Chesterfield Mother Charged in Son's Death From Severe Neglect

TL;DR: Chesterfield County mother Manisha Nath faces felony charges for abuse and neglect in the death of her 28-year-old autistic son, Somak Nath, who weighed 65 pounds when he died in October 2025.

The story

Chesterfield County authorities arrested Manisha Nath and charged her with felony abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult resulting in death following the October 2025 death of her son, Somak Nath. Somak, 28, was nonverbal and autistic and could not care for himself. When he died, he weighed approximately 65 pounds, suffered severe malnutrition, and had extensive tooth decay from lack of care. Investigators found he had not bathed in 10 to 15 days.

On October 22, 2025, Somak collapsed at the family home on Woods Walk Lane in Chesterfield County. After fainting inside, he collapsed again in the driveway as his mother attempted to transport him to the hospital. A neighbor witnessed him unresponsive and called 911, administering CPR. He was taken to the hospital but died from his injuries.

A search of the residence revealed severe living conditions: investigators found very little to no food in the kitchen, extensive black mold throughout the home, lack of running water, and excessive clutter. Police reported that Manisha told officers she would give Somak a bucket of water and a mug to bathe himself. Judge Scott Landry, who presided over court proceedings, characterized the home as "uninhabitable," calling it an "understatement of the century" to suggest the conditions were accidental.

In April 2026, Judge Landry found Manisha Nath competent to stand trial. At a preliminary hearing in June 2026, the judge denied a defense motion to dismiss and sent the charges to trial, finding sufficient evidence to support the prosecution's case. Nath remains held without bond as her case proceeds.

Key players

• Manisha Nath: Defendant, charged with felony abuse and neglect
• Somak Nath: Deceased victim, 28-year-old with autism
• Judge Scott Landry: Chesterfield County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court judge overseeing case

Key dates

• October 22, 2025: Somak Nath died at hospital following collapse at home
• April 28, 2026: Judge Landry found Manisha Nath competent to stand trial
• June 23, 2026: Preliminary hearing held; judge denied motion to dismiss and sent case to trial

Why it matters: This case highlights the vulnerability of adults with disabilities who depend on caregivers and the potential consequences when authorities fail to intervene in severe neglect. It raises questions about community oversight, mandatory reporting, and how well county systems protect dependent adults from abuse.

Places

• Woods Walk Lane

Related links

• Chesterfield County Government
• Chesterfield County Courts - Case Information

Read the original at WTVR CBS 6 Local →

Sources

• Judge finds Chesterfield mother charged in death of adult son competent to stand trial
• Chesterfield mother charged in death of 28-year-old son with autism
• 28-year-old Chesterfield man weighed 65 pounds when he died, police say; mother charged with abuse, neglect
• Neighbors react to Midlothian mother arrested in death of autistic son
• Phone, documents seized from home of Chesterfield mother charged with abuse, neglect of son
• Chesterfield mother charged with abuse and neglect after adult son's death