Disturbing Case of Alleged Child Abuse in the Bronx
A mother in the Bronx, Lysette Soto Domenech, age 64, is accused of keeping her twin sons, now 14, confined in their home for nearly a decade. Reports suggest she wanted them to stay babies forever, enforcing a routine that included diapers and bottle-feeding.
Domenech reportedly concealed her sons from neighbors in a Riverdale co-op building, prompting suspicions and multiple complaints to the city’s child welfare agency over the years. Authorities claim that despite attempts by ACS agents to check on the family, it wasn’t until October 15 that they gained access to the apartment, discovering a remarkably underweight teenager who looked no older than eight.
A neighbor from the same building, who had reported concerns a decade earlier, expressed frustration over the lack of action from ACS. “It shouldn’t take this long to do something,” they noted, suggesting that someone was failing in their duty.
In October, the twins were taken to Montefiore Children’s Hospital, where doctors confirmed they were severely malnourished, weighing just 51 and 54 pounds—far below the typical weight for their age, which should be about 115 pounds, according to health guidelines.
On Wednesday, Domenech faced a 13-count indictment including child endangerment, assault, and providing false information to New York City schools. She pleaded not guilty and has been released on a $25,000 bail while awaiting trial, leaving neighbors shocked at the conditions hidden behind closed doors.
One neighbor recalled that before the twins were born, Domenech showed a strong desire for children, becoming emotional when asked about her family. “I think she didn’t want them to grow up,” the neighbor speculated, indicating Domenech’s possible wish to keep her sons in a perpetual state of childhood.
Law enforcement confirmed these suspicions, with investigations suggesting Domenech kept her sons isolated from the world for years. Officials reported that they had not seen a doctor in ages, and one of the boys has autism without having received any support.
The apartment allegedly contained only baby food and toys, with no items suitable for teenagers. This starkly contrasts with what one might expect for children of their age.
Another neighbor mentioned that they had seen Domenech’s sons when they were toddlers but had noticed their absence over the years. Domenech’s husband, referred to by neighbors as Joseph Green, was seen bringing food to the apartment but, according to some accounts, faced difficulties of his own. He reportedly spoke of living in his car at times after being thrown out by Domenech, and distressingly, a neighbor recalled witnessing physical altercations.
Rumors suggest Green had recently passed away, adding another layer to the tragic circumstances surrounding this family. Domenech filed for bankruptcy in 2025, adding financial struggles to their troubled narrative.
Although ACS is restricted by law from sharing case details, they stated that the safety of children is their top priority, expressing appreciation for the work of their protection teams. Several anonymous tips initially led to the uncovering of the shocking circumstances within Domenech’s apartment, described by one resident as resembling a scene from a horror movie.
The story continues to develop, raising questions about the oversight by child welfare agencies and the community’s role in protecting vulnerable children.
