Authorities in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, have raised the reward to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of Vernon Hatchett, accused of neglecting his 21-year-old son Tylim to death. The son, who had special needs and cerebral palsy, weighed just 59 pounds when he died in September 2024. District Attorney Kevin R. Steele announced the increase alongside Upper Dublin Police Chief Francis Wheatley.
District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Upper Dublin Police Chief Francis Wheatley announced on Wednesday a $10,000 reward for tips directly resulting in the arrest of 40-year-old Vernon Hatchett, also known as Khaliyl Ward. Hatchett faces felony charges including neglect of a dependent resulting in death, abuse of a dependent, and conspiracy to commit involuntary manslaughter related to the death of his son, Tylim Hatchett. The district attorney stated, 'Vernon Hatchett is charged with neglecting the care of his son to such an extent that it caused his death. Tylim was totally dependent on the adults in his life, including his father, Vernon Hatchett.' The reward had previously been $5,000 before rising to $7,500 and now $10,000. Hatchett has evaded capture for over a year. Tylim, who required daily medications he could not self-administer, died on September 18, 2024, at an apartment complex in Dresher, Pennsylvania. First responders found him severely emaciated on the floor at around 7:50 p.m.; he was pronounced dead at the scene. Vernon Hatchett was present and told officers he had found his son about two hours earlier but delayed calling 911. An autopsy by the Montgomery County Coroner's Office ruled the death a homicide due to complications from cerebral palsy amid prolonged neglect. Tylim weighed 91 pounds in February 2024, losing 31 pounds over seven months. His mother, Sherrilynn Hawkins, and family friend Loretta Harris accepted payments from Aveanna Healthcare as caregivers but frequently left him alone, falsifying time records. Cell phone data showed Tylim was unattended for 356 of 425 hours—or 82%—between September 1 and 18, 2024. Hawkins messaged Hatchett repeatedly about their son's worsening health but continued the neglect. Hawkins pleaded guilty last year to third-degree murder, neglect, and theft charges, receiving 25 to 50 years in prison. Harris got five years' probation for related offenses. Authorities urge anyone with information on Hatchett's whereabouts to call Montgomery County Detective James Lavin at 484-674-6527 or Upper Dublin Detective Brian Devlin at 215-646-2101, or 911 if sighted—do not approach.