Shocking discovery of 4-year-old girl explained.
In a disturbing twist out of the Bronx, a four-year-old girl was found alive while trapped in an apartment with the bodies of her dead mother and brother.
Household’s troubling history recalled.
Lisa Cotton, mother of the four-year-old girl had a documented history of mental health issues. Her father believes she may have had bipolar disorder.
In June 2021, Lisa was arrested for child endangerment after allegedly walking away from her young daughter while behaving erratically in public.
Witnesses said she was swinging her daughter around in a stroller and setting a wig on fire in broad daylight, according to sources familiar with the case.
After her arrest, Lisa’s child abandonment case was reportedly sealed—despite the disturbing details outlined at the time.
The Administration for Children’s Services has confirmed the current case is under investigation following the double tragedy.
“They didn’t break the door down when they should have,” said neighbor Eric Perez. “The landlord never checked. We all called.”
Family’s concerns highlighted.
Lisa’s father, 71-year-old Hubert Cotton, became worried after repeated calls went unanswered and urged Lisa’s oldest daughter to check on the family.
“I figured she didn’t answer me because she didn’t want to talk to me,” Hubert told the New York Post, unaware he was about to be thrust into a nightmare.
Residents of the East 231st Street building had been reporting a “death-like” odor for weeks before anyone checked inside the apartment.
Officers visited the home days before the discovery after an anonymous welfare call—but left without forcing entry when no one answered.
Perez said professionals who visited the building compared the stench to rats—or worse. “Even the exterminator said, ‘This smells like death.’”
A social worker reportedly tried to obtain a court order to force entry, but it came too late.
Police said they didn’t hear noises or detect smells strong enough to warrant breaking in at the time of the wellness check.
Some residents claim they heard yelling from the unit days prior, though it’s unclear whether anyone followed up with additional welfare calls.
Residents of the building feel ignored, saying they reported concerns for weeks with no results until it was far too late.
Horrific scene described.
Police say the child, Promise, was discovered in the same room as her mother, Lisa Cotton, and 8-year-old brother, Nazir Millien—both already deceased when emergency services arrived.
Promise was reportedly sitting on her mother’s bed, surrounded by candy wrappers, trying to feed herself when a family member made the horrifying discovery.
Nazir, who was born prematurely and required a feeding tube, was reportedly found slumped over, lifeless, in a chair inside the apartment.
Authorities suspect Lisa, who had asthma, died of cardiac arrest, leaving Nazir unable to care for himself and ultimately succumbing to starvation.
Though the exact timeline is unclear, neighbors say they hadn’t seen the family in at least two weeks—and believe the girl was alone with the bodies the entire time.
The emergency call described a deeply distressing scene, including visible insects on Nazir’s body, indicating significant time had passed since death.
Authorities have confirmed there were no visible injuries on Lisa or Nazir, suggesting natural or medical causes—though autopsies are pending.
Aftermath of discovery clarified.
Hubert has since taken custody of Promise, but says she’s silent and distant—“like she knows something but can’t say it.”
Police believe Promise may have survived on chocolate bars she scavenged from around the apartment—her only food source for days.
Holding back tears, Hubert remembered Nazir as “so small… like a young bird,” heartbroken at the loss of both his daughter and grandson.
Lisa’s health challenges and alleged mental illness may have contributed to the devastating isolation that led to this outcome.
While physically stable, Promise has reportedly not spoken since the rescue, possibly due to trauma from the ordeal.
Bronx community reeling from grim discovery.
The tragedy has shaken the local community, leaving many wondering how a young child was left alone for so long without intervention.
“I’m sorry… two of them. How am I going to get the money?” Hubert said, breaking down while discussing burial costs.
Doctors say Promise is expected to recover physically, but her emotional healing will likely take much longer.
As investigations continue, this disturbing case raises questions about failures in mental health support, child welfare, and housing oversight—leaving a 4-year-old to survive alone in the darkest of circumstances.