Girl, 4, survives days alone on chocolate after family dies in US apartment

A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in the Wakefield neighbourhood of New York City, where Lisa Cotton, 38, and her 8-year-old son, Nazir Millien, were found dead in their apartment.

According to the New York Post, the discovery was made by Cotton’s older daughter, who was sent to check on the family after relatives lost contact. Miraculously, Cotton’s 4-year-old daughter, Promise, was found alive—covered in chocolate and lying on her mother’s bed.

Authorities told Cotton’s father, Hubert Cotton, that his daughter, who had asthma, may have died of cardiac arrest. Nazir, who was born prematurely and relied on a feeding tube, is believed to have died from starvation. Promise survived alone for days and was hospitalized in stable condition. She is now in the care of her grandfather.

Hubert Cotton said he had been trying to reach his daughter for days. The situation became more alarming after the family’s landlord contacted him to ask if Lisa had moved out. He then asked Lisa’s eldest daughter to visit the apartment, leading to the heartbreaking discovery. According to a 911 transcript cited by the NY Post, the sibling who found Nazir said she saw "bugs crawling on" his body.

Residents of the building reported a foul odor coming from the apartment for weeks. Despite a 911 call prompting a police welfare check days earlier, officers reportedly did not enter the home as there were no signs of immediate danger. Neighbors told the Post that social workers had been trying to secure a court order for forced entry.

The New York Post also reported that Lisa Cotton had a history of mental illness and an open case with the Administration for Children’s Services. In 2021, she had been arrested for child endangerment. Neighbors expressed sorrow over the tragedy and hope for a brighter future for Promise.

The NYPD has confirmed that an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths is ongoing.