Passaic Mother Charged With Child Endangerment In Death Of Autistic Son
Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 2:45 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
PASSAIC, NJ.- Today, August 5, 2025, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes reported that last week, the mother of a six-year-old special needs boy who was found deceased last month inside their home in the City of Passaic, New Jersey, was formally charged in connection with the child’s death.
On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Nakija Martin, 48, of Passaic, New Jersey, was taken into custody and charged with second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Today, August 5, 2025, Ms. Martin appeared in Passaic County Superior Court before Superior Court Judge Sohail Mohammed and consented to pretrial detention.
Charges Stem From A July 15, 2025, Investigation
The charge stems from an investigation that began on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, when, at around 8:30 a.m., members of the Passaic Police Department responded to a 911 Emergency Call reporting an unresponsive child inside a residence in the area of Aspen Place and State Street in the City of Passaic.
Upon arrival, Police Officers discovered Ms. Martin and her deceased 6-year-old son. During the ensuing investigation, Detectives uncovered that Ms. Martin had unsuccessfully attempted suicide and had intended to kill her autistic son. The Cause and Manner of the child’s death are pending the final determination by the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.
The investigation remains ongoing. The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office is asking anyone with additional information regarding this tragic event to contact the Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org. All calls and information will be kept confidential.
“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”
