A Montgomery County woman pleaded guilty Monday in the death of her 21-year-old son, who investigators say died from prolonged neglect.
Tylin Hatchett, who was blind, nonverbal and had cerebral palsy, died in September 2024. Authorities found him severely malnourished and dehydrated, weighing just 59 pounds inside the family’s apartment in Dresher.
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 had cared for her son diligently until she became overwhelmed.
“Up until the end, she was a great care provider for him, and obviously at the end it became too much for her, and she has now accepted responsibility,” Schultz said.
However, Montgomery County First Assistant District Attorney Ed McCann offered a starkly different view. He said Hawkins and home health aide Loretta Harris were paid by a healthcare company to care for Hatchett but failed to provide adequate support.
Investigators said the pair collected thousands of dollars in fees while providing Hatchett with little to no care.
McCann expressed disappointment in Hawkins’ demeanor during the hearing.
“I had hoped that she would come in and make a true expression of remorse for killing this child, for murdering this child, and perhaps give some explanation as to why she did what she did, but we clearly didn’t hear any of that today,” he said.
Hawkins was sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison.
Harris previously pleaded guilty to neglect of a care-dependent person and theft by deception. She is scheduled to be sentenced in December.
The victim’s father, Vernon Hatchett, faces charges including conspiracy to commit involuntary manslaughter and neglect.
Authorities say he remains at large.
A $7,500 reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest. Anyone with information is urged to call 911.
