Briarcliff Man Calls Son's Death 'Incomprehensible'

Two days after his 4-year-old son was found dead in his mother's Mamaroneck condominium, Dr. Timothy Reish of Briarcliff Manor has released a statement to the public.

"The events which led to the untimely death of our beloved Jake are both incomprehensible and unimaginable," Reish's attorneys of the Tarrytown-based Guttridge & Cambareri said. "We will never be able to comprehend the heinous actions of Jake's mother."

Manuela Maria Morgado, 46, was charged with the murder of the toddler, who is also her son.

Morgado was reportedly found in a "semi-conscious state" by emergency personnel, in what may have been an attempted murder-suicide.

Neighbors of Morgado were "shocked" by the news as it became public late Monday.

Dr. Reish is an orthopedic surgeon and part of the Insall Scott Kelly Institute (ISK). According to the practice's website, he specializes in sports-related injuries and had extensive experience working with Division I athletes.

Reish also has two children who attend Briarcliff Middle School.

School Guidance Counselor Kay Brancato said that in the wake of the tragedy, "I am offering exactly the same services that I offer every day that we open this building."

Reish's statement said he plans to "leave this matter in the capable hands of the authorities to secure justice for Jake and our family" and does not plan to make any more media statements.

Morgado was arraigned in village court Monday and was remanded to Westchester County Jail without bail; she is due back in court on Oct. 4, said a statement from Village of Mamaroneck Police.

"I have not received word from the medical examiner's office as to cause of death," said Mamaroneck Police Spokesperson Det. Sandra DiRuzza.

Reish and Morgado were divorced and going through a custody battle, according to reports by The New York Post.

"Morgado and Reish, 43, had joint custody of their son, but had been duking it out over his schooling," the Post reports.

Commented Brancato, "Everyone has different needs and I try to meet them and to keep things as normal as possible and them cared for. It is not different than any other day. I just keep going."

Kevin Zawacki and Stefani Kim contributed to this report.

Editor's Note: This article previously referred to Morgado as Reish's wife. It has been corrected.

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