SEATTLE — An 88-year-old woman in South Seattle is recovering after a brutal assault on her back porch earlier this month, which left her severely injured and robbed of her jewelry. Authorities are still searching for the suspect, a man believed to be in his 30s, and they are appealing to the community for assistance.
Emma Cotton, a resident of Rainier Beach, shared her harrowing experience in a recent interview, describing the moment the attacker confronted her. Cotton said she was taken by surprise when he struck her repeatedly. “I turned around, and he just started hitting me,” she recounted. In a desperate attempt to negotiate with her assailant, she pleaded, “How would you feel if somebody was doing this to your grandmother?”
Despite her pleas, the suspect continued the assault, demanding more than just her wedding ring. “He was greedy,” she explained, noting that he insisted on taking anything of value from her. During the terrifying encounter, the attacker bit her finger, leading to significant injuries. “I prayed to God during the whole thing. I was so bloody when he finished with me,” she stated.
Detective Eric Muñoz of the Seattle Police Department confirmed that no arrests have been made in connection with the case. The investigation is active, and police have released images from a neighbor’s surveillance camera that captured the suspect wearing a black backpack and gray sneakers. The department is urging anyone with information to contact their Violent Crimes Tip Line.
Cotton, who serves as president of the Senior Ministry at Mount Zion Baptist Church, is known within her community for her kindness and dedication to others. Since the attack, she has received an outpouring of support, including visits from Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, who came to offer encouragement during her recovery.
Her family refers to her as a superhero, reflecting their admiration for her resilience. Cotton expressed a surprising hope for her attacker, wishing for him to turn his life around and become a positive force in the community. “I hope he finds a way to help others,” she said.
As Cotton continues to heal, she remains optimistic, crediting her faith for her survival. “I’m living proof that God was in control,” she remarked, emphasizing the strength she has found each day during her recovery.