Girl, 4, found alive trapped in home with bodies of mom and brother, 8, survived while eating one thing

A four-year-old girl named Promise was found alone but alive in a heartbreaking scene inside her family’s apartment in the Bronx, New York. She had been trapped there for days with the dead bodies of her mother and older brother. During that time, she survived by eating only chocolate.

Her mother, 38-year-old Lisa Cotton, and her eight-year-old brother, Nazir Millien, were both found dead in the apartment on Friday, May 2. The discovery was made by Lisa’s oldest daughter, who had grown worried after not hearing from her family.

She went to the home to check on them. Lisa’s father, 71-year-old Hubert Cotton, had also been trying to call Lisa for several days, but she never answered. He said he assumed she just didn’t want to talk to him. But when the landlord called asking if Lisa had moved out, the family began to suspect something was wrong.

When Lisa’s daughter entered the apartment, she found Nazir first. He was unresponsive, his body slumped over. As she continued looking, she found Promise in the bedroom. The little girl was lying on her mother’s bed, quietly eating chocolate candy, unaware of the full tragedy around her. She picked up her baby sister, ran out of the apartment, and called the police.

Paramedics arrived shortly afterward and confirmed that Lisa and Nazir were both dead. Promise, although shaken, was still alive and in stable condition. She was taken to the hospital, treated, and later released into the care of her grandfather, Hubert. He is now taking care of her, but he says she doesn’t talk much. She’s quiet and still seems shocked by everything. He said she sometimes looks at him like she knows something is wrong but can’t say it.

Neighbors told authorities that they hadn’t seen Lisa in over two weeks. Even though no one had seen or heard from her, police didn’t think there was any reason to be alarmed at first. There were no strange smells or signs that the apartment had been broken into. A neighbor said that a social worker had been trying to get a court order to break open the door, but it took too long. Another man who lives upstairs said the building smelled awful, like dead rats or something worse. Even an exterminator who came to check on the smell said it reminded him of death.

Lisa’s father, Hubert, is now dealing with the grief of losing both his daughter and his grandson. At the same time, he’s trying to figure out how to pay for their funerals. He’s overwhelmed with sorrow and said, “I lost two of them. How am I going to get the money to bury both?”

The cause of death is still unknown. Lisa had asthma, but it’s not yet clear if that played a role. Police are continuing to investigate the case and are waiting for more information from medical examiners. Meanwhile, little Promise is now safe but deeply affected by what happened. Her family hopes to give her comfort and help her recover from the emotional trauma.