The case of 21-year-old William Hatchett, a man with severe disabilities, has sent shockwaves through Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, with its heartbreaking details of neglect and mistreatment leading to his untimely death. Hatchett, who was blind, deaf, and suffered from cerebral palsy, was found dead in September 2024, weighing a mere 59 pounds. His tragic passing has now been classified as a homicide, and charges have been brought against his parents and a caretaker.
The Victim: William Hatchett
William Hatchett was a young man who faced considerable challenges due to his physical and sensory disabilities. Dependent on others for all aspects of daily living, including mobility, food, and medication, Hatchett was entirely reliant on his caregivers.
His condition left him unable to communicate or care for himself. Despite this, he endured extreme neglect at the hands of those who were meant to protect him. According to Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele, Hatchett’s suffering and eventual death were caused by months of starvation and failure to provide essential care.
The Role of William Hatchett’s Parents
Hatchett’s mother, Sherry Lynn Hawkins, and father, Vernon Hatchett, are at the center of the investigation. Hawkins has been charged with first-degree murder, while her partner, Vernon Hatchett, faces involuntary manslaughter charges. The allegations indicate that over a period of approximately nine months, the couple failed to provide the basic care that their son desperately needed. Authorities reported that during this time, Hatchett lost nearly half of his body weight, dropping from 90 pounds to just 59 pounds by the time he passed away.
The couple is said to have ignored their son’s medical needs and neglected to administer vital medication. Despite knowing the critical nature of Hatchett’s condition, they allowed him to waste away in a state of deprivation. On September 18, 2024, after William Hatchett’s lifeless body was discovered, his parents called 911, but the damage had already been done. Authorities quickly determined that neglect was a significant factor in the young man’s death.
A Caregiver’s Role in the Neglect
In addition to his parents, another individual has been charged in the case. Loretta Harris, a home health aide employed to care for Hatchett, is facing charges of theft by deception. According to the investigation, Harris and Hawkins were paid by a healthcare company to provide care for Hatchett. However, instead of fulfilling her duties, Harris failed to provide adequate care, leading to her involvement in the neglect. The healthcare company paid Harris and Hawkins substantial sums for services that were never delivered, and the investigation has raised questions about the level of oversight by the company. Harris’s actions have added to the already tragic circumstances surrounding Hatchett’s death.
The Discovery and Ongoing Investigation
On the day William Hatchett was found dead, the authorities were called to an apartment complex in Dresser, Montgomery County. The initial response from the Hatchetts was to report the death, but further investigation quickly revealed a more sinister reality. District Attorney Kevin Steele described the details of the case as “awful” and “heartbreaking,” emphasizing the vulnerability of the victim and the role of those who should have been looking out for him. The prosecution has stressed that the negligence was not a one-time mistake, but a sustained pattern of mistreatment that ultimately led to Hatchett’s demise.
In the wake of the discovery, Hawkins was arrested and taken into custody. However, Vernon Hatchett remains at large and is considered a fugitive. Steele expressed concern about his whereabouts, stating that given his past, Hatchett could be dangerous. A manhunt is ongoing to locate Vernon Hatchett, and the public is urged to contact authorities if they have any information on his location.
Healthcare Oversight Under Scrutiny
As the investigation into the case continues, there are significant questions regarding the oversight provided by the healthcare company that employed Loretta Harris. According to District Attorney Steele, the company paid for care that was never delivered, and the failure of the system to detect this negligence has raised concerns about the broader implications of healthcare oversight for vulnerable individuals. The investigation remains open, and authorities are reviewing all aspects of the case to ensure accountability and prevent further tragedies of this nature.
Conclusion
The death of William Hatchett is a tragic reminder of the vulnerable individuals who depend on others for care and support. The case highlights the devastating consequences of neglect and abuse, especially in the context of individuals with disabilities who cannot advocate for themselves. As the investigation continues, the community is left to grapple with the horrifying details of the young man’s final months and the betrayal of those entrusted with his care.
With the charges against his parents and the involvement of the healthcare aide, this case underscores the need for vigilance and accountability in the care of vulnerable individuals. The ongoing search for Vernon Hatchett and the investigation into the role of the healthcare company are likely to reveal more troubling details in the coming months.
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