DETROIT, MI – The mother of a 14-year-old Michigan girl with autism is behind bars, charged with murder following the teenager’s tragic death this summer, according to authorities in Wayne County.
Vangie Renee Averhart, 37, was arrested in connection with the July death of her daughter, Kylee Clark. Court documents indicate that Kylee suffered fatal injuries consistent with severe blunt force trauma to the back of her head, injuries investigators compared to those seen in high-speed vehicle collisions.
Detectives said Averhart provided several conflicting explanations to emergency responders and law enforcement about how her daughter was injured. Initially, Averhart claimed Kylee had choked on food, first mentioning a sandwich and later a banana. She then attempted to implicate her boyfriend in the incident, but police ruled him out as a suspect after he passed a polygraph test, and it was confirmed he was not present when Kylee was hurt.
Authorities allege that Kylee was nonverbal and largely confined to a locked room in the family’s Detroit-area home. Court records reference statements from Averhart in which she purportedly expressed her reluctance to continue caring for her daughter. Child Protective Services had previously looked into the household multiple times amid concerns for Kylee’s welfare.
Family members recalled that the event unfolded in early July at the home. Paramedics responded on July 7, and Kylee survived for five days at the hospital before succumbing to her injuries. Loved ones described her as a young girl who radiated joy and responded to sensory experiences, embracing music, color, and tactile sensations.
Kylee’s paternal great-uncle, Jeffrey Clark, said the family had long feared for the girl’s safety and noted that her father had sought custody before her death. He described Averhart’s actions as deeply unsettling and said the family struggled to comprehend her motives.
Averhart is currently held without bond at the Wayne County Jail and is expected to appear in court in late November as the case moves forward.
Friends and relatives remembered Kylee as an individual whose unique view of the world brought light and warmth to those around her. Her obituary spoke of her love for music and her delight in life’s simple pleasures, from favorite snacks to the comfort of soft textures.
Investigators have not disclosed further details about previous child welfare investigations into the home, but prosecutors allege evidence indicates a history of neglect. The case has drawn attention to the challenges faced by families of children with special needs and the importance of support and oversight.
Community members continue to mourn Kylee, reflecting on her enduring spirit and the memories she leaves behind. The investigation remains ongoing as the legal process continues.