Grandfather of 4-year-old girl found with deceased mother and brother seeks custody of child.

In a deeply unsettling case unfolding in the Wakefield neighborhood of the Bronx, authorities discovered a tragic scene involving the bodies of 38-year-old Lisa Cotton and her 8-year-old son, Nazir Millien, who were found unresponsive in their apartment. The lifeless bodies were left alongside Lisa Cotton’s 4-year-old daughter for several days, raising significant concerns about the circumstances leading to this harrowing incident. Police reported the shocking discovery on April 18, 2025.

According to police sources, Lisa Cotton suffered from multiple health issues, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and asthma, while her son was severely autistic and dependent on his mother for care. Unfortunately, it is believed that Lisa Cotton died first, likely from a heart attack, leaving her son incapacitated and unable to care for himself.

The situation ultimately concluded with the intervention of the young girl’s older sister, a teenager who had been living with their grandfather, Hubert Cotton. He had reportedly been trying to convince Lisa to allow the 4-year-old to reside with him. Hubert Cotton expressed his distress over not being able to contact his daughter, suspecting her reluctance stemmed from a desire to keep her children together.

Hubert Cotton described the agony of the young girl having to survive in the apartment for an undetermined period, solely subsisting on candy found in the home. After the teenage sister managed to unlock the apartment door, she discovered the grim scene and brought her younger sibling downstairs. Emergency responders arrived shortly thereafter to provide assistance, transporting the girl to the hospital for evaluation and care.

Neighbors reported that they had noticed a troubling change in Lisa Cotton’s behavior in the weeks preceding the tragic event. While she was known to be friendly and nurturing, there were signs that she was struggling mentally. One neighbor shared observations of unsettling incidents involving Lisa, noting a marked shift in her demeanor over time.

The authorities had initially been alerted to the situation by an anonymous 911 call on April 15, prompting a welfare check at the Cotton residence. Despite officers knocking on the door, they received no response and did not detect any alarming signs at that time. However, as days passed, neighbors grew increasingly concerned, reporting a pungent odor emanating from the apartment and hearing the cries of the young girl, ultimately leading to the tragic discovery.

Despite the heartbreaking situation, which has left many in the community in shock, the focused attention on the family and their challenges raises important questions about mental health, familial support, and community awareness in times of crisis. The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.