Seattle—An 88-year-old woman was severely injured in a brutal daytime robbery that occurred in the Rainier Beach neighborhood on October 13. The assault on Emma Cotton has left her family deeply shaken and seeking justice, while police continue to search for the unidentified suspect more than three weeks later.
Emma Cotton was tending to her chores on her back porch when she was approached from behind. The assailant launched a violent attack, striking her multiple times. According to her son, Ricky Stuart Cotton, she felt the presence of the attacker and was immediately confronted with brutality.
During the incident, the robber demanded her jewelry, to which Cotton offered to remove it. However, her son Marvin Cotton speculated that the attacker was likely in a disturbed state of mind. Instead of complying peacefully, the assailant forcibly dragged her into her garage and bit off her finger in a shocking act of violence before fleeing the scene, taking her ring with him.
Surveillance footage captured the suspect, and the family is pleading for any information that might lead to an arrest. “Can you imagine what my mom has gone through? It’s horrifying that someone would prey on an elderly woman,” Marvin Cotton said, expressing the anguish his family feels.
Immediately after the attack, paramedics rushed Cotton to a medical facility, where she began her recovery process. Her sons have rallied around her, with Ricky Cotton expressing disbelief at the viciousness of the crime against their mother. “To see my mom’s finger bitten off and her remaining so composed was almost too much for me to handle,” he said.
The three brothers—Marvin, Ricky, and Wes Cotton, who lives out of state—have united in their efforts to seek justice for their mother. “We hope this individual is apprehended before they can hurt someone else,” Wes Cotton added, highlighting the community’s shared responsibility for safety.
Despite the trauma she endured, Emma Cotton showed remarkable resilience. Marvin Cotton shared that his mother fought back against the assailant, utilizing all her strength in an effort to protect herself. “She scratched, she kicked—she did everything she could,” he said, commending her bravery.
Emma Cotton has dedicated decades to serving her community as the senior ministry leader at Mount Zion Baptist Church. During her recovery, she continues to demonstrate an admirable spirit, leaving her family in awe. “It feels spiritual that she’s still here after such a traumatic event,” Ricky Cotton remarked.
Her sons expressed their unwavering admiration for her courage, with Marvin stating, “I already viewed her as my hero, but after this, she truly feels like a superhero.” The community is encouraged to assist in the investigation. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.