Bronx, New York – In a heartbreaking and deeply troubling case, a 4-year-old girl named Promise Cotton survived two weeks alone in her apartment after the death of her mother and older brother, while authorities now face tough questions about how such a tragedy went unnoticed.
The child, described as starving but alive, is believed to have survived by eating chocolate as her mother, Lisa Cotton (38), and brother, Nazir Millien (8), lay dead inside their Bronx apartment.
A Grim Discovery
On April 18, Promise was found sitting quietly on a bed covered in chocolate, surrounded by a horrifying scene. Her body was weak, and insects crawled over the bodies of her mother and brother, who had likely been dead for at least two weeks.
The tragedy came to light after Promise’s grandfather, Hubert Cotton, grew concerned and sent a relative to check on the family. What they found shocked even seasoned responders.
History of Mental Health and Neglect
Lisa Cotton had been known to child protective services (ACS) for years. She had an open case for neglect, a history of mental illness, and past incidents involving the police. In 2021, she was arrested for child abandonment after swinging Promise in a stroller erratically and attempting to set a wig on fire. That case was later sealed.
Neighbors also described Lisa’s behavior as erratic and sometimes disturbing. One recalled an incident where she was talking about the devil, while another said she had once tried to jump off the building’s roof with her son.
Missed Warning Signs?
According to witnesses, ACS workers were seen near the apartment building just a day before the wellness check. But, despite concerns from neighbors and a 911 call made on April 15, authorities reportedly left without making contact when no one answered the door.
“I blame ACS,” one neighbor said. “They came, but they didn’t do anything. They should have broken down the door.”
Police also visited, but reports say they didn’t detect the smell neighbors complained about and said they would “come back in a few days.”
Suspected Causes of Death
While official causes of death have not been released, initial reports suggest:
- Nazir, who was born prematurely and used a feeding tube, may have starved to death
- Lisa Cotton, who suffered from asthma, is believed to have died from cardiac arrest
There were no signs of trauma on either body.
A Child’s Silent Survival
Promise was immediately taken to the hospital, where she was found to be in stable condition. She is now living with her grandfather, who is doing his best to care for her.
“She hasn’t said anything,” Hubert said. “She’s a baby. She looks at me like she knows something.”
ACS Investigation Underway
In the wake of public outrage, New York’s Administration for Children’s Services has now opened an investigation into the incident, as many are asking how the system failed to protect a child already known to be at risk.
This heartbreaking case is now prompting renewed calls for reform in how child welfare services respond to red flags and mental health concerns, especially when young children are involved.