Sherin’s death may lead to new law in US

Sherin was found dead in a culvert in Richardson city in suburban Dallas on October 22, over two weeks after she was reported missing by her Indian-American foster father, Wesley Mathews. 

The proposed ‘Sherin’s Law’ would make it a felony to leave a child at home alone, WFAA television station reported. Richardson Police has said that Wesley had told investigators that he, his wife Sini and their biological daughter went out for dinner on October 6, the night prior to Sherin’s disappearance, leaving the toddler alone at home. 

Wesley first told the police he made Sherin stand next to a tree at 3 am outside their home as punishment for not drinking her milk. After Sherin’s body was found, he changed his story to say the girl choked to death while drinking milk. 

“With Sherin, we draw the line. It’s enough. It’s time to make a change,” said Reena Bana, an advocate abused children and domestic issues. “No children under 9 or 10 years old need to be left unaccompanied at home,” said Shanna Poteet, an activist.