An incident unfolded in the Bronx as a wheelchair-bound mother and her 8-year-old son with autism were found dead inside their home. Police responded to the residence in the Wakefield section for a wellness check last Friday night, before 8:30 p.m., where they pronounced the woman and the child dead at the scene, as reported by ABC7NY.
A 4-year-old girl was also found in the same apartment. Authorities have not specified her relationship to the deceased individuals. The amount of time she spent in the apartment remains undetermined. She was taken to Montefiore Medical Center for evaluation. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are treating the deaths as non-suspicious at this time. The causes of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner.
News 12 highlighted community responses to the incident, with neighbors sharing their reflections on the loss. One resident, who requested anonymity, described the woman as a private person often seen caring for her children and purchasing items such as diapers and wipes. Another local resident, Charlene, recalled regularly seeing the mother outside with her children, frequently interacting with both them and the neighbors.
The deceased woman was identified as Lisa Cotton by her father in a statement to News 12. He stated that she had a history of mental health issues. Neighbor Charlene reported seeing her about a week before the discovery. The surviving 4-year-old girl is now in the custody of her grandfather, who also confirmed that the deceased 8-year-old boy was nonverbal and used a wheelchair. Neighbors reported a strong odor coming from the apartment, with complaints extending back at least two weeks. The smell was described as resembling dead rodents, urine, and soiled diapers.
