Pennsylvania Mother Sentenced to 50 Years After Son With Cerebral Palsy Dies From Severe Neglect
Pennsylvania Mother Sentenced to 50 Years After Son With Cerebral Palsy Dies Weighing Just 59 Pounds
UPPER DUBLIN, PENNSYLVANIA — A Pennsylvania mother has been sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to third-degree murder and other charges in the death of her 21-year-old son, Tylim Hatchett, who had cerebral palsy and depended on others for basic daily care.
The case began in September 2024, when police responded to an apartment in Dresher, Montgomery County, and found Tylim unresponsive on the floor. He weighed just 59 pounds at the time of his death, having lost approximately 31 pounds over the preceding seven months, according to investigators.
Authorities determined that his death resulted from complications of cerebral palsy in the setting of neglect and classified it as a homicide.
A Young Man Who Depended on Others
Tylim was blind, deaf, used a wheelchair and could not feed himself. He required regular food, medication and assistance from caregivers.
According to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, investigators found that Tylim had been left alone for approximately 82% of the final 18 days of his life. Prosecutors alleged that he went without essential food, water, medication and supervision while the adults responsible for his care failed to meet his needs.
Investigators also alleged that his mother, Sherrilynn Hawkins, and caregiver Loretta Harris received payments for care hours they did not actually provide.
Mother Receives a Lengthy Prison Sentence
In October 2025, Hawkins pleaded guilty to third-degree murder, neglect of a care-dependent person, theft by deception and conspiracy to commit theft by deception. She was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in state prison.
The sentence followed an investigation that examined Tylim’s declining physical condition, the care he received and records relating to the adults responsible for looking after him.
Caregiver Also Sentenced
Harris pleaded guilty to charges involving endangering the welfare of a care-dependent person and theft-related offenses. In December 2025, she was sentenced to five years of probation, according to local reporting.
Authorities alleged that Harris had received approximately $12,000 for care she did not provide.
Father Remains Wanted
Tylim’s father, Vernon Hatchett, also known as Khaliyl Ward, faces charges related to his son’s death. Investigators alleged that he knew about Tylim’s deteriorating condition and failed to ensure the young man received the food, medication and assistance he needed.
An arrest warrant was issued in December 2024. In March 2026, the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office increased the reward for information leading to Hatchett’s arrest to $10,000 and said he had been on the run for approximately 15 months.
As of the latest reports located for this article, authorities were still seeking him.
The case has drawn attention to the devastating consequences of neglect involving people who depend on others for daily care. Officials have emphasized that caregivers and family members entrusted with vulnerable individuals have a responsibility to ensure their basic needs are met.
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