Authorities in Upper Dublin Township, Pennsylvania, have charged a mother, father, and caregiver in the tragic starvation death of 21-year-old Tylim Hatchett, a man with cerebral palsy who was dependent on others for care.
Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele described the harrowing situation, stating that Tylim, who was blind, deaf, and unable to move independently, was left without proper care for months. “He needs medication that is not being provided for him,” Steele said, emphasizing the neglect.
Tylim Hatchett’s condition deteriorated as he was left alone for hours in an apartment at the Residences at the Promenade complex. Investigators revealed that his weight had dropped to just 59 pounds over a nine-month period due to neglect.
His mother, Sherrilynn Hawkins, is charged with first-degree murder, while his father, Vernon Hatchett, faces manslaughter charges. Caregiver Loretta Harris has been charged with theft by deception after allegedly receiving thousands of dollars from a home health care company without providing the proper services.
Steele expressed the horror of the situation, explaining that there was no food or water provided to Tylim, and he was found lying on the floor when the police arrived. The community is shaken by the news, with residents expressing disbelief at the cruelty of the crime.
Hawkins is currently being held without bail. Authorities are still searching for Vernon Hatchett, who is considered a threat to the community.
