4-Year-Old Girl Trapped Alone in Apartment with Mom and Brother’s Bodies for at Least 2 Weeks, Survived on Chocolate

A 4-year-old girl was discovered alone in a New York City apartment, where she had been living alongside her deceased mother and brother for a minimum of two weeks. The girl, identified as Promise Cotton, was rescued from the Bronx apartment on East 231st Street on Friday, April 18, after her concerned grandfather, Hubert Cotton, took action and sent another family member to investigate the situation. It was reported that Promise managed to survive by sustaining herself with chocolate during this period of isolation.

Her grandfather, Hubert, aged 71, sent his eldest granddaughter to check on Promise. Upon arrival, the relative found the 4-year-old girl alone and starving on her mother’s bed, promptly taking her to safety before alerting the authorities. The New York Police Department received the distress call just before 8:30 p.m. local time and discovered the bodies of a 38-year-old woman and an 8-year-old boy who were both unconscious and unresponsive within the apartment. Regrettably, they were pronounced deceased on the scene.

The deceased were later identified as Lisa Cotton, Promise’s mother, and Nazir Millien, her older brother. Following the rescue on April 18, Promise was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for further assessment and medical attention. The cause of death for Lisa and Nazir has not yet been confirmed, although initial reports suggest Lisa may have passed away due to cardiac arrest, while Nazir, who was born prematurely and relied on a feeding tube, may have succumbed to starvation. The investigation into the circumstances is ongoing.

According to a neighbour, Sabrina Coleson, the mother and son had been deceased for approximately two weeks before their bodies were discovered. It was also mentioned by neighbours that both law enforcement and child welfare services had visited the apartment earlier that week while Promise was still trapped inside, yet they left without entering the premises. The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) in New York City has stated they are collaborating with the NYPD to investigate the tragic events.

The issue raises concerns about the response and actions taken by the child services system in New York City towards ensuring the safety and welfare of children in vulnerable situations. The ACS has declined to provide specific details on the case but emphasised that the protection of children in the city is their utmost priority. No arrests have been made so far, and authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths of Lisa and Nazir.

This heartbreaking story sheds light on the importance of community awareness and intervention in instances where vulnerable individuals, especially children, may be at risk. The survival of young Promise under such traumatic circumstances highlights the resilience and strength of a child in the face of adversity. The community’s calls for accountability and justice for the deceased family members serve as a reminder of the responsibility society has in protecting those who are unable to protect themselves.

As the investigation unfolds, the local community remains in shock and mourning over the tragic events that occurred within the confines of a seemingly ordinary apartment building. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard the well-being of all individuals, particularly those who may be vulnerable and in need of assistance during times of crisis.