Parents, caretaker accused of neglect in death of Pennsylvania man with cerebral palsy
Parents, caretaker accused of neglect in death of Montgomery County man with cerebral palsy
Prosecutors in Montgomery County shared disturbing details about the death of a care-dependent young man with cerebral palsy who was found emaciated after they say he was deprived of food and medication by his parents and another neglectful caretaker.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Pa. - Prosecutors in Montgomery County shared disturbing details about the death of a care-dependent young man with cerebral palsy who was found emaciated after they say he was deprived of food and medication by his parents and another neglectful caretaker.
Tylim Hatchet, 21, weighed just 59 pounds when police found him lying on the floor of an Upper Dublin apartment in September after responding to a call about an unresponsive person. Investigators say Vernon Hatchett, Tylim's father, told police he found his son in a similar state two hours before calling for help.
"This was a completely care-dependent person in every respect and there was no care for him," Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said. "There was no feeding, there was no water, he was starved to death in this apartment and was lying on the floor when the police came."
Parents among 3 accused of neglect in death of Pennsylvania man with cerebral palsy
Prosecutors in Pennsylvania shared disturbing details about the death of a care-dependent young man with cerebral palsy who was found emaciated after they say he was deprived of food and medication by his parents and another neglectful caretaker.
Steele detailed some of the neglect Tylim is alleged to have endured from his primary caretakers, including being left alone for "upwards of 24 hours at a time." Investigators say Tylim was by himself almost entirely through the first two weeks of February.
Tylim's mother, Sherrilyn Hawkins, and Loretta Harris, allegedly logged fake hours with Avenna Healthcare to receive payment for taking care of Tylim. Prosecutors also added that Harris did not give Tylim any of his daily medication when she was at the apartment.
Credit: Montgomery County Prosecutors Office -- Sherrilyn Hawkins, Loretta Harris, and Vernon Hatchett
Hawkins allegedly messaged Vernon Hatchett about their son's "deteriorating health," but continued to leave him alone without food or medicine.
All three suspects have been charged with neglect of a care-dependent person. Prosecutors on Tuesday announced Hawkins, who is in custody, has been charged with first-degree murder, third-degree murder and other crimes.
Harris, who is also in custody, was charged with theft by deception. Authorities are still searching for Vernon Hatchett on a warrant for involuntary manslaughter.