FERNDALE, MICHIGAN — A 37-year-old mother has been charged with murder after allegedly beating her 14-year-old autistic and nonverbal daughter so severely that prosecutors compared the child’s injuries to those seen in high-speed car crashes.
Vangie Renee Averhart was arrested in July following the death of her daughter, Kylee Clark, who suffered critical head trauma at their home in Ferndale, a suburb of Detroit. Kylee died five days later on July 12, 2025.
Fatal Blunt Force Injuries and Contradictory Explanations
According to prosecutors, the medical examiner ruled Kylee’s cause of death as blunt force trauma to the back of the head. Investigators say Averhart gave conflicting accounts of what happened, including claims that Kylee had choked on a sandwich or a banana. She also attempted to blame her boyfriend, but authorities confirmed he was not present during the incident and passed a polygraph test.
Abuse Allegations and Family Testimony
Family members and law enforcement described a disturbing pattern of neglect and abuse. Kylee, who was also diagnosed with Cornelia de Lange syndrome, reportedly lived in a locked room. Relatives allege that Averhart had previously told others she "didn’t want this child anymore."
Kylee’s paternal great-uncle, Jeffrey Clark, spoke out publicly after the charges were filed. "Kylee's mother lied right from the beginning. She's just rotten," he said. He also revealed that Kylee’s father had been working to gain custody in the months leading up to her death.
Child Protective Services had reportedly investigated Averhart several times before the fatal incident, although the outcomes of those investigations have not been released.
Averhart is currently being held in the Wayne County Jail. Her next court appearance is scheduled for November 26, 2025.
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