4-Year-Old Found Living On Sugar After Mother Dies


A 4-year-old boy was found living on nothing but sugar in a apartment in New Jersey this week after his mother passed away.

According to the Denver Post, the malnourished boy weighed just 26 pounds when he was found by police officers. After being examined, the boy requested a grilled cheese sandwich and a juice box.

Officer Sylvia Dimenna said: “And hot chocolate, with marshmallows melting in the chocolate.”

The boy’s mother, Kiana Workman, 38, was found dead in her bedroom on Tuesday after neighbors complained of a foul smell. Police do not know the cause of death or the exact day when Workman passed away. Police Director Daniel Zieser estimated that the boy had been living on his own for about three or four days.

Zieser said: “Physically, he’s fine. Whether there are any mental problems later on … I’m not a child expert … It’s possible he was improperly cared for before the mother’s death; we just don’t know yet.”

The 4-year-old told police that he had been living on sugar since his mother’s death. The chain on the front door prevented him from leaving and he was not strong enough to open the refrigerator. NJ.com reports that the boy was naked except for one shoe when he was found and only weight 26 pounds.

Zieser said: “It’s overwhelming … I just hope everything works out for the child … We’re just going to take it one step at a time and do the best that we can for the child.”

The boy is currently in state custody but may be released to Workman’s brother. Police said that they are currently trying to find someone capable of taking care of the boy. Zieser noted that the department has already received several unofficial adoption requests from around the country.

Share this article: 4-Year-Old Found Living On Sugar After Mother Dies
More from Inquisitr