Michigan Mother Accused of Beating Nonverbal Teen With Autism to Death After Saying She “Didn’t Want This Child Anymore,” Police Say
DETROIT, MICHIGAN — A Michigan mother is facing murder charges after authorities say she brutally beat her 14-year-old nonverbal daughter with autism, causing fatal head trauma so severe prosecutors compared it to injuries from a high-speed car crash. The teen, Kylee Clark, died five days later in a Detroit-area hospital, sparking outrage from family members who say she long feared the girl was in danger.
Prosecutors Say Teen Suffered “High-Speed Crash” Level Head Trauma
Investigators say 37-year-old Vangie Renee Averhart provided multiple conflicting explanations for Kylee’s catastrophic injuries, including claims that the girl choked on a sandwich or a banana. None of these statements aligned with medical evidence.
The Metro Detroit News reported that Kylee died from blunt force trauma to the back of the head, injuries described as consistent with an impact similar to a car crash.
Prosecutors say Averhart’s shifting stories only added to concerns about previous abuse reports. Child Protective Services had allegedly investigated the home multiple times due to safety concerns.
Court documents also revealed that Kylee lived in a locked room, isolated from others inside the home.
Family Says Mother Didn’t Want Her Daughter Anymore
Family members told investigators they believed Kylee was abused long before her death. According to relatives, Averhart repeatedly expressed that she was overwhelmed and no longer wanted custody of her daughter.
Her paternal great-uncle, Jeffrey Clark, called the circumstances heartbreaking:
“Kylee’s mother lied right from the get-go about pretty much everything. She’s just rotten. I mean, it’s her own flesh and blood.”
Clark said Kylee’s father had been trying to gain custody of her in the months before her death. According to him, Averhart told the family:
“You can have her, I don’t want her.”
He described the situation as “hard to fathom,” adding that he questioned whether her actions were motivated by resentment or cruelty.
CPS Previously Investigated the Household
Reports indicate that Child Protective Services had been involved with the family several times following concerns over Kylee’s safety. Despite these investigations, the cases were reportedly closed without intervention.
Kylee’s injuries were suffered at home on July 7, and she died five days later at the hospital. Police arrested Averhart shortly after. She remains held in the Wayne County Jail without bond while awaiting her next court appearance on November 26.
Remembering Kylee’s Life and Spirit
Kylee’s obituary describes her as a child who saw beauty in the world in a way that brought joy to everyone around her.
Her family wrote:
“Kylee had a vibrant soul and a beautiful way of experiencing the world. She loved music… she embraced the world in her own unique way.”
They also highlighted her love of textures, colors, sensations, and snacks—small joys that brought light into her everyday life.
As Michigan confronts the heartbreaking details surrounding Kylee’s death, the case underscores the importance of child welfare awareness and early intervention. For ongoing updates on major crime stories, justice developments, and community safety news, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.