Taxing Long Island
News12 New York
Download the App
Where to Watch
Local
Crime
Weather
beWell
The East End
Crime Files
Stony Brook Medicine

NYPD: Child was trapped in Wakefield apartment with dead mother, brother for at least 2 weeks

The cause of death for the 38-year-old woman and the 8-year-old boy has not yet been determined.

Melissa Rose Cooper

Apr 21, 2025, 8:35 AM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

Police have released new information about the 4-year-old who was found inside a Wakefield apartment with two bodies on Friday.

Authorities confirm that the girl was trapped in the apartment with her dead mother and brother for at least two weeks.

News 12 the Bronx spoke with the children’s grandfather, Hubert Cotton, who is now caring for the young girl. He says she is physically doing OK but the family remains in shock.

“They said she had a heart attack,” Cotton said. "I didn’t get the real thing yet but that’s what the police said.”

Police say they made the discovery on East 231st Street Friday during a wellness check. But questions remain, especially after reports that the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) visited the apartment earlier that week.

One person, who didn’t want to be identified, says he’s deeply concerned about the little girl’s future.

“I hope that she gets all the mental health care that she needs, and that she can heal and that she grows up without having this traumatic experience attached to her whole life.”

Police have not yet released an official cause of death.

More Stories

Top Stories

rex still

Confessed Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann to work with FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit

01:55
CX Headlines 4 (9)

Another cool afternoon for Long Island but warmer weather is heading our way for the weekend

rex vics

Suffolk DA details how 'Gilgo Beach serial killer' Rex Heuermann lured his victims to their deaths

02:47
LI 5PM WED_RexNuts&Bolts_ajc_2026-04-08-17-08-10

‘Sadistic, soulless, murderous monster.’ 'Gilgo Beach' serial killer Rex Heuermann pleads guilty to 8 killings on Long Island ending decadelong case

01:49
IMG 4841

US-Iran ceasefire brings hope for cheaper gas, but no relief yet at the pump on Long Island

00:32
49restaurantunderpaying_2026-04-09-12-14-06

West Hempstead restaurant owner charged with underpaying employees for second time in 2 years

murder conviction

Roosevelt man convicted of murder in 2022 robbery behind Chuck E. Cheese in Hempstead

00:24
celtic222

Celtic Crossing in Kings Park closing months after liquor license was suspended

00:22
burglary

Police offer reward to find 2 people who destroyed ATM in New Hyde Park burglary

00:56
li5pmboljeremykidnapping_2026-04-07-18-25-17

Long Beach woman arrested after allegedly trying to snatch toddler out of stroller

00:26
LI 5PM WED_PolicePursuit_ajc_2026-04-08-17-17-03

Stolen vehicle chase ends with two arrests and troopers hurt across LI

01:11
LI5PMMELANIE_2026-04-08-17-10-04

3 firefighters injured as 150 responders battle four‑alarm fire at Glen Head nursery

00:20
LIRABBITSAVED409_2026-04-09-06-02-28

Rabbit found alive inside car grill after being struck in Suffolk County

00:20
LIMEGAWINNER409_2026-04-09-06-15-23

$2M second-prize Mega Millions ticket sold in Deer Park

01:18
49taxinglongisland_2026-04-09-06-08-27

Little-known tax deductions could save you thousands

00:25
Screenshot 2026-04-09 053941

Stunning Milky Way images captured as Artemis II astronauts begin journey home

01:41
49roadtripLI_subclip_2026-04-09-05-35-37

Enjoy a DIY crafting experience at Hammer & Stain in Ronkonkoma

14:29
rex still

LIVE COVERAGE: Rex Heuermann pleads guilty to Gilgo Beach serial killings, admits responsibility to eighth slaying

09:36
48gilgofamiliesspeak_2026-04-08-15-24-46

Families of Gilgo Beach murder victims express gratitude for Rex Heuermann’s guilty pleas

01:32
LI5PMLOGANPSEG_2026-04-08-17-20-18

Village of Patchogue receives $104,000 from PSEG Long Island

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices