The body of 86-year-old Kim To Lam was found in an advanced state of decomposition inside a Brooklyn apartment on Monday, following a reported family dispute and concerns raised by relatives.
The discovery was made around 1:30 p.m. at her residence on 63rd Street near 23rd Avenue in the Bensonhurst neighborhood. According to law enforcement sources, she was found beneath several layers of clothing and bedding, with a scarf wrapped around her neck.
Authorities believe Ms. To Lam may have been deceased for up to three weeks, though the exact time of death has not yet been confirmed. She reportedly suffered from stage 4 cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
No signs of foul play were immediately identified. The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.
Police responded after one of Ms. To Lam’s daughters noticed flies gathering near a window and was unable to enter the apartment. According to sources, the 65-year-old daughter who had been living with Ms. To Lam had changed the locks earlier this year, preventing her two younger sisters from accessing the home.
Upon arrival, officers were allegedly met with resistance from the eldest daughter, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and had reportedly not been taking her prescribed medication.
She allegedly bit one of the responding officers multiple times before being restrained. She was later taken to Maimonides Medical Center for psychiatric evaluation.
The case remains under investigation, but authorities have indicated that criminality is not suspected at this time. It is not yet clear whether any social or adult protective services had prior involvement with the household.
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