Mother Detained for Allegedly Imprisoning and Starving Twin Sons for Nearly a Decade

Disturbing Case Unfolds in Bronx, New York

Authorities have taken into custody Lissette Soto Domenech, 64, a Bronx resident, following allegations that she confined her 14-year-old twin sons inside their Riverdale home for nine years, subjecting them to severe neglect and starvation. Prosecutors describe the situation as an appalling and extreme instance of child abuse.

Prolonged Isolation and Neglect

According to the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, from November 3, 2016, through October 15, 2025, Domenech reportedly kept the boys indoors, depriving them of adequate nutrition and social interaction. The boys were discovered after a child protective services specialist, responding to multiple anonymous tips, visited their Mosholu Avenue residence and immediately contacted emergency services.

Alarming Health Conditions of the Twins

Upon investigation, officials found one twin weighing only 54 pounds and the other 51 pounds, both significantly underweight and shorter than typical for their age group. One child, diagnosed with autism, had never undergone any formal evaluation or received necessary support services. The apartment contained only infant cereal, baby bottles, and toddler toys, with no age-appropriate food or educational materials present.

Medical Intervention and Recovery

Emergency medical personnel from the Fire Department of New York transported the twins to Montefiore Children’s Hospital, where they required intensive care for three months to address malnutrition and related health issues.

Community Insights and Family Dynamics

A neighbor expressed the belief that Domenech wished to keep her sons in a perpetual state of infancy, stating, “I think she wanted them to remain babies forever.” Early interactions with Domenech revealed her emotional longing for a family, as she tearfully admitted to not having one yet.

Neighbors recounted that Domenech ceased taking the boys to medical appointments starting in late 2016 and began submitting fraudulent homeschooling documents to the Department of Education in 2017. The twins’ father, who recently passed away, reportedly had a strained relationship with Domenech but was described as a devoted parent who preferred to keep the children sheltered from the outside world, citing concerns about societal dangers.

One neighbor recalled the father’s words: “My kids never leave the house. I homeschool them because the world is crazy.” Despite this, the father was often seen bringing home ample food, making the twins’ malnourishment all the more shocking to the community.

Another resident shared memories of the father proudly showing photos of his sons and speaking of their intelligence. However, after the couple’s relationship deteriorated, the father moved out, leaving Domenech solely responsible for the children’s care. Observers noted that Domenech appeared increasingly unstable and that concerns about the boys’ welfare grew over time.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

Domenech was formally charged on January 20 with first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, child endangerment, and submitting false documents. Bronx Supreme Court Justice Audrey Stone set bail at $25,000 cash or $75,000 bond. The defendant is scheduled to appear in court again on February 4.

Official Statements and Next Steps

District Attorney Darcel Clark condemned the alleged abuse, emphasizing the severity of the deprivation the boys endured, including lack of proper nutrition, education, medical care, and social engagement. Clark pledged to utilize all available resources to support the twins in achieving a healthy and normal life moving forward.

Context and Broader Implications

This case highlights the critical importance of vigilant child protective services and community awareness. According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over 600,000 children are victims of abuse or neglect annually, underscoring the need for timely intervention. Similar cases of prolonged child confinement and neglect have prompted nationwide discussions on improving child welfare systems and ensuring that vulnerable children receive necessary care and protection.