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 allegations after authorities claim she neglected her 28-year-old son with autism, leading to his tragic death. The son, described as “non-verbal,” was found severely underweight at just 65 pounds, with significant dental decay, according to police reports.
On October 22, emergency responders discovered Somak Nath, the son of 60-year-old Manisha Nath, in a disheveled state in the driveway of their Chesterfield County home. The criminal complaint, accessed by Law&Crime, details how he was covered in dirt and unconscious when found.
Somak was rushed to a nearby hospital, but medical personnel pronounced him dead upon arrival. An autopsy unveiled the grim reality of his living conditions, which subsequently led to his mother’s arrest last week on charges of abuse and neglect.
The complaint highlights that Somak weighed a mere 65 pounds, suggesting severe malnourishment. He was missing most of his upper teeth, while his lower teeth were decayed. Additionally, he appeared unwashed for an extended period, with sores present on his back.
Child Protective Services had previously noted Somak’s autism and his inability to communicate verbally, citing interviews with relatives who confirmed his dependence on his mother for care. The complaint states these family members informed police about Somak’s need for constant care.
Law enforcement officers from Chesterfield County reported that neighbors had only seen Somak twice in the past year. Authorities responded to the Nath residence on Woods Walk Lane following a report of Somak experiencing cardiac arrest, according to the complaint.
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.
