Left: Vangie Averhart (Wayne County Jail via WDIV). Right: Kylee Clark (Edward Swanson and Son Funeral Home).
A Michigan mother is accused of fatally assaulting her 14-year-old daughter with autism, allegedly prioritizing her relationship with her boyfriend over her child’s wellbeing, according to authorities’ testimony.
Vangie Renee Averhart, 37, faces charges of murder following the death of her daughter, Kylee Clark, who passed away in a hospital in July, as per court documents. On Monday, Averhart appeared before a judge to assess if there is sufficient evidence for a trial concerning the murder and child abuse allegations.
As reported by The Detroit News, Averhart’s boyfriend testified that on July 7, he left Averhart and Kylee alone for roughly ten minutes at their Detroit residence. He returned when Averhart called out for assistance, discovering Kylee in distress and making unusual sounds. He removed a piece of food from her mouth and administered CPR. Emergency services transported her to the hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Dr. Marcus DeGraw, a pediatrician specializing in child abuse, testified that Kylee endured severe blunt force trauma to her head, which resulted in a substantial brain hemorrhage.
“She suffered a massive, significant intracranial injury that ultimately led to her death,” DeGraw stated. “She had significant, direct blunt force trauma to the head… likely from several direct blows… It would require considerable force to inflict such injuries.”
Prosecutors allege that Averhart was seeking to distance herself from caring for Kylee, who was not only autistic but also affected by Cornelia de Lange syndrome, a genetic disorder that hinders development. Allegedly, Averhart’s desire to be with her boyfriend motivated her actions.
“Ms. Averhart is only trying to protect herself. She wasn’t interested in protecting Kylee,” Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Tina Ripley said, according to The Detroit News. “She didn’t even want to be with Kylee anymore. She wanted to be with [her boyfriend]. She made that very clear.”
Averhart’s attorney is pointing the finger at her boyfriend. The defendant said her boyfriend slapped Kylee with an open hand because the girl had spilled milk.
“I think we have the wrong person sitting in the chair next to me,” defense attorney Dennis Whittie said.
But prosecutors say the boyfriend denied hitting Kylee and his story has been consistent throughout.
A judge said there was enough evidence for Averhart to face trial.
As Law&Crime previously reported, Averhart gave multiple accounts of how her daughter sustained her injuries, none of which made much sense.
First, she claimed the girl choked on a sandwich, then on a banana. She also pointed the finger at her boyfriend, but he passed a lie detector test and was not around at the time of the incident, the Metro Detroit News reported.
Prosecutors reportedly said Kylee, who was nonverbal, lived in a locked room. Her mother allegedly told others that she “didn’t want this child anymore.” Child Protective Services had previously investigated Averhart on several occasions over concerns for Kylee’s safety, per MDN.
Kylee’s family members told local NBC affiliate WDIV that she suffered the injuries at her home on July 7 and died five days later at a hospital.
“Kylee’s mother lied right from the get-go about pretty much everything. She’s just rotten,” her paternal great-uncle Jeffrey Clark told the outlet. “I mean, it’s her own flesh and blood.”
Clark said Kylee’s father had been trying to obtain custody of the girl in the months leading up to the alleged murder.
“And supposedly she said ‘you can have her, I don’t want her,’” Clark recalled. “[It’s] hard to fathom. I don’t know if it’s some vindictive thing on her part or if she’s just pure evil.”
Averhart remains in the Wayne County Jail without bond. Her next court date is scheduled for Nov. 26.
Kylee’s obituary said she “left an everlasting mark on the hearts of those who knew her.”
“Kylee had a vibrant soul and a beautiful way of experiencing the world. She loved music — it filled her days with joy and comfort — and she was always happiest when she had her favorite snacks nearby,” the obituary said. “She saw beauty in every color and brought brightness into every room with her spirit. With a love for textures, sensations, and using her hands, Kylee found joy in the little things many might overlook. Whether it was a soft blanket, a crunchy snack, or a rhythmic song, she embraced the world in her own unique way.”
