The Pennsylvania Attorney General's office has initiated a new phase in the investigation of Cheryl Yewdall's death, which occurred over two years ago at a Philadelphia care facility. The focus is on DNA testing of a hair found on a wipe extracted from Yewdall's throat, as revealed in recent court documents.
Yewdall, who had cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities, passed away on January 31, 2022, at the age of 50. Her death remains unclassified, with uncertainty surrounding whether it was accidental or homicide. This case highlights the challenges in protecting vulnerable individuals in care settings, a concern that affects millions of Americans with disabilities.
The family of Yewdall has filed a $15 million wrongful death lawsuit, expressing suspicions about a staff member at the Merakey Woodhaven facility. This legal action is part of a broader trend in the United States, where wrongful death lawsuits serve as a means for families to seek justice and improve care standards.
Merakey, the company operating the facility, has strongly denied any wrongdoing. They suggest that emergency medical technicians might have inadvertently introduced the wipe during treatment, citing COVID-19 protocols at the time. This defense underscores the complex interplay between healthcare procedures and potential legal liabilities.
The case has brought attention to Yewdall's living conditions prior to her death. Evidence indicates she suffered injuries, including a broken leg, in the year leading up to the incident. These revelations raise questions about the quality of care in long-term facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
"Cheryl's mom is very happy that the attorney general's office has taken this further necessary step to find out what happened to her daughter at Merakey. She wants — and deserves — answers."
The DNA testing ordered by the Attorney General's office represents a significant development in forensic investigation techniques. Since the 1990s, DNA evidence has become crucial in criminal cases, leading to numerous exonerations and more accurate case resolutions.
Merakey has announced plans to close the Woodhaven facility in January 2025, relocating residents to smaller, community-based homes. This decision aligns with a national shift away from large institutions, a trend that began with the deinstitutionalization movement in the 1960s and has been reinforced by legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
As the investigation continues, this case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in providing care for individuals with developmental disabilities. It also highlights the importance of rigorous oversight and the potential of forensic science in resolving complex cases involving vulnerable populations.