Lakewood Couple Sentenced for Neglect of Disabled Woman

Judge calls care of Brian Seitz's mother "so horrible, so tortuous"

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A Lakewood man and his girlfriend were recently sentenced for the neglect and death of the man's disabled mother, whom they were paid to care for. The couple pocketed thousands of dollars meant for the woman's care while neglecting her basic needs, leading to her death.

Why it matters

This case highlights the lack of oversight in the caregiver approval process and the devastating consequences that can result from neglect of vulnerable individuals. It raises questions about how to better protect the elderly and disabled from abuse and ensure proper care is provided.

The details

Brian Seitz, 37, and his girlfriend Laura Prats, 55, were the caregivers for Seitz's disabled mother, Sheryl Seitz, for seven years. However, in the final months of Sheryl's life, their care dwindled into neglect as they pocketed the $4,400 per month they were being paid by a home healthcare company and supported a drug habit. Sheryl, who suffered from arthritis, blindness, and mobility issues, was found in septic shock with maggots burrowing into her body, two hip fractures, bedsores, and a wrist injury. She passed away the next day at the age of 58.

  • In December 2023, deputies and Adult Protective Services were called to Sheryl Seitz's unclean, unheated RV, but found no injuries or need for treatment.
  • Six months later, in June 2024, Brian Seitz called 911 saying "Mom has maggots on her and needs medical attention."

The players

Brian Seitz

A 37-year-old Lakewood man who was the caregiver for his disabled mother, Sheryl Seitz, and was paid $4,400 per month by a home healthcare company to care for her 83 hours per week.

Laura Prats

Brian Seitz's 55-year-old girlfriend who was also a caregiver for Sheryl Seitz. Prats was previously on probation after a 2017 drug arrest in Denver.

Sheryl Seitz

Brian Seitz's 58-year-old mother who suffered from arthritis, blindness, and mobility issues, and was neglected by Seitz and Prats in her final months leading to her death.

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What they’re saying

“The pain must've been unimaginable for Ms. Seitz. Ms. Seitz was totally dependent on her care providers, and that made her vulnerable to being neglected.”

— Bryan Cook, Chief Deputy District Attorney for Jefferson County (First Judicial District Attorney's Office)

“A two-to-six-year range for criminally neglecting an individual to the point of death is insulting. It's insulting to their lives and the lives of their loved ones.”

— Jason Carrithers, Jefferson County District Court Judge (First Judicial District Attorney's Office)

“The facts of how she died are so prolonged, so calculated, so horrific, and so torturous.”

— Jason Carrithers, Jefferson County District Court Judge (First Judicial District Attorney's Office)

“I loved Sheryl more than anything, but the last four months of her care "went awry".”

— Laura Prats (First Judicial District Attorney's Office)

“I'm not a horrible person; I'm not a murderer. I have such remorse for what I've done.”

— Laura Prats (First Judicial District Attorney's Office)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Brian Seitz out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the lack of oversight in the caregiver approval process and the devastating consequences that can result from neglect of vulnerable individuals. It raises questions about how to better protect the elderly and disabled from abuse and ensure proper care is provided.