Parents and caregiver accused of neglecting son with cerebral palsy, leading to his death from starvation

Parents and a caretaker stand accused of starving their 21-year-old son, Tylim Hatchett, to death in a case of extreme neglect in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Found lying on the floor of an Upper Dublin apartment and weighing only 59 pounds, the victim is believed to have suffered from cerebral palsy.

Charged with neglect of a care-dependent person, the boy’s mother, Sherrilynn Hawkins, his father, Vernon Hatchett, and caretaker, Loretta Harris. The charges were upgraded to include murder after authorities stated that the young man was unable to care for himself and had starved to death.

“This is a heartbreaking case of a young man with cerebral palsy who was unable to care for himself and was dependent on his parents and caretaker to meet his basic needs,” stated Montgomery County District Attorney, Kevin R. Steele.

With regards to the level of the neglect, Tylim’s state at discovery was an example of the extreme nature of the abuse. As stated by law enforcement, he was “severely emaciated” and demonstratively neglected for a long period of time. The blind and deaf young man was fully dependent on his caretakers.

In an extreme twist, Tylim’s father, Mr. Hatchett, is still at large. The District Attorney of Montgomery County has offered a $5,000 reward for information on his whereabouts. This adds fuel to the search with authorities encouraging the public to step forward with tips leading to Mr. Hatchett’s capture.

The case has been met with outrage and incredulity. Examination of the body led coroner, Dr. Moylan, to comment, “In my 30 years of practice, this is one of the most severe cases of malnutrition I have ever seen.” This statement demonstrated the extreme nature of the neglect endured by Tylim.

As the court proceedings begin, the case warns of the vulnerability of care-dependent persons and the dangers of neglect and the need for proper oversight. The case reminds society of the need to be more aware and in reporting cases of suspected neglect of care-dependent persons.

Based on the death of Tylim Hatchett, the case again draws attention to the ongoing concern of the neglect and abuse of disabled persons. In this specific case, the neglect is extreme; however, it is not unusual. Reported cases of neglect have come and continue to come from around the country, such as recently reported in South Carolina, where relatives received sentencing in the neglect and murder of a disabled teenager.

As the community faces the horrifying events of this case, persons concerned for the interests of disabled persons are calling for stronger measures of oversight and support in care-dependent systems to avoid this tragedy in the future. With its outcome, the case might have lasting effects on how society deals with its most vulnerable members.