by Seattle, WA — An 88-year-old Seattle woman, identified as Emma Cotton, was brutally assaulted in her Rainier Beach backyard on October 13, in an attack so violent that the suspect bit off her finger before stealing her jewelry and fleeing the scene, according to the Seattle Police Department.
The horrifying incident occurred in broad daylight, stunning the community and leaving Cotton with broken bones, serious head injuries, and emotional trauma that continues to impact her recovery.
Attack Began With a Demand for Belongings
Cotton told FOX13 she had been working behind her home when a man in his 30s, whom she did not recognize, approached her from the alley and demanded her belongings. She said she could not understand what he was saying at first, and when she attempted to walk back toward her home, the situation escalated violently.
The attacker dragged her into the garage, beating her as she screamed for help, hoping neighbors might hear. During the assault, he stole multiple pieces of jewelry — including a ring from the finger he had bitten off.
Cotton recalled saying to her attacker:
“When he bit my finger off… I told him that is the lowest thing you could do. I said, how would you feel if somebody bit your grandmother’s or your mother’s finger off?”
Multi-Agency Search Unsuccessful — Suspect Still at Large
Officers from Seattle Police, Burien Police, Tukwila Police, and the King County Sheriff’s Office responded quickly, searching the surrounding area. Despite their efforts, the suspect managed to escape.
Nearly two months later, he remains at large.
Police have released images of the suspect, and Crime Stoppers is offering up to $1,000 for any information leading to an arrest.
Authorities describe the suspect as:
- Male
- In his 30s
- Seen fleeing the area immediately after the attack
Cotton’s Long and Painful Recovery
Cotton was rushed to the hospital, where she was treated for broken bones, head trauma, and the severing of her finger. She spent weeks unable to walk, recalling that even in the hospital, nightmares would not let her escape the terror of the attack.
Despite the brutality she endured, Cotton says her faith and resilience have pushed her to forgive the assailant.
“I have forgiven him,” she said. “I hope he seeks repentance for what he’s done.”
Still, she emphasized the emotional violation that comes with being attacked at home: “For somebody to invade you on your own property when you’re out working in your yard… nobody gave him that right.”
Community Urged to Help Identify the Suspect
Police and community groups are pleading for the public’s help in identifying and locating the attacker before he harms someone else. The suspect poses a significant threat, given the level of violence displayed.
Residents in Rainier Beach and surrounding neighborhoods are encouraged to remain vigilant, check home surveillance footage from that afternoon, and contact authorities with any information.
What Do You Think?
Do you feel Seattle is doing enough to protect vulnerable residents, and what more can be done? Share your thoughts, concerns, and prayers for Emma Cotton in the comments below.
