Mom let her son with autism waste away and die: Cops
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Inset: Manisha Nath (Chesterfield County Police). Background: The Virginia home where Manisha Nath allegedly neglected and abused her 28-year-old son Somak Nath (WTVR/YouTube).

A mother from Virginia faces serious accusations after allegedly neglecting her 28-year-old autistic son, leading to his death. Authorities claim she failed to provide adequate care and nourishment, resulting in her son, who was non-verbal, weighing just 65 pounds at the time of his death. Additionally, he was reportedly missing most of his upper teeth, and his lower teeth were severely decayed, according to police reports.

On October 22, first responders discovered Somak Nath, the son of 60-year-old Manisha Nath, unconscious in the driveway of their Chesterfield County home. According to a criminal complaint acquired by Law&Crime, his body was covered in grime.

Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Somak was pronounced dead upon arrival. Following an autopsy, the extent of his mother’s alleged neglect became evident, leading to her arrest last week.

The criminal complaint detailed that Somak weighed merely 65 pounds, suggesting severe malnutrition. His dental condition was dire, with most of his top teeth missing and the bottom ones rotted. His body showed signs of neglect, including uncleanliness and sores on his back.

Previous reports from Child Protective Services noted that Somak was non-verbal and had autism, as confirmed by interviews with family members. These family members informed police that Somak was incapable of self-care and relied entirely on his mother for support, as stated in the complaint.

Neighbors reported only seeing Somak Nath twice over the last year, according to Chesterfield County Police. Officers were called to Manisha Nath’s home in the 14400 block of Woods Walk Lane after receiving a report about Somak suffering from cardiac arrest, the complaint says.

Manisha Nath was taken into custody after investigators apparently discovered numerous signs of neglect and abuse following the autopsy and execution of a search warrant.

“Police found little to no food in the kitchen, and an excessive amount of black mold in the residence,” the complaint alleges. “There was also a lack of running water and Manisha told police she would just give Somak a bucket of water and mug to bathe himself. There were no toilets in working order within the residence.”

Manisha Nath was asked by police if Somak Nath “could live on his own in an apartment or house and she said no,” the complaint adds. The woman was arrested and charged with abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult resulting in death.

Neighbors said they used to see Somak Nath outside “occasionally,” according to local CBS affiliate WTVR, and he would keep to himself.

“You would see him in the driveway sitting in the car,” one neighbor told the media outlet, choosing to remain anonymous. “Or sitting on the porch and rocking and humming and seemed content,” they said.

Residents who spoke to local NBC affiliate WWBT said the family lived in the neighborhood for decades.

“She’s a very bright person; she has a doctorate,” one neighbor said. “She always seemed like she really cared about her children.”

Another resident said, “[Somak Nath] would come over and play on our swing set when he was little. Just a sweet, sweet, docile, timid child.”

Manisha Nath was being held Monday without bond in the Chesterfield County Jail awaiting her next court date on Nov. 18.

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