NY Mother Charged With Killing 4-Year-Old Son

Oct. 2, 2012— -- Police in a New York City suburb are investigating the death of a prominent orthopedic surgeon's 4-year-old son whose mother has been charged with the boy's death.

Mamaroneck police officers who responded to a call Monday morning to check on the boy's mother, Manuela Maria Morgado, 46, "observed the deceased 4-year-old male in the bedroom," Det. Sandra DiRuzza said.

The boy's mother was also found in the bedroom near her child's body in what police called a "semi-conscious state."

She has been charged with second-degree murder and is being held without bail in the Westchester County Jail as police try to determine what prompted her alleged crime. Morgado, who has no history of violence or a police record in Westchester County, was taken for a mental evaluation after her arrest and is expected back in court Thursday, police said.

It's unclear whether she has a lawyer.

"It's just a tragedy for everyone involved." Det. DiRuzza said.

Dr. Timothy Reish was informed of son Jason's death Monday by the Mamaroneck Police Department, officials said. He and Morgado are reportedly divorced and involved in a custody battle, according to ABC News affiliate WABC-TV.

Reish, with offices in Manhattan and Long Island, specializes in sports medicine and reconstructive shoulder surgery.

A woman who taught 4-year-old Jason told WABC, "He was a good kid, he was sweet and very energetic," she said. "I broke down. I broke down. It was shocking."

Medical examiners have yet to determine a cause of death and an autopsy report is expected later this week.