by CHESTERFIELD, Va. — A Virginia woman has been arrested and charged with abuse and neglect following the death of her 28-year-old autistic son, who authorities say was severely malnourished and unable to care for himself.
Shocking Discovery in Driveway
According to Chesterfield County Police, officers responded to a home on Wednesday after receiving reports of an unresponsive man. They found Somak Nath in cardiac arrest in the driveway. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators said Somak was nonverbal and entirely dependent on his mother, 60-year-old Manisha Nath, who served as his caregiver.
Severe Neglect and Malnutrition
A medical examiner determined that Somak weighed just 65 pounds at the time of his death. Court documents described him as malnourished, with rotted or missing teeth and visible sores on his back.
Authorities said he appeared unbathed for a long period, and when questioned, Manisha admitted that she provided her son with only a bucket of water and a mug to clean himself.
When police searched the home, they discovered little to no food, black mold, and no running water. The conditions were deemed hazardous, prompting crews in hazmat suits to enter and secure the property.
Neighbors Express Shock and Sadness
Neighbors, who had known the Nath family for nearly two decades, said the situation came as a complete shock.
“She’s a very bright person; she has a doctorate. She always seemed like she cared deeply about her children,” one neighbor said. “But she had no real support system here.”
Another neighbor, recalling Somak as a child, said,
“He was such a sweet, timid boy. He used to play on our swing set. I can’t believe this is how things ended.”
Court Appearance and Ongoing Investigation
Manisha Nath appeared virtually in court on Friday, where the judge ruled that she had “substantial resources” and therefore did not qualify for a court-appointed attorney. Her next court date is scheduled for November 18.
Neighbors said they are still trying to come to terms with the tragedy — and many expressed regret that they hadn’t noticed the warning signs sooner.
“We were up all night talking about it,” one neighbor said. “You just wish you had done something. But now, it’s what you could’ve done decades ago.”
Authorities continue to investigate the case as the community grapples with how such severe neglect could go unnoticed for so long.
Do you think neighbors should be more proactive in checking on vulnerable families? Share your thoughts in the comments at race-day-live.com.
