Sherin Mathews: Paternal Grandparents Of Missing Girl Put Outside At 3 A.M. Speak Out, Pray For Her Return
The paternal grandparents of 3-year-old Sherin Mathews have reportedly spoken out about their granddaughter, saying they hope and pray for her safe return. The missing Richardson, Texas, girl’s father, Wesley Mathews, 37, told police that Sherin vanished a week ago after he made her stand outside in the middle of the night as punishment for not drinking her milk.
Wesley’s Mathews’ parents, Sam and Valsamma Mathews, who reside in Kochi, a city in India’s coastal state of Kerala, spoke exclusively to The News Minute. Valsamma sobbed as she told the media outlet that she and her husband have no information about what happened to their granddaughter beside what is being reported by the media. The couple told TNM they were “shocked” when they heard Sherin had vanished.
Valsamma was devastated when she read in an Indian newspaper that Sherin “was no more,” according to TNM.
Sam told TNM that the family loves Sherin and would never do anything to hurt her. He noted that his son and his wife would not have adopted the girl if they didn’t love her. Sam further stated that Wesley is a “good man” who “loves his children.”
Sherin’s grandparents also told TNM that they are praying there will be some good news about their granddaughter.
Family just gave me this photo of Sherin Mathews. She's 3 feet tall & 22 pounds. Limited communication skills & developmental issues. pic.twitter.com/c5SdJ7hWDn
— Allison Harris (@allison__news) October 8, 2017
On Friday, October 13, an interfaith vigil attended by over 200 people was held for Sherin near her home. Following the vigil, many of those in attendance gathered in front of the Mathews residence and yelled, “We want answers, we want justice,” WFAA reports.
Dozens remain at spot where #SherinMathews disappeared, hours after prayer service ended. Live report @ 10p @NBCDFW pic.twitter.com/l3DSChp9fu
— Meredith Yeomans (@YeomansNBC5) October 14, 2017
Sherin was reported missing by her parents at around 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, but according to her father’s story, he discovered her missing around five hours earlier at 3:15 a.m.
Wesley Mathews was arrested by Richardson Police and charged with endangering a child. According to the arrest warrant affidavit, at around 3 a.m. Saturday morning, Mathews told police he took Sherin outside and told her to stand close to a large tree located near the family’s backyard, reports CBS 19. Mathews alleges that around 15 minutes later he went to check on Sherin and she was gone.
The tree where Sherin stood is located behind a fence and across an alley about 100 feet from the family’s residence, according to The Dallas Morning News. The affidavit further says that Mathews told police that coyotes have been seen roaming the alleyway near where he told Sherin to stand.
Richardson Police have announced that the Mathews’ 2013 maroon Acura MDX SUV was not at the residence just an hour after Sherin disappeared. Authorities are asking residents and business owners that are located in the vicinity where the Acura could have traveled to review any surveillance video they have from Saturday, October 7, between the hours of 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. for images of the vehicle.
https://www.facebook.com/RichardsonPD/posts/1492078664209440
The Mathews adopted Sherin about 18 months ago from India after having trouble conceiving, CBS DFW reports. The couple’s 4-year-old biological daughter was removed from the home by Child Protective Services just days ago while the investigation into Sherin’s vanishing continues.
A spokesperson for the agency said CPS has had contact with the family in the past but did not divulge details as to why, according to CBS DFW.
On October 8, Sherin’s father posted $250,000 bond and was released from custody, according to The Dallas Morning News. On Tuesday, it was reported that as part of his release, Mathews is required to wear an electronic monitoring device and surrender his passport.
Authorities indicate that Sherin suffers from developmental issues and her verbal communication skills are limited.
Sherin was last seen on October 7 wearing a pink long-sleeve top, black pajama bottoms, and pink flip-flop sandals. She is described as being an Asian female who weighs around 22 pounds and is approximately three feet in height. Sherin has black hair and brown eyes.
The Richardson Police Department is urging anyone with any information about Sherin or her whereabouts to call 972-744-4800.
[Featured Image by The Richardson Police Department]
