Honk News – A 21-year-old in Pennsylvania with cerebral palsy was tragically found starved to death, weighing just 59 pounds, leading to multiple felony charges against the parents and caregiver.
Authorities have announced that Sherrilynn Hawkins, 42, Vernon Hatchett, 39, and caregiver Loretta Harris have been charged with felony neglect of a care-dependent person in connection with the tragic death of Tylim Hatchett.
Hawkins faces charges including first-degree murder, third-degree murder, and theft by deception. Hatchett now faces new charges of involuntary manslaughter, while Harris has been charged with theft by deception.
On September 18, at approximately 7:50 p.m., officers from the Upper Dublin Township Police Department responded to a report of an unresponsive individual at an apartment complex in Dresher, Pennsylvania, as stated in a joint news release from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office and the police department. When they reached the location, first responders reported finding Tylim Hatchett in a state of severe emaciation, lying on the floor.
He was declared deceased at the location. The father of the victim was present at the apartment and reportedly informed officers that he discovered his son approximately two hours prior to making the 911 call.
A follow-up autopsy conducted by a forensic pathologist at the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office revealed that the cause of death was complications related to cerebral palsy amid neglect. The cause of death has been ruled a homicide.
Authorities, aided by the Montgomery County Detective Bureau, carried out an investigation and discovered that in February 2024, Tylim Hatchett weighed 91 pounds, indicating a loss of 31 pounds — over one-third of his total body weight — within a span of just seven months.
Investigators discovered proof that Hawkins and Harris submitted hours and received payments from Aveanna Healthcare for their time, despite not providing care for the victim.
Authorities have reported that Tylim Hatchett’s medical records included a list of several medications he was required to take daily. The caregiver was responsible for preparing and providing the medications since the victim could not self-medicate. Investigators reported that Harris did not provide Tylim Hatchett with any medications during her visit.
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The parents of the victim seemed to recognize the risks their son faced.
“In September, Hawkins repeatedly contacted Vernon Hatchett regarding their son’s declining health but still neglected to provide him with food or medicine,” the release states.
Hawkins was present for her arraignment on Tuesday. She is set to attend a preliminary hearing on January 10. Harris attended her arraignment on Tuesday, and a warrant was issued for Hatchett’s arrest.