Colorado Son Who Allowed Disabled Mother to Die Covered in Maggots, Bed Sores, and Fractures Told Police: ‘I Let Her Make Her Own Choices’
ARVADA, COLORADO — A 38-year-old Colorado man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after investigators found his disabled mother covered in filth, maggots, bed sores, fractures, and suffering from septic shock before she died. Deputies say the woman had been left in horrific conditions while her son and his girlfriend — who were paid caregivers — failed to provide basic care.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said Brian Seitz pleaded guilty to negligent death of an at-risk person, admitting responsibility for the death of his 58-year-old mother, Sheryl Seitz, after years of abuse, neglect, and unsafe living conditions.
Mother Found Lying on Air Mattress in Garage, Covered in Filth and Maggots
First responders on April 29, 2024, found Sheryl lying on an air mattress inside the garage of an Airbnb on Kendall Street in Arvada. Authorities said she was:
“Covered in filth and maggots” and suffering from ulcers, septic shock, two hip fractures, a loosely connected wrist, and bed sores.
She was transported to a hospital, where she died the following day.
Authorities later determined the prolonged neglect occurred at an RV storage lot two miles away, where the suspects and victim lived in separate units.
Inside Sheryl’s trailer, investigators found no running water, no bed, and only a single space heater for warmth.
Son and Girlfriend Were Paid for More Than 80 Hours of Care Each Week
Deputies say Seitz and his 55-year-old girlfriend, Laura Prats, had served as Sheryl’s sole caregivers for 6–7 years. Both were paid through a state-funded home health care company to provide her with over 80 hours of weekly care.
Despite that, investigators discovered that Sheryl suffered from prolonged immobility, untreated rheumatoid arthritis, and fractures consistent with months — or even years — of unmanaged medical needs.
An autopsy ruled the manner of death as homicide caused by neglect.
Seitz Justified Neglect by Saying He Let His Mother “Make Her Own Choices”
After his arrest, Seitz attempted to defend himself during an interview with Denver’s Fox affiliate KDVR.
He claimed that he and Prats moved Sheryl to the Airbnb to “get her cleaned up.” He said he tried to remove maggots from her body but that she resisted.
Seitz told the station:
“I didn’t tell her she had to do anything because that’s my mom. She was of sound mind. I let her make her own choices.”
He also claimed:
“I offered to call an ambulance for her every day and I offered to get her help every day.”
Deputies, however, say Sheryl’s severe injuries and the filth she was found in clearly showed prolonged and intentional neglect, not personal choice.
Girlfriend Also Pleaded Guilty — Sentencing Scheduled for Dec. 23
Seitz was sentenced to 10 years in prison earlier this week. His girlfriend, Laura Prats, pleaded guilty to the same charge and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 23.
Investigators emphasized that Sheryl’s suffering was preventable and that the couple failed to provide even the most basic care despite being paid to protect her.
What’s your reaction to this disturbing case of elder neglect in Colorado? Should caregivers face harsher penalties when vulnerable adults are abused under their supervision? Share your thoughts and follow every major update on WaldronNews.com.