Sherin Mathews: Dad Who Says He Watched 3-Year-Old Choke On Milk And Die Under Suicide Watch In County Jail

After revealing to police that he watched his adopted daughter, 3-year-old Sherin Mathews, die after choking on milk, Wesley Mathews was arrested and charged with injuring a child. On Wednesday, he was transferred to a county jail and is now reportedly under suicide watch.

Mathews, 37, was arrested and charged Monday with Injury to a Child, a first-degree felony for which he could face five to 99 years behind bars if convicted. He is being held on $1,000,000 bond.

An arrest affidavit reveals that on October 23, Mathews told police that he and Sherin were in the garage of the family home where he tried to get her to drink milk. He said the girl would not listen to him but eventually began to drink the milk. Mathews said he “physically assisted” her as she drank. He then observed her choking, coughing, and said her “breathing slowed.” Mathews told police that “eventually” he “no longer felt a pulse” on Sherin and believed the little girl was dead. He also admitted moving her body from the family home.

This account differs from the first story Mathews gave to police on October 7, the morning Sherin disappeared. At that time, he indicated he had made the child stand outside by a tree at 3 a.m. as punishment for not drinking her milk. Mathews claimed that he went outside to check on her just 15 minutes later, and she was gone. He was charged with child endangerment and bonded out of jail the next day.

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On October 22, the body of a small child was found in a culvert under a road not far from the Mathews’ family home. Using dental records provided by Sini Mathews, Mathews’ wife and Sherin’s adoptive mother, the medical examiner was able to confirm the body was that of the missing girl. A cause of death has yet to be determined.

Wednesday, Mathews was transferred in shackles from the Richardson Jail to the Lew Sterrett Justice Center in Dallas, a county jail. The Dallas County Sheriff’s Department has indicated he is currently under suicide watch, reports NBC DFW.

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Sherin was adopted by Mathews and his wife in the summer of 2016 from India. The orphanage that cared for the little girl said she was found by passersby after being placed in some bushes as a baby, according to The Dallas Morning News.

In a recent news conference, Richardson Police Sgt. Kevin Perlich stated that the Indian consulate had been in contact with the police and are concerned about to the adoption process involving Sherin.

The Mathews’ 4-year-old daughter was removed from the home by Child Protective Services (CPS) shortly after the investigation regarding Sherin commenced. According to CBS DFW, CPS had been involved with the family in the past but would not divulge further details as to why the agency was called or for which child.

At an October 23 custodial hearing, the Mathews learned their biological daughter would remain in CPS custody, as the judge postponed the hearing until November 13, according to the Tyler Morning Telegraph.

The Richardson Police Department is urging anyone with any information about Sherin’s case to call 972-744-4800.

[Featured Image by LM Otero/AP Images]