After the second arrest of the adoptive father of missing Richardson, Texas girl Sherin Mathews and new charges were lodged, police spoke out to explain why the apprehension took place and what might happen with the case going forward.
On Monday, a day after Richardson Police announced the body of a small child had been found, Wesley Mathews, 37, was re-arrested and charged with Injury to a Child, a first-degree felony for which he could face 5 to 99 years behind bars if convicted.
Shortly thereafter, Sgt. Kevin Perlich addressed the media saying Mathews, accompanied by his attorney, met with detectives at the police department to speak with investigators. He was arrested following the meeting.
Sgt. Perlich stated that Sherin’s case is still being investigated, thus, he couldn’t provide any details regarding what Mathews told police. Nevertheless, he said the following about Mathews’ statements.
“The information that he provided to us was contrary to what he had previously given us regarding the missing… regarding Sherin. And, based upon that we felt the most appropriate charge would be Injury to a Child.”
The sergeant called Sherin’s case “dynamic” and noted there may be “additional arrests” or “modification of charges” moving forward, but could not offer any further details. He clarified his assertion for reporters by saying other people could be arrested in the matter or Wesley Mathews’ charges could be modified depending on how the case progresses. Sgt. Perlich also called Sherin’s case one of the “worst type” because of the “small, innocent children” involved.
BREAKING: Richardson Police Sgt. Kevin Perlich explains tonight’s arrest of Sherin Mathews’ father. Says father’s story changed. pic.twitter.com/l6iDxAZss9
— Steve Eagar (@steveeagar) October 24, 2017
“It’s one of the worst types of cases.” Sgt. Kevin Perlich talks about #SherinMathews . Latest on father’s re-arrest @FOX4 at 9 & 10 pic.twitter.com/IWVvEJneQ3
— Allison Harris (@allison__news) October 24, 2017
Sgt. Perlich noted that Sherin’s adoptive mother, Sini Mathews, is cooperating in attempting to identify the body found but is not cooperating with police with regard to answering questions or giving them any sort of guidance about what might have happened to Sherin.
Richardson Police say Wesley Mathews voluntarily met w/ investigators today. His wife’s cooperation remains limited. @CBSDFW pic.twitter.com/5IKLWu0DcK
— Andrea Lucia (@CBS11Andrea) October 24, 2017
According to the Richardson Police Department’s Facebook page, Mathews is currently being held on $1,000,000 bond.
https://www.facebook.com/RichardsonPD/photos/a.169404199810233.44588.123869457697041/1501600703257236/?type=3
The little girl’s father initially told police that on Saturday, October 7, at 3 a.m. he took Sherin outside and made her stand near a large tree across the alley from the family’s backyard as punishment for not drinking her milk. He claimed that about 15 minutes later, he went to check on her and she was gone. He also informed police that coyotes had been seen roaming the alleyway near where Sherin was standing.
Richardson Police announced Sunday that the body of a small child had been found by canines during one of the many searches for Sherin. The body was discovered in a drainage tunnel under a road.
Although police are still waiting for the medical examiner’s office to make a positive identification and determine how the child died before they make any official announcement, authorities have stated the body is likely that of Sherin.
Sherin was adopted by Wesley Mathews and his wife Sini 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 .
Father back in jail with new charges & telling a new story as #Richardson PD continue to investigate #SherinMathews https://t.co/taIRcqJDB8
— FOX4Terry (@FOX4Terry) October 24, 2017
Mathews was initially arrested hours after Sherin was reported missing and was charged with endangering a child. A day later, he was released from jail after posting a $250,000 bond after surrendering his passport and agreeing to wear an electronic monitor.
The Mathews’ 4-year-old daughter was removed from the home by Child Protective Services (CPS) shortly after the investigation into Sherin’s disappearance 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 a custodial hearing Monday, the Mathews learned their biological daughter will remain in CPS custody, as the judge postponed the hearing until November 13, according to the Tyler Morning Telegraph .
Sherin was last seen on October 7, 2017, 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. She has developmental issues and limited communication skills.
The Richardson Police Department is urging anyone with any information about Sherin’s case to call 972-744-4800.
[Featured Image by the Richardson Police Department]
