Three individuals have been charged in connection with the September 2024 death of 21-year-old Tylim Hatchett, a care-dependent individual in Pennsylvania.
The defendants in the case are Sherrilynn Hawkins, 42, of Dresher; Loretta Harris, 45, of Philadelphia; and Vernon Hatchett, 39, of Glenside.
Hawkins has been charged with First-Degree Murder, Third-Degree Murder, Neglect of a Care-Dependent Person, Theft by Deception, and related offenses.
Harris faces charges of Neglect of a Care-Dependent Person and Theft by Deception.
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Hatchett, Tylim’s father, is charged with Neglect of a Care-Dependent Person, Involuntary Manslaughter, and related charges. Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Hatchett.
On September 18, 2024, Upper Dublin Police responded to a report of an unresponsive individual at an apartment complex in Dresher. Upon arrival, officers found Tylim Hatchett severely emaciated and lying on the floor. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigators learned that Hatchett’s father, Vernon, discovered his son’s condition almost two hours before calling 911.
An autopsy conducted on September 19, 2024, by the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office determined that Tylim died from complications of Cerebral Palsy in the context of neglect. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.
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The investigation, conducted by the Upper Dublin Police Department and the Montgomery County Detective Bureau, revealed a troubling pattern of neglect. Between February and September 2024, Tylim’s weight dropped from 91 pounds to 59 pounds—a loss of 31 pounds in seven months. During the 18 days leading up to his death, Tylim was left alone in the apartment for 356 of 425 hours, approximately 82% of the time.
Hawkins and Harris, who were compensated through Aveanna Healthcare for caregiving, were found to have submitted falsified hours, claiming to care for Tylim while leaving him alone for extended periods. Cell phone records confirmed that the caregivers were often not present during the times they claimed to be working. Additionally, Harris failed to provide Tylim with the essential medications required by his medical care plan.
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Evidence included messages exchanged between Hawkins and Hatchett discussing Tylim’s deteriorating health. Despite their awareness of his condition, both failed to intervene or provide the necessary care.
Hawkins was arraigned on December 31, 2024, by Magisterial District Judge Cathleen Kelly Rebar. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 10, 2025. Harris was arraigned on Tuesday while authorities continue their search for Vernon Hatchett.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities urge anyone with additional information to contact the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
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