Mom pleads guilty to murder after son dies from prolonged neglect: DA
A Montgomery County woman pleaded guilty Monday Death of 21 year old sonInvestigators say this person died due to long-term neglect.
Tylin HatchettBlind, unable to speak and suffering from cerebral palsy, he died in September 2024. Authorities found him severely malnourished and dehydrated in the family’s Dresher apartment, weighing just 59 pounds.
His mother, 42-year-old Sherrilynn Hawkins, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including third-degree murder.
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Hawkins’ defense attorney, Joseph Schultz, said his client diligently cared for his son until he became overwhelmed.
“She was a great care provider for him until the very end, and eventually it became too much for him and he accepted the responsibility,” Schultz said.
But Montgomery County First Assistant District Attorney Ed McCann offered a completely different view. He said Hawkins and home health aide Loretta Harris were paid for Hatchett’s care by a health care company, but they were unable to provide adequate support.
Investigators said the couple collected thousands of dollars in fees with little or no care for Hatchett.
McCann expressed disappointment with Hawkins’ demeanor during the hearing.
“I was hoping that he would come in and express genuine remorse for killing this child, for killing this child, and maybe make an explanation as to why he did what he did, but we didn’t hear any of that openly today,” he said.
Hawkins was sentenced to at least 25 years in prison.
Harris previously pleaded guilty to neglect of a person in need of care and theft by deception. He is scheduled to be sentenced in December.
The victim’s father, Vernon Hatchett, faces charges including involuntary manslaughter and conspiracy to commit negligence.
Authorities say he remains at large.
A reward of $7,500 is being offered for information leading to his arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call 911.
