Pennsylvania Mother Sherrilynn Hawkins Sentenced to Up to 50 Years for Neglecting Disabled Son, Tylim Hatchett, Who Died Weighing 59 Pounds

A Pennsylvania mother has been sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison for the fatal neglect of her 21-year-old son with cerebral palsy, who was discovered dead in her apartment last year weighing just 59 pounds.

According to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, 42-year-old Sherrilynn Hawkins pleaded guilty to third-degree murder, neglect of a care-dependent person, theft by deception, and conspiracy to commit theft by deception in connection with the death of her son, Tylim Hatchett.

Authorities say Tylim, who required full-time care due to his condition, suffered extreme malnutrition and neglect in the months leading up to his death. Investigators revealed that he had lost 31 pounds in just seven months, dropping from 90 pounds to 59 pounds by the time his body was discovered in September 2024.

The young man’s father, Vernon Hatchett, reportedly found Tylim lying lifeless on the floor of Hawkins’ apartment in Upper Dublin, Pennsylvania, on the evening of September 18, 2024. Prosecutors allege that Vernon waited nearly two hours before calling 911 for medical help.

Tylim Hatchett.

According to court records, surveillance and phone data showed that Hawkins left her disabled son alone in the apartment for approximately 82 percent of the time during the final 18 days of his life.

Authorities also uncovered evidence that Hawkins and her acquaintance, Loretta Harris, were submitting fraudulent caregiver timesheets to Aveanna Healthcare, collecting payments for hours they did not actually spend caring for Tylim.

Harris has since pleaded guilty to abuse of a care-dependent person and is scheduled for sentencing in December, according to ABC 6.

Meanwhile, Vernon Hatchett, 40, remains wanted by authorities and faces multiple felony charges, including neglect of a care-dependent person resulting in death, abuse of a care-dependent person, and conspiracy to commit involuntary manslaughter.

The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office has announced a $7,500 reward for information leading to Vernon Hatchett’s arrest and urged anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to contact investigators.

Sherrilynn Hawkins.