death of her autistic daughter

PEWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Waukesha County District Attorney's office is filing charges against 52-year-old Amy Laszkiewicz of Pewaukee who is accused of starving her 23-year-old daughter to death.

The Waukesha Medical Examiner's officer confirmed that the identity of the 23-year-old as Cora Laszkiewicz.

According to a criminal complaint, Laszkiewicz is facing a Class C Felony charge for recklessly subjecting an individual at risk to abuse, causing death.

The complaint alleges that Laszkiewicz's actions led to the death of her 23-year-old daughter, who had been diagnosed with severe autism. Laszkiewicz was reportedly the daughter's sole care provider and legal guardian.

Deputies responded to the scene, a condominium in Pewaukee, on Wednesday, Jan. 4 after receiving a call from Laszkiewicz reporting her daughter's death.

An autopsy performed by the Waukesha County Medical Examiner's Office reportedly noted the victim having sunken eyes and protruding bones with a body weight reported to be 70 pounds, with a BMI of 11.5, falling within the "underweight range."

The complaint further includes details from an interview conducted with the defendant on March 7, where Laszkiewicz described challenges in caring for her daughter, including difficulties with feeding and hygiene routines. She reportedly acknowledged that her daughter was thin but did not think the situation was that severe.

If convicted, Laszkiewicz may face a fine not exceeding $100,000 or imprisonment not more than 40 years, or both.

Laszkiewicz is free after posting a $10,000 cash bail.