Four-year-old girl found starving and alone in New York apartment with deceased mother and brother

DISTRESSING CONTENT WARNING

A four-year-old girl has been discovered alone and severely malnourished in an apartment, where she had reportedly been living alongside the bodies of her deceased mother and brother for two weeks.

Lisa Cotton, 38, lived in a Bronx apartment in New York with her eight-year-old son Nazir and four-year-old daughter, Promise.

It is understood that Ms Cotton’s family had not had contact with the mother for some time, with concerns for welfare quickly developing due to her son’s medical needs.

Ms Cotton’s father, Hubert, told the New York Post that he tried for days to contact his daughter, and escalated things with authorities after her landlord contacted him to ask if she had moved out.

Multiple reports suggest local police and the Administration for Children’s Services were called out to Ms Cotton’s home to complete welfare checks, with both agencies leaving the property when no one answered the door.

Mr Cotton, taking matters into his own hands, had his oldest granddaughter attend the property where she made a harrowing discovery on Friday, April 18.

Upon entering the property, the unnamed relative encountered disturbing scenes, seeing Ms Cotton and Nazir unresponsive, believing they were dead.

However, Promise was discovered alive.

The relative reportedly grabbed Promise and immediately fled the apartment.

Authorities were called, and the NYPD arrived, pronouncing a 38-year-old woman and an eight-year-old boy deceased at the horrific scene.

It is understood that Promise had survived in the home by eating chocolate and had been sleeping on her mother’s bed.

The official cause of death for Ms Cotton and Nazir has not yet been released. However, Ms Cotton’s father said authorities indicated that his daughter may have gone into cardiac arrest.

As for young Nazir, he was born with a condition that meant he required a feeding tube to eat, with sources fearing he may have starved to death.

No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing, according to the NYPD.

A spokesperson for Administration for Children’s Services declined to discuss details of the case but issued a statement on Sunday.

“The safety and well-being of New York City’s children is our top priority. We are investigating this tragedy with the NYPD.”

Lifeline: 13 11 14.

If you or someone you know needs help, phone SANE Australia Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263).

Young people seeking support can phone beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or go to headspace.org.au.