Seattle, Wash. — An 88-year-old woman from South Seattle is recovering in a hospital after a brutal attack on her back porch earlier this month. Emma Cotton was assaulted by a stranger who bit off one of her fingers and stole her jewelry, leaving her with severe injuries.
The Seattle Police Department is actively investigating the incident but has yet to apprehend a suspect, described as being in his 30s. Authorities are urging the community to assist in the search for the assailant.
In her first public remarks about the ordeal, Cotton detailed the terrifying encounter at her home in the Rainier Beach neighborhood. She recalled the assailant approaching her suddenly from behind. “He just started hitting me everywhere,” Cotton recounted. Amid the violence, she pleaded with him, asking how he would feel if someone was doing the same to his grandmother.
Despite her attempt to comply with his demands by handing over her wedding ring, the attacker continued to demand more. “He didn’t care,” she said. “He wanted anything I had.” Cotton described the attack as particularly horrific, saying her hands were bitten during the struggle. “I just prayed,” she shared. “I was so bloody when he finished.”
Though shaken by the incident, Cotton expressed a sense of resilience rooted in her faith. She remarked that she felt a protective presence during the ordeal, believing that “God wouldn’t let him knock me out.” The assailant, however, showed no signs of mercy, according to her account.
The police investigation continues, with Detective Eric Muñoz stating that efforts to identify the suspect are ongoing. Surveillance footage from a neighbor recorded images of the man, who was wearing a black backpack and gray sneakers. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Seattle Police Department’s Violent Crimes Tip Line.
Cotton serves as president of the Senior Ministry at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Seattle’s Central District, where she is known for her compassionate nature. In response to the attack, she has received an outpouring of support, including visits from Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell.
Her family has rallied around her, with her sons referring to her as a superhero in the face of adversity. Cotton remains optimistic about the future, even for her attacker. “I hope he turns his life around and begins to contribute positively to the community,” she said.
As she continues her recovery, Cotton maintains a hopeful outlook. “Every day I feel better and better,” she reflected. “God was in control, and I’m living proof.”