The Pennsylvania attorney general’s office is conducting DNA testing on a hair found on a wipe that was extracted from the throat of a woman residing at a care home for individuals with developmental disabilities. The investigation is part of a renewed criminal probe into the death of Cheryl Yewdall, who passed away nearly three years ago in Philadelphia.
Yewdall was discovered lying face down on the floor with blue lips and in a pool of urine by staff at the care home. Despite being rushed to a hospital, she succumbed to her condition five days later. The medical examiner's office was unable to determine how the 7-by-10-inch wipe ended up in her airway, leaving the cause of the 50-year-old's death on Jan. 31, 2022, undetermined as accidental or a homicide. No charges have been filed in the case.
Yewdall's family has been seeking answers regarding her demise and has expressed gratitude for the recent developments in the investigation. The family's attorney highlighted the importance of uncovering the truth surrounding Yewdall's passing.
A $15 million wrongful death lawsuit filed by Yewdall’s mother implicates an unidentified staff member at the Merakey Woodhaven facility in Philadelphia. The family's legal team requested DNA testing on a strand of hair found on the wipe, which was initially overlooked by city homicide investigators. Subsequently, the state attorney general's office intervened and assumed control of the evidence, signaling a shift in the investigation.
Merakey, a prominent provider of developmental and behavioral health services, has refuted any allegations of wrongdoing in Yewdall's death. The company has denied claims that one of its employees was involved in causing harm to Yewdall. The ongoing legal proceedings are shedding light on the circumstances leading up to Yewdall's tragic passing.
Yewdall, who had cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities, had been a resident at Woodhaven for four decades. Previous evidence uncovered by the family suggests that Yewdall had experienced neglect and injuries while at the facility. The upcoming trial in the wrongful death suit is expected to provide further insights into the events surrounding Yewdall's untimely death.
Merakey's decision to close Woodhaven and transition residents to smaller community-based homes reflects a broader trend towards deinstitutionalization in the care of individuals with disabilities. The closure of Woodhaven aligns with state policies and national efforts to promote community-based care for vulnerable populations.
