SOUTH CAROLINA (LOOTPRESS) – A North Charleston woman is facing charges in connection with the death of a diabetic teenager under her care, accused of failing to provide necessary medical attention. Shirl Lee Sweeney, 50, was charged with unlawful conduct toward a child after authorities determined she neglected the 17-year-old girl, who ultimately died from complications related to her diabetes.
According to a statement from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Sweeney failed to ensure the teen, who has not been publicly identified, received the life-saving medication she needed. A probable cause affidavit reveals that Sweeney was aware for years of the girl’s diabetes diagnosis but did not take proper steps to manage her condition.
The teen was diagnosed with diabetes in June 2021, and after missing numerous medical appointments, she was hospitalized in September 2021 for high blood sugar. At that time, Sweeney was reportedly told by doctors that the girl’s insulin regimen was not optional and was crucial for her survival. Despite this, the affidavit notes that Sweeney did not refill the girl’s insulin after September 2021 and failed to bring her to follow-up appointments with her pediatric endocrinologist.
Medical staff had also warned Sweeney that vomiting could be a symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin. They stressed that the girl needed immediate medical attention if she began vomiting. Sweeney allegedly acknowledged these warnings, noting that she also had diabetes, but failed to act when necessary.
On August 12, 2022, Sweeney reportedly observed the teen vomiting but did not take her to the hospital. The next day, she found the girl unresponsive on the bathroom floor and called 911. During the call, Sweeney allegedly expressed regret, saying, “I knew she shouldn’t have had that milkshake.”
The teen was transported to the hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after. Medical records indicate that her weight had dropped from 136 pounds to 98 pounds before her death. The cause of death was listed as hyperosmolar ketoacidosis due to diabetes mellitus, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
Authorities have accused Sweeney of failing the teen in several critical ways, including missing medical appointments, neglecting to administer insulin, and not seeking medical help when necessary. Despite claiming that the girl refused to take her insulin, investigators say it was Sweeney’s responsibility, as her guardian, to ensure she followed her treatment plan.
Sweeney is currently being held on a $40,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on November 22.
