In a tragic case that has shocked the community of Waukesha County, Wisconsin, a mother has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the death of her 23-year-old daughter, Cora Laskowitz, who died from malnutrition and dehydration. Cora, who was diagnosed with severe autism, was found weighing only 70 pounds at the time of her death on January 4, 2023, raising serious questions about her mother’s care and the circumstances leading to her demise.
Cora’s mother, Amy Lascowitz, initially called 911 to report that her daughter was unresponsive in her bed. Emergency responders confirmed that Cora was beyond medical help when they arrived. According to court documents, Cora’s physical condition was alarming, with sunken eyes and visible bones, indicating severe malnourishment. She had reportedly not been taken to a doctor since she was 17 years old, with her last recorded weight being 135 pounds in 2016.
During police interviews, Amy claimed she wanted to keep Cora calm and believed she could manage her daughter’s health on her own. She admitted that Cora had not left their home since the COVID-19 pandemic began, creating a situation where Cora’s nutrition and hydration were not adequately monitored. Although Amy stated she provided her daughter with food, it became evident that Cora was not eating enough, leading to her tragic decline.
Investigators uncovered that Cora had a history of good appetite and health until her absences from school began in late 2019. After failing to attend school, Cora’s weight reportedly started to drop, but Amy insisted she was doing her best to encourage her daughter to eat. However, the medical examiner’s report indicated that Cora’s body was in a state of starvation, with no signs of any underlying medical issues that could explain her condition.
In the wake of Cora’s death, Amy was charged with recklessly subjecting an individual at risk to abuse under circumstances causing death. After initially being released on bail, she ultimately accepted an Alfred plea, maintaining her innocence while acknowledging that the evidence could lead to a conviction. The judge, during sentencing, criticized Amy’s failure to seek medical help for her daughter, comparing Cora’s autopsy photos to concentration camp victims.
As a result of her actions, Amy Lascowitz is now serving her 20-year sentence at the Teta Correctional Institution in Waukesha, Wisconsin, with a projected release date of March 2045. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that caregivers hold, particularly for individuals with significant health challenges. The community continues to grapple with the implications of this tragic story, which has highlighted the importance of proper care and intervention for vulnerable individuals.