Note: Video at the end of the article
A heart-wrenching and tragic discovery was made in a New York apartment when a four-year-old girl was found alive, trapped in her home with the bodies of her deceased mother and older brother. The young girl, who has not been named, managed to survive for an unknown period with very limited resources, relying on only one food item during her ordeal.
The tragedy unfolded on May 2, when 38-year-old Lisa Cotton, the girl’s mother, and her 8-year-old brother, Nazir Millien, were found dead in their Bronx apartment. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain under investigation, though police have not ruled out the possibility of foul play.
Lisa Cotton’s father, 71-year-old Hubert Cotton, had become increasingly concerned about his daughter and grandchildren. For several days, he had been unable to reach Lisa by phone. “I had been trying to call her for days, and she never answered. I figured she didn’t answer me because she didn’t want to talk to me,” Hubert told the New York Post. His growing worry led him to reach out to Lisa’s landlord, asking if she had moved out. The landlord’s response was unsettling—he had not seen or heard from Lisa for some time.
Upon receiving the call from Lisa’s father, the landlord decided to check on the apartment. When he arrived, he found that the door was locked, and nobody answered. The landlord contacted Lisa’s eldest daughter, who was understandably alarmed and agreed to go to the apartment to investigate further.
The girl, whose identity has not been disclosed, went to the Bronx apartment to check on her mother and younger brother. Upon entering, she made the shocking discovery of her brother Nazir and her mother, Lisa, both deceased. The paramedics who responded to the scene declared both Lisa and Nazir dead shortly after arriving.
What came as even more of a shock was the discovery of the young girl, alive but in a state of distress. She was trapped in the apartment with no apparent means of escape. Despite the traumatic circumstances and the loss of her family, the girl had managed to survive. According to sources close to the investigation, she had been subsisting on a single food item—likely the only thing left available to her—during her time alone. While authorities have not confirmed exactly what the food item was, it is believed that it may have been something non-perishable or long-lasting, such as a can of food, crackers, or some form of packaged snack.
The exact timeline of events remains unclear, but it is believed that the girl had been alone with the bodies of her mother and brother for several days. It is still under investigation whether Lisa and Nazir died from natural causes, an accident, or if their deaths were the result of foul play. Authorities are waiting for the results of autopsies to provide more insight into the cause of death.
Neighbors in the apartment building expressed their shock and sorrow upon hearing the news of the tragedy. Many described Lisa as a friendly and devoted mother, and Nazir was known to be a bright and energetic young boy. The family had kept to themselves in recent months, but no one had anticipated anything like this would happen.
“My heart is broken,” said one neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous. “I would see her with the kids, and they always seemed so happy. This is just unimaginable. I never would have thought something like this could happen here.”
Hubert Cotton, devastated by the loss of his daughter and grandchildren, described Lisa as a loving mother who had struggled with health issues over the past few years. “She was always trying to take care of her children. She loved them with all her heart,” he said through tears. “I can’t believe this has happened. I just don’t know what to think right now.”
As for the surviving girl, she was rushed to a local hospital where she was treated for malnutrition and dehydration but is otherwise expected to recover physically. The emotional toll of losing her mother and brother in such a traumatic way will be something she will carry with her for a long time.
The case has prompted discussions about the importance of checking on vulnerable individuals and families who may be in distress, especially during times when social isolation can become more prevalent. It also raises questions about the need for better systems to ensure that people are not left without support when they may be in danger.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help with funeral expenses for Lisa and Nazir, and to support the surviving girl’s long-term care and needs. The community has rallied around the surviving child, offering their support and condolences.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the cause of death for Lisa and Nazir continues. Police are seeking more information from neighbors and any potential witnesses who may have seen anything unusual in the days leading up to the discovery. Authorities have also asked anyone with information to come forward, as they continue to piece together the events that led to this tragic outcome.
The story of the young girl’s survival has struck a chord with many people across the country, highlighting both the resilience of children and the profound impact of family tragedies. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served and that the surviving child will find peace and healing in the months and years to come.|
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ilNWNCIINQ
