Suicidal mother charged following the death of her autistic 6-year-old son

A 48-year-old woman from Passaic has been charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child following the death of her 6-year-old son on July 15, authorities said.

According to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, police responded to a call about an unresponsive child at a residence near Aspen Place and State Street at approximately 8:30 a.m. Upon arrival, officers found the child deceased at the scene.

The boy, who had autism, was identified as the woman’s son.

The child’s mother, Nakija Martin, was also found at the residence.

Prosecutors say Martin had attempted to take her own life and, based on the investigation, intended to take her son’s life as well.

However, Martin is not currently facing homicide-related charges. The official cause and manner of the child’s death remain pending autopsy results.

Martin was charged with second-degree child endangerment on July 29 following an investigation led by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit. She appeared before a judge on August 5 and agreed to remain in custody while awaiting trial.

If convicted, Martin faces five to ten years in state prison.

The investigation is ongoing. Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the case to contact the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office at 1-877-370-PCPO, via email at tips@passaiccountynj.org, or anonymously through the tip submission portal at https://pcponj.opsnetwork.org/tips.