Son, 21, Had Special Needs and Was Neglected by His Mother. He Died Weighing 59 lbs.

Pennsylvania Mother Sentenced to Up to 50 Years for Neglecting Son with Special Needs, Resulting in his Death

A tragic case of neglect has come to light as a Pennsylvania mother has been sentenced to a maximum of 50 years in prison for the neglect and death of her 21-year-old son with cerebral palsy. The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office announced that Sherrilynn Hawkins pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and additional charges in connection with the death of her son, Tylim Hatchett, in 2024.

Tylim Hatchett, who was living with cerebral palsy, was tragically found dead in his mother’s apartment in September 2024, weighing just 59 pounds at the time of his death. Hawkins, aged 42, also pleaded guilty to neglect of a dependent care person, theft by deception, and conspiracy to theft by deception. She has been sentenced to 25-to-50 years in prison for her actions.

Authorities are also seeking Tylim’s father, Vernon Hatchett, who has been charged in connection with his son’s death. Vernon faces multiple felony charges related to the neglect of his care-dependent son, including neglect of a care dependent person resulting in death and conspiracy to commit involuntary manslaughter.

According to reports, Tylim’s father discovered his son’s lifeless body weighing only 59 pounds on the apartment floor in Upper Dublin, Pa. Tylim had reportedly lost 31 pounds in the seven months leading up to his death. Shockingly, Tylim was left alone in his mother’s apartment for 82% of the last 18 days of his life.

Further investigations revealed that Hawkins and her friend, Loretta Harris, were falsely claiming compensation from Aveanna Healthcare for the time they were supposed to be caring for Tylim. Harris has since pleaded guilty to the abuse of a care-dependent person and is awaiting sentencing in December.

The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office is now offering a $7,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of Vernon Hatchett. They are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward and assist in bringing him to justice.

This heartbreaking case sheds light on the importance of providing proper care and support to individuals with special needs. The neglect and subsequent death of Tylim Hatchett serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of failing to meet the needs of vulnerable members of society.

As we reflect on this tragic incident, it is crucial to ensure that measures are put in place to protect and safeguard individuals with special needs, and to hold those responsible for neglecting them fully accountable for their actions. The memory of Tylim Hatchett must serve as a catalyst for change in how we care for and support those who are most vulnerable in our communities.