$5K Reward Offered For Montco Father's Arrest In Son's Neglect Death

UPPER DUBLIN TOWNSHIP, PA —The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the father involved in the neglect death of his son.

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Upper Dublin Township Police Chief Francis Wheatley said they are seeking the public's help in finding 39-year-old Vernon Hatchett —also known as Khaliyl Ward —of Glenside.

Hatchett is charged with neglect of a care-dependent person, a first-degree felony, and other charges related to the death of his son, 21-year-old Tylim Hatchett, who was found dead at an apartment in the Residences at the Promenade on Sept. 18.

His mother, Sherrilynn Hawkins, 42, of Dresher, faces first-degree and third-degree murder charges and a caretaker, Loretta Harris, has also been charged in Hatchett's death.

Hatchett is a 39-year-old black male, stands 5-feet, 10-inches tall, and weighs 190 pounds.

Vernon Hatchett was at the scene and told police officers he found his son at 6 p.m., almost two hours before calling 911.

An autopsy found Tylim Hatchett weighed just 59 pounds at the time of his death. The cause of death was determined to be complications of cerebral palsy in the setting of neglect and was ruled a homicide, authorities said.

An investigation found that Tylim was left in Hawkins’ apartment alone by himself 82 percent of the time during the last 18 days of his life. Tylim could not feed himself and needed to have several medications administered to him daily, prepared and provided by a caregiver.

Throughout September, Hawkins messaged Vernon Hatchett multiple times about their son’s deteriorating health, and Vernon Hatchett visited the apartment on Sept. 5 and Sept. 7, yet he did nothing to provide the food, medicine, and care necessary for Tylim’s survival, authorities said.

On Dec. 31, an arrest warrant was issued for Vernon Hatchett.

If anyone sees Hatchett, do not approach him and call 911, authorities said.

For tips on his whereabouts, call Montgomery County Detective James Lavin at 484-674-6527 or Upper Dublin Police Det. Brian Devlin at 215-646-2101.