Three Charged in Neglect and Death of 21-Year-Old Care-Dependent Man in Montgomery County

Three individuals have been charged in connection with the Tylim Hatchett case.

Three Charged in Neglect and Death of Care-Dependent 21-Year-Old in Montgomery County

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (Dec. 31, 2024) — Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Upper Dublin Township Police Chief Francis Wheatley have announced charges against three individuals in connection with the tragic neglect and death of 21-year-old Tylim Hatchett, a care-dependent man.

The accused include Sherrilynn Hawkins, 42, of Dresher; Loretta Harris, 45, of Philadelphia; and Vernon Hatchett, 39, of Glenside.

Details of the Incident

On September 18, 2024, at approximately 7:50 p.m., Upper Dublin Police responded to a call at an apartment complex in Dresher. Officers found Tylim Hatchett lying on the floor, severely emaciated and unresponsive. His father, Vernon Hatchett, was present and claimed he had found his son at 6 p.m. but waited nearly two hours before calling 911.

Tylim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Cause of Death and Neglect Evidence

An autopsy conducted by the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office on September 19, 2024, ruled the cause of death as complications from cerebral palsy in the context of severe neglect and classified it as homicide.

Investigators revealed that Tylim had lost 31 pounds in just seven months, dropping from 91 pounds to 59 pounds. Between September 1 and September 18, 2024, he was left alone for 82% of the time, equating to 356 of 425 hours.

Caregiver Fraud and Neglect

The investigation exposed fraudulent activities by Hawkins and Harris, who were both compensated by Aveanna Healthcare for providing caregiving services they failed to perform.

• Cell phone records showed they frequently "clocked in" as caregivers while leaving Tylim alone for extended periods, sometimes over 24 hours.

• Harris failed to administer Tylim’s prescribed medications despite being responsible for his care.

• Text messages from Hawkins to Vernon Hatchett detailed the victim’s deteriorating condition, yet no action was taken to provide food, medication, or care.

Charges Filed

All three individuals face charges for Neglect of a Care-Dependent Person. Additional charges include:

• Sherrilynn Hawkins: First-degree murder, third-degree murder, theft by deception, and related offenses.

• Vernon Hatchett: Involuntary manslaughter.

• Loretta Harris: Theft by deception.

Hawkins was arraigned on December 31, 2024, and remains in custody. Harris is scheduled for arraignment later in the day, while an active warrant is out for Vernon Hatchett’s arrest.

Preliminary Hearing Scheduled

Hawkins’ preliminary hearing is set for January 10, 2025. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this devastating case.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Detective Bureau at (610) 278-3368.

A Tragic Reminder

This heartbreaking case underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting care-dependent individuals from neglect and exploitation. Advocates emphasize the need for systemic reforms to ensure accountability in caregiving services and prevent such tragedies in the future.