I just went to my son, I believe you because they did it to me. You know, I was this pretty light skinned, petite little girl and it's like, oh, if you want her, you can have it. Like, how much do you have? You know, and I made my self-esteem so low. And that's why I was like that with my girls. I was never told by those people that I love you, you know. Come here, babe. Let me give you a hug. No, sit your little nappy ass down, you know. So that's what I tried to break that cycle and my family, my biological family really showed me what love was about. My baby, >> she doesn't, >> but she will when it's when it's I mean you we don't want to talk about memorial services and stuff like that right now, but when it's that time. >> Four-year-old girl was found dead inside her home. Her mother said she was asleep on the couch while her daughter was in the next room. The front door was unlocked for years. That story remained unanswered. Then detectives found one detail that made them question everything she had said that night. >> I would be a c. >> That's right. >> And nobody else would have drove me. >> That's right. >> Let me tell you something, ma'am. I sw my life. [laughter] I did not hurt my baby. >> She was playing in the room like she always do. She's a homebody. >> Now [snorts] they told me. >> I don't know. I want to ask you a question. You your purse is over there, right? And you don't have your driver's license or anything. >> No, I I want to be cooperative, >> okay? >> But I don't want you guys to use this murder. >> Can you just calm down for a second? This is what I want to do real quick. Okay. Tell me your name. >> Dominique. >> How do you spell it? >> D O M I N I Q U E. >> So, okay. You have um the baby that's at the hospital. You have an 18-month old child. >> Yes. She's with my aunt. >> What's her name? >> Kyra. K Y R A. >> Okay. And you have an older child, right? >> Robert. >> Yes. >> He's 13. >> Yes. >> Okay. What? Someone said something about that he's in boot camp. What's that mean? >> He's going to go to the program. He's here now in DJJ, but he has to be seven months in the program. >> I didn't think that we had a a boot camp. >> Last time I seen you in court when I was with my son on his last date, you were in court. >> Oh, was I? Okay. >> Not with you, but >> No, just I just have to I've had one of these. >> Now, listen. I I just want you to try your best. I know. I know. I can't I don't know. I don't know because I've never >> been through this before, but I can only imagine. So, I just want you to try your best. Now, Dominique, you're right now. You're here on your own free will. You are not under arrest. I have no charges to arrest you for, but I am here on a factf finding mission. I need to find out what took place tonight. What were the course of events? I mean, we're already it's already um 10:30 now. >> This didn't happen 15 minutes ago. This event happened, >> right? >> So, what was going on tonight? I mean, what was going on? >> First, first of all, before I even go there, who lives in your house? >> That's it. >> These people, Dominic Brewer, Kira, um >> Roberts, but he's gone. Just me and my three kids >> and your and your other daughter. And she's fixing to be five, but she's still four. And how do you spell her first name the correct way? K O I S. >> I'm sorry. >> My poor Pinky Lee. She was so gorgeous. Did you see her? >> I did. I sure did. >> She was beautiful. She was just putting on the sheet and she came in the living room and she was like, "Look, ma, I'm a ballerina." And then she goes back in the room for a couple minutes and I'm on the phone with my son cuz he's calling from TJJ. And I go back and she's laying on the damn floor and she's blue. She's blue. I can see her mouth is blue, you know. So I'm looking for, you know, maybe she choked on something. I had the pennies. They say she didn't choke on that. I got the scarf. I'm like, "Well, no, she could have been, you know, cuz she always likes to play with the scarf and say, "Oh, she's" and she had the sheet around her, too, you know. And then, but I just picked her up and I just started panicking and I ran to the living room and I was screaming at the top of my lungs. So, then my neighbors came over. I was trying to do a stupid job, but I was doing it too hard. So, he was like, "Mama, the way it is trying to revive her." And I seen her mouth move. My mouth moved. It didn't. They can't tell me it moved. And she started vomiting. And she started vomiting. And they were still doing CPR. My friends were doing CPR. And then they came. And then they came and then they was like, "Okay, it's going to be okay." And then they say, "My baby was dead." >> Did you see anything around her neck? >> No, but I seen the damn scarf on the floor. She always played with the scarf. It's a pink and purple scarf that she loves to death. It could be 100° outside and she's going to wear that thing she's going to put on her. She has this pink blanket. If you guys you can actually tell this. It's a purple blanket that got little teddy bears. She wraps it around her like a dress and she's always pretending. She never likes to go outside. She's not an outside person. I know she hates to eat and she got some vertical. >> This is Dominique Brewer, a mother being questioned after her 4-year-old daughter is found dead inside their home. She says she was asleep. So why did detectives keep >> sun a couple weeks ago? So I was trying to keep her out of the sun, but she was just in there playing and and the doors were open. I mean, if you >> Is it her bedroom that she was in? >> Well, yeah. Now it's her bedroom because my son's gone. So she goes in there and she's a cartoon freak and she watch cartoons. >> Nobody else lives in this house. Nobody like comes and spends the night. >> Nobody spends the night. >> Was anybody else there today at all? >> No. >> At all during the whole day? >> No. It was me and my girls. My neighbor came over to check on me cuz he always do because we're like this. >> Who is he? >> Charles Harris. And I had just peeked out the door and I spoke to him and he heard me screaming and he he came busting through the door and they were trying to help me revive her. >> Is that when he came over to the house that at that point or had he been over the house at all that day? >> He been he had been working all day. >> He hadn't been inside your house when he heard you screaming, >> right? He didn't get off till 5:00. >> Okay. So, Charles just came over when he heard you screaming. >> I was screaming. >> Did not visit the house any other time during the day. >> Not today because he worked. Normally, he comes over cuz we live right next door. You know, he can bam on the wall and I can hear him. You know what I'm saying? And his daughter Alisia and my daughter play all the time. What? What am I? >> How old is his daughter? >> She's nine. Do do you have a boyfriend? >> No. >> Are you married or anything like that? You don't have any men that come to the house? >> No. No. You could ask anybody in my neighborhood. >> I'm asking you. >> But I'm telling you, you got to investigate. I stay to myself. You know, I get flipped at the mouth, but you come to my place. We live in the worst damn neighborhood, but I keep my stuff together, you know. >> Has does your daughter have any kind of medical problems or anything like that? >> No, that's what you said. And even the grandmother is like, "Well, does she have asthma?" My [ __ ] ex-husband. He hasn't been in her life in four years. And I'm telling her she's dead. [gasps] And he's the only thing he can say is what happened. What do you mean what happened? Get here. Your daughter's dead. >> Who is what's his name? >> Ronaldo Rucker is my husband. He lives in Arkansas. So I called his mom right away and told her what happened. She was screaming. >> His name's Ronaldo. What? >> Rucker. >> Rucker. [snorts] And then um his mom does his mom live here? >> No, all of them live. See, we used to live in Arkansas. We moved over back in Miami in 2005. >> But I just can't seem to fathom. >> Where are you working at? >> Nowhere right now. I was working at jobs, etc. >> So, you stay home during the day? >> I'm a [clears throat] stay at home mom. They were going to school, but my child got taken away. Childcare got taken away because I don't get public assistance anymore cuz I started getting child support. You know, you can go only get one and the other. So, when did you start getting child support? >> A couple weeks ago, checks just start showing up in the mail >> and they're from Ronaldo. >> Yes. >> They sent me one two checks for 120 and then like a couple weeks ago, they just up and sent me a check. >> How often are you in contact with Ronaldo? >> Not at all. I I never get to talk to him. I only talk to his mom every now and then. >> And his mom, you said, is in Arkansas? Yeah. And what is what is her name? >> Francis Love. And do you have you have Ronaldo's phone number though, right? >> No, I don't have his phone number. I have his mother and his grandmother's number. They can never get in contact with him. So when this happened, I called his girlfriend. I'm like, "Y'all need to find him." >> Does he have any other friends or anything here? Ronaldo, >> he's never been to Florida. >> Okay. He's never been here. So he he don't know where you live. Nothing like that. >> No, he don't know nothing. >> Is there Okay. So when you get these these the last couple weeks you got child support checks from him just like the last two weeks. >> I got three checks to be exact. And and I was joking around saying to my friends like >> you get them every week or every other week? >> Two of them came like in a week. It was like one dated for like the 15th and one dated for like the 7th and I was stunned by it. And then it was no one dated for like July 31st. And I was like wow. At this stage, the detectives are still building a picture of Dominique's personal life. The questions seem routine, but they were establishing the circumstances around her relationships, family, and recent separation. In an interrogation, these details matter because later statements can be compared against the story being built here. >> And then, you know, you call, you know, and I said he was going to be pissed cuz they're giving me alimony. So, you know, I was like, he's going to be really pissed off because he didn't want to give me anything. You know, >> he's giving you alimony, too. >> He had to because >> How long's he been giving you alimony? >> It just started with the child support. It had to because um and there was no custody battle or anything. They just all of a sudden just started sending me the money and that was it. >> Where did you guys get divorced at? >> We h we're armed. We're not divorced. Yes. >> And you guys got married in Arkansas? >> Yes. >> And you don't have any idea where he's at? No, I just know he >> Arkansas work. >> No. >> To get divorced? >> No. >> Did you ever file for child support? >> Yes. >> Okay. You filed here in the state of Florida? >> Yes. >> And 3 weeks ago. Now, were these two separate checks, an alimony and a child support or are they all in one? >> They were they were they were combined. But when you call the automated system, it tells you, oh, this part >> part is what? Okay. What was the total of each check? Do you remember? >> One check. Two checks or 120? >> $120. >> Yeah. two of those and the last one was for $480. >> Okay. So, it's not like a couple thousand dollar. Okay. >> But you Okay. So, you've received one check for 120, another check for 120. Are those the back toback ones? >> Yeah, they >> And then you got another one for 480. >> Yeah. >> Um and this is his only child. So, this is alimony for her and or child support for her and alimony for you. And that's it. The other two children are from Mr. or they have your last name. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, you are is your last name Rucker? >> Yeah. Okay. >> So, are you um Brewer hyphen Rucker? >> Yeah. >> What's it say on your Florida driver's license? >> Brewer. >> Just Brewer. Okay. I I I'm following you so far. Believe me. Believe me. >> I'm sorry, guys. >> I'm following you as far as all this goes. Um and you do not need to apologize to me. Um, okay. So, he's there. He's never been here to Florida before. And you live at the house with three kids by yourself. And you don't even work. You just quit working a couple weeks ago. Where? >> No, I was working at jobs, etc. as a temp. I had to work there 40 hours a week to get public assistance. You have to do something, right? >> Okay. I mean, you guys can check up on that. I worked there from December of '08 until May and they were supposed to hire me on. I went down to Sarasota, had the interview and everything and they were still seeing what was going to happen because they had to cut some people. I mean, and you can even contact a couple people. >> So, you just got cut. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> We We're not real worried about all that. So, >> Okay. Um All right. Now, we have a little bit of background on you. Do you have any other family members here? I know Mr. Rucker's in Arkansas, but >> I got my whole family here. My dad's here. >> Okay. So, [snorts] your mom and dad and your mom? >> My mom died. My dad's here. His name is Herman Brewer. He's very ill. Just got his leg amputated. Um, I have my uncles. I have my aunts, my cousin, my brother's here. >> Where's your brother staying at? >> I don't know. I haven't talked to him about six months. I just know that he's here. Why haven't you talked to him in so long? >> Because when I was like 2 years old, my mom left here and she said she was never going to come back and she never did. They had to go look for her down in Miami and when they came, she was dead. >> Okay. >> So, so why haven't you talked to your brother? >> Cuz we kind of got a little differences with his wife. His wife feel like he shouldn't grieve for my mom cuz she wasn't there for him. So, it's it's just stupid. But she feels like he shouldn't grieve or be sad because he didn't know his mom, she says. [clears throat] So, that puts a strain on our relationship because I feel like he's taking her side. That was his mother. She brought him in this world. And she's dead. And she only had me and him. And he didn't know me. He had seen me since I was 2 years old. None of my family, not even that, not there. He named me. He hadn't seen me since I was two. But they're there for you right now. >> He came and rescued me from that hell hole. And I said, "I just don't know what happened." I mean, I don't I want to fathom it, but I cannot um when when you were at home tonight. Okay. Like you have you been at your house all day today? Have you >> I've been a couch potato all day. >> Look at my hair. I'm so depressed because my son's in this place. I'm behind him. my bills. You know what I'm saying? Cuz I was depressed. I've been a couch potato. >> Mhm. >> Okay. I've been laying on the sofa watching the TV. Me and the baby sat on the sofa. A check up piggy. She'll come out showing me. She's modeling. Had the little beads around the ear. Call them earrings. And I I braces on. My baby made me. She made me brace. And I took it off the good luck charm. She made me a bracelet. >> You took it off tonight. >> When I was washing dishes and I took it off and I put it on top of the microwave. It was purple and she made these little things on it. >> What What religion are you? >> Christian. >> Christian. Okay. How old are you? >> I'm 28. >> Okay. How old is her dad? Marker is 24. Okay. [snorts] >> And um [clears throat] but you just mainly deal with Francis up there and I'm sorry. >> Yeah. I mean and I called him. He's like screaming at me and then he hangs up on me like my baby's dead. You haven't been there for in four years. Now you're going to blame it on me. >> Men, >> are you serious? That's my daughter. >> You know they don't have no sense. We all know that. The conversation moves away from the immediate events and into Dominique's past. She talks about difficult periods in her life and the people who supported her through them. That gives detectives something important to work with. Not just what happened that night, but how Dominique describes herself when she isn't being directly accused. >> I don't wish that on my worst enemy. >> Right. Right. >> That's how they are though. >> And then my family's afraid I would do something to myself. They don't want me to be by myself. That's why they follow me everywhere. And they're like, "You got to live for your other two kids." But what about her? >> This uncle that you have out here, what's his name? >> Uncle Jay. >> You call him Jay. >> What? What were you meaning? Like he rescued you out of that hell hole. I was with I was raised by these people that were supposedly my family. They weren't. My mom started dating this guy when I was like, so that's the only family I renewed because she disters from her real family. So, >> so you're raised by your mom and some guy. >> Yeah. And their family. And they used to abuse me. And as I got older, I like put a stop to it. I went to JobCore. I tried to do something with myself. I came back. I moved back in with my supposedly aunt. She's not my biological aunt, but you know. And then one day she gets mad and she throws my clothes outside with me and my kids. And I call my uncle and he owns a daycare. He tells his wife, "We're going to close the daycare." And they come down and give me and my kids, they have no clothes to put on our bed, no shoes to put on our feet. But he was there for me. He didn't ask [laughter] me for nothing. All he told me was get a job. And I did that. I worked at Westminster Towers for almost two years, you know. So >> So how old were you then? >> It was in 2006 when he came and got me. Yeah. And you came to Bradington? >> Yeah, I was born right here. But >> how long were you married? >> Rucker 15. >> Four years. >> I mean, you're still married, but I won't be before. >> What year did y'all get married? >> 2003. December 2003. So, and then so 03, four, five, six, seven. So, about 07. Does that mean you went to Miami in 07 or was Bucker in Miami with you? >> No, Rucker never went. He always stay. I left Bucker in 2005 when he knocked my teeth out of my mouth. >> So, 2003 you got married and you left till 805. >> Yeah. for domestic issues. >> Yes. >> And then you went and that was in Arkansas, >> right? And then you went to Miami in '05 >> and stay with family. >> And stay with these people. >> Yeah. Cuz I can't call them family. >> And then um 06 you came with Uncle Jay. >> Yeah. >> And you've been in Bradon ever since. >> Yeah, I visit down there, but I stay in Bradon. >> You visit Miami? I visit down there like uh in the summer I visit for like a week, you know, cuz she's not my grandmother, but it was like the only grandmother I known, you know, she passed away, so I went there and then my supposedly grandfather passed away. Rebecca passed away, so I went there. But it's like they're dead to me now because something happened to my son and I know it's cute. I filed a report. He was by his teenage cousin and I filed a report. they have it and it's like they did to me now because it's happening in our family and it happened to me and they just kept covering it up like it don't happen you know it's a cultural shock like it don't happen in black families but it does you know and I explained to my son >> a little more rare but it happens >> I explained to my son I believe you because they did it to me you know I was this pretty light skin petite little girl and it's like oh give me water you can have it like how much do you have you know and I made my self-esteem came so low and that's why I was like that with my girls. I was never told by those people that I love you, you know. Come here, baby. Let me give you a hug. I sit you little nappy head ass down, you know. So that's what I tried to break that cycle and my family, my biological family really showed me what love was about that I didn't have to endure that. So I cut myself off from it, you know. But I don't try to use it as a crutch. But now my baby gone. I just want to hold her. That's I just want to >> not right now. You really don't. I You want to hold the baby that you know. >> She don't look like my baby. >> She doesn't. >> Why? >> But she will when it's when it's I mean you we don't want to talk about memorial services and stuff like that right now, but when it's that time she will. Right now she doesn't. You don't want to look at her right. You know they innovated her. You know, they put tubes down her throat to try the better the CPR and [snorts] they can't take all that stuff out until the doctor sees her, until the medical examiner sees her. Okay. So, you don't [snorts] want to see her like that. That's [clears throat] just my opinion. >> I just want my That's just what I'm thinking. >> Who cares? >> Then the interview takes a noticeable turn. The detective makes it clear that they were no longer treating the death as something that can simply be assumed accidental. He starts narrowing in on the house itself, who was there, what was locked, and what was left open. The questions are becoming more specific because the timeline now matters. >> Okay. Okay. Can we get on with this? Cuz [laughter] I holding up. >> No, no. You're You're doing great. You're doing great considering like [snorts] what? Let's get back to the day. This is the last 24. [clears throat] Last 24 hours yesterday. Did anybody come over and visit inside the house? Mom came over, but she's a little kid. She came over to play with Pinky. >> Okay. Yesterday. Is that the only visitor you had all day yesterday? >> In Austin. The little just the little kids of the neighborhood. They always come out. And >> what's Mumu's real name? >> Alicia. >> That's the neighbor's child. A nineyear-old. >> Yeah. And um and who else? And Austin. He stays right in front. I don't know Austin name. He's about 5 years old. He's a little kid. He plays he plays with pinky all the time. >> Black male. >> He's white. >> My boy. >> Yeah. >> Okay. You [snorts] don't know how old he is? >> He's five. >> Okay. So, those are the only two people that were inside your house yesterday at all. >> Yeah. >> Nobody was there today. >> No, just me. I've been a couch potato and the thing I mean look the thing is is that something happened to her. It's nothing it's not looking accidental right now. Okay. I'm not thinking that you did anything to your daughter but the fact remains that something did happen to her. I'm I'm digging here. I'm digging. Were your doors locked today? >> No, not my front door. I never usually shut the front door. I mean lock the front door. >> I haven't been out there yet. So is like a screen door and >> No, it's just a door. So, the door was never locked today. Pretty much throughout the whole day. Is that right? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Cuz I was on the sofa. >> How about yesterday? >> Isn't it? And people don't have to lock their doors. I'm not a crime. I just been on I was just on the sofa. >> It's not a crime to not lock your doors, but I'm just asking you. >> But I was I've been lying on the sofa. I was lying on the sofa. I've been a couch potato for weeks now. >> And then you're your front door. You have if you >> you got to come in. You can't sneak right. You can't sneak in cuz you walk through there. My sofa right there. My sofa is for I can look out the window and then I I'm right there. Okay. This is what I want to do. Okay. I'm going to go talk to um my partner out here. Something happened to your daughter. All right. I'm going to just tell you like it is right now. I already I'm already I've already told you. I don't know if you believe me or not, but I'm going to tell you again. I don't really think that you did something to your daughter. All right. I don't think you killed your daughter, but listen to me. You know, she's not here now. Something happened to her. >> And I am going to find out what you think she was playing with that scarf. >> I don't think so. >> Well, what is it? >> That's what we need to find out. >> Please tell me. >> Now, what I want you to do is >> Why did [laughter] you say that? >> I I don't know. I haven't even been to the house yet. But listen to this. I'm going to find out tonight. You hear me? >> Now, this is what I need from you because you know how we have legal proceedings and all that. I I can I can go over here and I can type up the search warrant, but is it okay with you if I go look through your house and I want I want you to come, too. >> Come on. >> Okay. I need you to sign forms that say I'm allowed, but um I also want copies of all the medical records that are at the ER concerning your daughter. You're the one that authorizes that. I can't I might be the police, but I can't just jump in there and tell them and have them give them to me. You're still her mama and you still >> Okay, I'm gonna sign this. I'mma let you search, but right now I'm going to stop the questions and I'm going get an attorney. Okay. >> Because I know cuz I didn't do and I told my uncle that I say the detective feel like I didn't hurt Pinky. But I don't want nobody. I swear to God, I would take my own life before I hurt that child. You understand what I'm saying? >> Okay. I I do. I do. This This form right here is a waiver of search. It says that you give me permission to go in your house and try to figure out what's going on to to to go in there and look to see what I need. Um what is the address of your house? >> I'm in the middle of a homicide investigation. Avenue West. Yes. Apartment. >> Okay. You want me to read this to you? I, Dominique Brewer, do you hereby give my full consent that my residence located at 6716? I trust you. >> I'm going to read it to you. May be searched by any sheriff or deputy sheriff Manatee County, Florida. I give this consent freely and voluntarily without compulsion, threat of any kind. Compulsion or threat of any kind. I fully understand my constitutional rights in regards to the search and it is my intention to fully and completely wave such rights. I further agree that any [music and clears throat] articles that may be found in the search of my residence may be used in trial or any other matters of which may I may be accused. [music] See, that's why I think I need to cuz you know I'm I'm hearing you when you say you don't I'm just right now I don't know what to do. Do you understand that I'm trying to find out what happened to your daughter? >> And I want you to find out. >> Okay. >> I just don't want you guys to think that I have nothing to hide. You understand what I'm saying? >> Cuz I have nothing to hide. All right. And also, in these types of cases, we always have everyone take drug screens. >> Are you willing to do that for me? >> If I don't, it ain't going to look good on me. So, I might as well go ahead and do a drug screen. >> Are you on any medications or anything? No, ma'am. >> Okay. All right. I don't need very much. I only need this much right here. >> Okay. I'll show you. >> Tinkle anyways. >> Well, that makes it convenient. >> I mean, I know you've got a file of CPS >> already on me. So, >> well, you know, marijuana is not the worst thing. >> I know. I'm I'm not going to lie to you. You know what I'm saying? >> Where did you use >> where? >> Like, where where were you when you were using? >> In the backyard. >> Okay. Where where was um >> they were across at um my friend go Nicole I mean Nikki's house where they always have. >> I have to ask you some question has really nothing to do with the actual investigation but the state tries to follow patterns to try to prevent any future problems. So I have to ask you just some very general questions. What hospital was Kayla's born in? >> She was born in um Blackville Memorial. And did they ever counsel you about co-s sleeping? >> No. >> No. Okay. >> It's not ready yet. >> I'm looking right now. >> Oops. Not it came off. >> All right. You're definitely positive for THC. Basically, the way you can tell >> is there's two lines >> and if there's there's two of them, that means it's negative. The top line shows that the test was done correctly and the bottom one shows whether you're positive or negative or not. Yeah. >> And see, THC has nothing, which is marijuana. And then all these other ones have lines. Benzo has has a very very faint line. >> I don't know what you mean. I'm not understand. >> It means that you're positive for marijuana. >> Okay. Cuz that's what I told you. And I took a painkiller, which I ain't going to lie. I need a couple right now. >> When did you take a painkiller? >> Uh, detectives begin talking about Dominique's history with drugs and her recovery. She describes getting her life back after a difficult period before bringing the conversation back to the death of her daughter. It's an important emotional shift. The interview is no longer just about reconstructing events. It's also about understanding the person sitting across from them. >> Uh two days ago, because I was a CNA, so I can't work as a CNA anymore because of my back. >> Mhm. >> You know what I'm saying? I I have been lifting. I have been doing CNA work since I was 18. >> Were you prescribed the the painkiller? >> No, I actually didn't. I just got it from a friend. And I only took one. >> What was it? >> Um, >> do you remember? >> I think it was a It was the Lori tab. >> The Lori tab? >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. >> But as you can see, I didn't lie. I I do smoke pot. That's not going to, you know, make me look any better, but I'm not lying. >> No, I appreciate you telling me the truth about it. >> Yeah, I want one right now. I know it's not a good thing. Can I have one in a large right now? >> I'm going to go with no on that, but I feel for you. Um, I'll be right back. >> Are there any medications that you are taking that are prescribed here? >> And everything's still on, but I'll be right back. >> Are you prescribed any medications? How about your daughter? No. Okay. And was she natural birth or C-section? >> C-section. And was she a planned pregnancy? >> Yeah, she was. Yeah, my husband tried before getting married and we couldn't have one. >> Okay. And was she fullterm or was she premature? >> She's full term. >> Okay. All right. Those are the questions I had to ask. >> Okay. >> And and you know, you're just doing your job. Want me to be a [ __ ] >> No, I understand. I really do. >> And and you're just doing your job. And I wasn't going to try to hide nothing from y'all. I know. >> I appreciate that. Smoking pot is not a good thing, but it's a lot of parents that do a lot of worse things to me, but then they kids probably don't end up dead either. >> You know, a lot of things happen and it's not necessarily because you smoke pot or you didn't smoke pot or anything like that. You know, I can't condone it cuz, you know, it is illegal, but you know, in the grand scheme of things, there's worse things that could you can do. You know what I mean? So, I wouldn't beat yourself up over that. I won't lie. I mean, once you really get into the case and you look at the I've had issues with drug abuse, >> but it was like my kids was more important than coke >> cuz that was my drug of choice and I severed that. >> How long you been clean? >> I've been clean almost two years. >> Good for you. since since my daughter was born. I lived in a shelter eight months and um got myself clean and got my life back on track almost two years and everything was going good. And it's like it seems like the devil was like, "Okay, I can't get you to do these drugs." >> Now, I'm going to take something away from you. So, he took my baby. And now, you know what he's saying to me? Go get high. Go ahead. You know, he's like running on my back now saying it'll make you feel better. >> Remember, you have two other kids. You have two other kids, okay, that you need to be strong for. This is a really, really hard time. And I understand that. I can't even begin to imagine how hard it is for you. But you've been clean for 2 years. Don't throw that away. >> People look at me. I started doing Coke when I was 12. >> Wow. >> 12 years old. >> And Coke is a bad one to get off of. It really is. It it it messed with my mental state. >> I stole from my loved ones. >> I did things that I've never imagined I wouldn't do. I stole my body, you know, >> for those drugs. My mom died of AIDS. And I said, I didn't want to be like her. >> So I said, do something. And I am. I just thought, Papa, that's not a good thing when my baby's still dead. You know, >> I just want to find out what happened. >> And that's what we want to do, too. >> And y'all can go in now. >> Okay. >> Y'all can go and have nothing to hide >> cuz I We want to find out what happened just as much as you do cuz it shouldn't have happened. >> You know what I'mma tell you? The only thing you going to find in there, >> what's that? >> It's a bowl. You know what a bowl is? >> A bowl for smoking. Okay. >> And it's not nowhere. The girls can get it. >> Okay. It's in a basket in my house. I always cuz I keep the lighters out of reach of the kids so they can't get the lighters. So I keep everything in a basket. That's the only thing you won't find. No paraphernalia, no drugs, no alcohol, no nothing. >> Okay. Well, they're also looking for other stuff while they're there, too. Is the something to show what could have happened. That's what they're more interested in. Okay. >> All right. Let me go find out what April's doing. Can I go out with my family now? >> I don't know. Let me talk to April. Find out what she's doing with that. >> We'll find out. [snorts] >> Thank you, Miss Susie. >> You're welcome. >> Do you have somebody that you can sleep with tonight? >> Oh, yeah. I just They don't want me by myself. They're not >> Yeah. Don't think it' be a good idea, though. >> I don't think I'll make it through the night by myself. No, I think you you know you just remember you've gone two years and I know it doesn't seem like anything right now, >> but you have you have I understand you have an 18month-old boy girl. >> Girl, she's my >> She needs you. >> She's learning how to talk. >> Is she at 18month-old? They're in They're walking, talking, and >> Yeah, they absorb everything. >> Yeah, she needs you. >> I just want to hold you right now. I just want to hold you. >> I know. Well, I don't I don't know, but I can only imagine. >> That's okay. >> Can only imagine. >> I can't the pain that you're going through. That's That's why you're so vulnerable. >> Okay, y'all do what y'all want. Where's that paper at? They have writing on. >> And I told him and I told Miss I'm not mad at you. I'm going to give it to God. >> I want to look at this paper. >> I'm going to give it to God. That the only >> When the second interrogation begins, the detective takes a softer approach. He brings up Uncle Jay and the people Dominique trusts, then introduces a possibility without directly accusing her, that she could have played some part in what happened without intending for her daughter to die. That distinction gives her room to explain herself, but it also puts pressure on the story she has been repeating. >> Don't even trip. Let me look at this paper question. >> Don't trip. [laughter] >> What did I just say? Do not trip. Relax. I need >> I'm sorry that I asked God for April. Look, you told me your stuff. You know I do this. >> Are you listening to me or are you tripping out? >> Okay. >> You know the same way that they need you to not trip when they do that polygraph. I need you to be with me right now. Okay. All right. This is all for you. No, you're not under arrest right now. Why would I have you under arrest? >> She's going to read me this and then say I failed the test. >> You know, every single time I talk to you, I have to read you this. Why? >> Why? >> What happened the first time I talked to you? >> Yeah. >> Remember what happened the first time I talked to you? >> Yeah. >> What happened? >> Cuz I asked you some questions and I asked you in return. >> Okay. So now every single thing and even Woody the one that just did your polyraph told me that he already read you this and I signed it. >> So I don't care. I'm doing it again. All right. You ready? >> Yeah. >> Borning of constitutional rights. You have the right to remain. >> Please read Dominique her Miranda rights. >> Can you say do you understand each of the rights I write to you? Having these rights in mind you wish to talk to us now. >> Let me that paper. >> I don't I don't know exactly. >> The only question I failed was the ones. It's 1:47 p.m. now here. Let me tell you what I know >> to be a fact. What? Before I even look at this mess right here, I know that you're a good mother and I ain't even met you but Friday, right? >> Yep. >> I know that you love your babies. >> Yep. >> I know that you got a really good uncle. >> Look, look at me. Stay on point. Stay on point. Stay on point. I know that you got a really good uncle that's the closest thing to a daddy, mama, everything combined that you've ever had. >> And I know that he loves you. >> And I know that no matter what. And I know this. I know this. But on a shadow of a doubt, I know that no matter what may have happened, accidental or not, I know that he loves you now and he'll love you tomorrow. >> Okay? >> And I know that if some if if you did have any hand in this, I don't think you meant to, but I don't think it was intentional or on purpose. But let me look at this paper. >> Okay. >> An accident. I didn't have I wasn't even in the room. telling me I was on the sofa asleep. When I found out I was on the phone with my son, the officer heard me screaming. >> Okay, but hold up. A lot's changed since Friday when this happened in Saturday. Okay, a lot has changed with us. You know Durham and Well, we was up in your house doing a search warrant, taking measurements, this that yada yada yada the other. I have no no pictures. This ain't this ain't this ain't painting. Let me make sure I don't get a painting. But I will tell you, you did the reenactment with us. Your last and final story after you lied like five or six or seven times, whatnot. The last story you gave me that you swore to God was the truth. Baby, it ain't the truth. >> Hold up. No, don't tell me that cuz I'm going to tell you why I know. >> Okay. >> I want the truth from you. >> April, I'm telling you. And God knows. Y'all might as well put me under cuz I did not hurt my baby. Gabriel, no accident, no punishment, no kind of form, shape or fashion did I harm her. And that's coming from my soul. >> Wait, I don't understand. >> I don't think that you meant to. >> I didn't accidentally. No kind of way. Nothing. None of that. And I meant that. And no test and no. They ain't going to get me to say that because that's not the truth. >> You told me that you found Pinky. I dangle it in the closet. >> Look, this is photographing that I marked as number 10. Not like up there. It was >> Hold up, babe. Hold up. We have measurements and everything. We done took him to a medical examiner who looked at Pinky Lee's dead body. Okay. [snorts] Looked at the marks on her, looked at the dynamics of this, showed her the photograph, how you showed us that it happened depicted in photograph number seven here. Okay. The way that you describe this happened with that scarf, with that pink, purple, and white scarf that she loved to play with that she always had around her neck playing dress up. The way that you depicted this to happen is absolutely 100% proven beyond a shadow of a doubt to be impossible. Tell yourself, April, and April, I told you when I met you, I know you're a non no nonsense person. And I'm going to take his hat and hold me down. He's back in my head. April, look me in my eyes. I swear to God, no foul play whatsoever. April, I wasn't in that room. I was on the sofa asleep. Do you hear me? >> When you found her. >> Yes. The phone ring, April. And it was vibrating on the sofa. That's how my baby, April, I swear to God, I didn't hurt her. >> What would be my motive? What would be my motive on hurting her? Come on, APRIL. QUESTION EVERYBODY IN that neighborhood about me. I'm a damn good mother. Why would I hurt her, April? >> And I know you are most of the time. >> But why would I [laughter] hurt her? >> I don't think you >> I never I didn't accidentally either. I was asleep and Pinky was in there playing. You understand me, April? Now it's your job. You do what you have to do. I did not hurt her. >> I don't think you meant to. >> I didn't accidentally either, April. I'm telling you now, just like I told Mr. the Woodward. If I I knew I couldn't try to deceive the test, why did I volunteer to take it? Come on, April. That doesn't make sense. And if I felt like I could have got an attorney, you know what I'm saying? >> Where where where does John Kane come into play in all this? >> What do you mean? >> Like he's in and out of your life. Is that right? >> Yeah. We be on and off. >> What is your relationship with him? >> We're boyfriend and girlfriend. >> Were are on and off? >> We're friends on and off. Yeah. >> Okay. How often does he come over to your house? >> Not very often. The last time he was over, it's probably like a week before or something. >> Where does he work at? >> He works for the ESCAT. >> Well, what does John do? >> Yeah, he wasn't even there. >> Okay. >> Sarasota County or Madison County? >> Madison County. >> So, was he at your house that day at all? >> No. >> Was he at your house the day before? >> No. >> Do you know if he was working on last Friday? No, he's off on Friday. Okay. >> What you saying, John? Don't I have to check? Sit down, John. Don't Don't even You think John going to come and add her? >> I have to check everything. You know, >> now the detective starts comparing what Dominique is saying with what she told investigators earlier, brings up her previous statements about drug use and the timing of it. Dominique immediately begins correcting the details. This is where the interview becomes less about collecting information and more about testing whether her current account stays consistent with what she said before. >> Darn well this is my job investigating. >> You know I have to ask questions everything. >> I don't know. We're just asking. >> You're not working right now at all, right? >> No. >> What's the last job that you had? >> I was working at Johnson but it was like for the program to get assistance >> through Salvation Army. No. >> What program? >> I that's been for welfare. I And I've been out of this mission. >> So Oh, that's right. You had explained to me that in order to receive welfare benefits, you have to have a job. So >> you have to do Yeah. >> Okay. So you had to have jobs, etc. >> Right. >> What' you do there? >> Office clerk, data entry. >> Okay. And how long did you hold that job? >> December to December >> to June of 16. Do you remember your immediate supervisor's name? [snorts] >> Paula Farland. She calls me on a daily basis. >> Paula >> Farland. F A R I L I N. >> And she still works there for >> Yes. She's supposed to come and see me today. >> You don't know her phone number? >> I can give you her office number. >> What is it? >> 714. >> Okay. Are you in counseling right now? >> I was in I was starting counseling. Who did you go to counseling for real? >> Um, manity glens. >> What were you doing that for? >> For myself. >> I'm not judging you. I'm >> No, I'm saying for myself because >> um I was just and about. I was just going for myself. >> Okay. And what was your counselor's name? Do you remember? >> I only went once. It was just a intake. Yeah, I just did an intake. I Yeah, it wasn't like ordered or anything. >> No, you just >> Yeah, I did it on my own. >> It was pretty easy. Yeah. >> Are you interested in continuing that? >> Absolutely. >> Okay. You don't know who you saw? >> No, it was cuz it was two women. It was two women I saw. >> Are you taking any medication? No. >> Is you had none of this prescribed? >> No. >> But I mean, I know that you tested positive for marijuana. You told us that you snorted a little cocaine, >> but y'all did all that. Y'all see the results >> and uh weed. But other than weed, cocaine, >> nothing. I took one lower tab. That's it. >> Nothing else? >> No. Never even tried nothing else. >> Okay. And >> the day I was talking to you about cocaine, you had said that it was about 5 days or so prior that you had cocaine last, >> right? >> And a couple days prior that you had taken the lure, >> right? >> And within a couple days that you had smoked weed. >> Yeah. >> Something like that. Anyhow, >> so Okay. But other than that, that's it. >> That's it. Okay. Um, where'd you go to school at? Arkansas or Miami or >> down you said Homestead. Down in Miami school. >> I went to Job Court. I went to Homestead Senior High, but then I went to Job Court. [snorts] >> What's that? >> Job Corp? >> I don't have your GED >> or has the diploma? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, you you essentially graduated high school one way or the other or you have your diploma? >> Yeah. Did you have any college? >> No, I have a CNA license since 99. >> Where did you get that schooling at? >> Uh Arkansas and here cuz I did it twice. >> What school here in Florida? >> Quality healthcare. >> Where's that? >> It's right down on 41. >> Okay. And then um is that it or >> No, I um I went to school for a security officer. I worked for Dayton Federal Security. I got that in ' 07. >> My my security license in 2007. >> Okay. So then you worked in Miami doing that? >> Yeah, I worked for Day Federal Security. >> Okay. In Arkansas, did you work or did you just be a mom? >> No, I worked on and off, but I was really a stay at home mom cuz I was married. So I worked a little bit here and there, but not a lot. Okay. Um, and as far as John came that that day on Friday that all this went down, you didn't even see him that day? >> I didn't see him that day. He was off, but John didn't come by. >> Okay. >> You never even seen him all day on Friday? >> No. >> What about Thursday? Do you remember? >> Wednesday. I saw him. >> You saw him Wednesday before the incident? >> Yeah. >> Where'd you see him at? >> He came by >> your house. >> Yeah. you know, you're there maybe an hour and a half. And how'd that go? Okay. We talked a little bit and cuz I was talking about, you know, my finances and looking for a job and, you know, where I had been putting applications and things like that, you know, cuz he was really kind of like about like me not working >> right, you know. Um, have you ever been diagnosed with anything? Any healthcare problems? No. >> When you were seeing the counselor, did they try to diagnose you with anything like >> No. >> Um, I was reading in one report they were talking about um or someone had mentioned in a screening that you went to at TJJ when Robert went in. >> Yeah. I think you were talking to someone and they had mentioned something about um you saying that you might have like an anxiety disorder or something like that. That was in that was over 7 years ago. They said I had an anxiety disorder cuz I started to hyperventilate, you know, where I can't breathe and then I had to breathe into a back or whatever. And then they had me on Xan Xanax for like 2 years and they had me like >> past I was living in Arkansas then. What year? Like before 06. >> Yeah, that was before 06. >> And uh >> and and then where they talking about I got a felony in 06. That that ain't even true. >> Were you arrested for felony battery in Miami? >> No. Felony battery in Miami? I know that's not the truth. I had one battery I pled down to a misdemeanor in 2002 and I had the paperwork still on and that was in Arkansas. >> Were you arrested under felony statute and then it pled down to a misdemeanor >> in 2002? Yeah, I pled it down to a misdemeanor. >> So you were arrested for a felony battery and they pled it down to a misdemeanor. >> Is that what you're telling me? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Well, maybe that's what they're talking about then. So you answered your own question. I would assume I'm not positive about all that. If you What is her What is um Pinky's daddy's name? >> Ronaldo. >> Ronaldo. >> And you you say you kind of talk to him, kind of don't. >> Yeah, I haven't tal I talked to him when the incident happened. >> Tell me about that. >> But he was being really like nasty, but I've been talking to his mother. >> You have? >> Yeah. Who did you call on Friday? You find her. You're freaked out. You get the ambulance on the way. Whatot? Who did you call first after that? >> Uncle Jay. >> Okay. So, you called him and let him know something down. >> Yeah. >> And then who did you call? >> I didn't It was so much going on. I didn't call nobody at that time, but I called Uncle Jay. That's the first person I called. >> And that's the only person you remember calling? >> I called some of everybody. I think I called Brooker's mom. I called John. Um, >> who's mom? >> Ronaldo's mom. Miss Franc. >> Yeah. Um, John, Miss Francis, Uncle Jay, and I think that's it. My phone my phone was had [clears throat] went dead by then. Anyway, >> the detective now challenges the logic of her account. Dominique says she believed the other person was going to kill her. But the detective points out what actually happened when that person supposedly had the opportunity. He didn't take the weapon, didn't draw his own, and did the things her explanation suggests he would have done. Instead of arguing about emotion, the detective is testing the story against behavior. >> So, I thought you told me at the hospital that your battery was low. My battery had went dead by then. I was using other people's phone. My battery was dead, April. I couldn't even call nobody. So on Friday when all was going down and whatnot, who do you remember being in the house besides the cops? Besides the firefighters, >> Jit. Maryanne. >> Who is Jit? >> I don't know Jit's real name. It's Charles brother. >> Okay. So Jit was up in there. Who else? >> Maryanne. Nearly her boyfriend I twin. They just call him twin. >> Nicole I can't. Nicole May is y'all sister. It was a lot of people. >> Anybody else that you can think of? Or is that it? >> No, it was some more people. I just can't cuz it >> not. Uhuh. Nikki Nikki came. >> I'm not talking about outside. >> No, Nikki came in the house. >> I'm talking about inside. >> No. Andrea uh Jones came in the house. That's the pregnant girl safe street where the baby was >> and Charles. So yeah, Nikki, Charles, Twin, Jet, >> Marian, >> Marian. So five there's five people. That's all you can remember people besides the firefighters and the >> policeman cuz I know that the paramedics. >> That's all I can remember in the house. So, who who came past the living room that you recall? >> I know Jit did >> cuz at that point I know that you were not any longer on the floor with her. The deputy was down there. >> I know Jit did because I was in the hallway. You know what I'm saying? Cuz I told you I was freaking out by the bathroom. That's when I threw the phone. Um Nikki did too. Um Nicole did too cuz they was trying to console me. >> So, but everybody was in the house. >> Do you remember anyone else coming down that hallway or going toward that bedroom or bathroom or any of the girl other rooms >> besides who' you say? Jit. >> Okay. And Jit is Charles's brother. >> Yeah. >> Who I've already spoke with. Um, so Jit is the only person that you know that >> and Nicole. Nicole because they came back there by the hall. Those are only two people. But >> April. >> Nicole. >> Yes. April. I want to get to the bottom of this too. Understand what I'm saying? >> You're the only one that can do that. >> But I didn't do anything. April, I'm telling you, accidentally or not. And I ain't got to do with Uncle Jay. Understand what I'm saying? I know he's still going to love me. This is something that I got to deal with. Understand me? But I accidentally I'm telling you, April, accidentally or not, I didn't harm her. I did not. April, >> how long had you been up when you snorted the cocaine? How long had you been up? >> I wasn't on no coat that day. >> Well, about 5 days prior you were. And then you took a lure tab and smoked some weed. >> Not that particular day. >> Not that day. But anybody that's I mean, this is 13 years, dear. I've been doing this for 13 years. I've dealt with people, Dominique, that's that use. >> April, I understand you. I've been doing drugs since I was 12, April. So, I understand you, but April, I know you want to get to the bottom of this. I wasn't on no drugs and flipped out and killed my baby, my cousin. >> But you were coming down from drugs. >> No, it was days. It already had been 5 days. >> Scientifically, it was still there. And you're coming down from it. You are mixing coming down from cocaine with lurab and marijuana. Listen, April. It wasn't like Okay. It was like 5 days before. Okay. You understand what I'm saying? >> Yeah, I fully understand what you're saying. But you're telling me that you you snorted some cocaine and then a couple days later went ahead and took a lower tab and smoked some weed. That does not make a person any less any more perky. >> April, I didn't do anything. >> Now I understand why you needed a nap on the couch. Cuz I have you seen my job on top of being a single mom. >> Cleaning, cooking, you've seen that doing laundry. That's why dear. >> Yes. And I get up at 6:30. >> You don't hold a job. I do it all and have a full-time job and stay up. I'm not complaining. There's a there are many mothers that had way more kids than me that do it. >> It wasn't I just took a a nap. I fell asleep. I did not harm my child accidentally on purpose. No kind of way. What would be my motive? Because I wasing cranky. Come on, April. >> No. No. >> Yes. >> That don't April, if that's the case, when my other daughter was across the street, I could have sent Pinky. That don't make sense. April, >> shut up. >> I didn't hurt her. I didn't hurt her. >> And that's okay. >> I didn't hurt her. I'm telling YOU, APRIL, I'M LOOKING you in your eyes as a woman and as a mother. >> You did it seven times the other day. >> I didn't hurt her. [clears throat] I'm telling you, April, look at me. Look at my soul. I didn't hurt that little girl. >> I see all the way through it. >> I ain't hurt her. I ain't hurt her. >> I'm wide awake today, Dominique. >> I'm tell And I ain't trying to pull NOTHING OFF YOUR EYES. I AIN'T HURT HER. >> I'm wide awake. >> I want you to be wide awake. Like I said, I'm going to give it to God and I'm going to leave it there cuz I know I ain't hurt her. >> I really >> I know that accidentally or no kind of way. I didn't hurt her. And I meant that. I did not hurt my baby. >> Did she wreck on her bicycle recently? >> No, she got a flat tire. Did she skin up her knees, feet, legs, anything, you know, like that recently? >> I don't know. I I can't Well, you're a really good mom. >> I am, too. I mean, Piggy is accident prone. Did they tell you that? >> You're a really good mom. Like, I >> But she falls all the time, so I don't know if she got a skin, but her bicycle was flat. >> But if I know if my baby has skin up something, I know where and why and how it happened. >> It might have been her toe. I think she skinned up her toe. I'm not sure. Hey, but this is a lot to try to When did she skin up her toe? >> I'm thinking because we was in the pool. I think she skipped her toe. I wasn't >> in the pool. >> No, I'm thinking we were in the pool that weekend and somehow she skipped her toe. But it's like I interact with a lot of kids in that neighborhood >> that day. Did she do it on Friday? >> I don't remember April her skimming her because you told me that she didn't go out of the house on Friday. >> She didn't. Dominique, the time is now. >> Listen, April, >> I've been listening, dear. >> I'm not lying to you, okay? I don't. Pinky didn't go outside that day. >> So, she didn't outside. >> Stick her toe outside. >> She didn't skin her toe outside. >> It was If she did, it wasn't that day. You understand what I'm saying? If she skinned her toe, it wasn't on Friday. Austin, even the little boy Austin came across the street. Pinky said it was too hot to go outside. Where did you find her body at? And please, please, Jesus, please do not tell me, Dominique, please open it up. Dominique, you got to come clean, baby. It was not the closet. It is scientifically in. >> So, where was she, April? >> I wasn't there. >> This is You know what? All I know all I know are the facts that I can prove. >> That's all I know. Dominique. All All I know is the facts that I can prove. >> April. >> And she was not dangling from the closet. It is a proven fact. I believe she peed in THE BED. MY BABY DON'T PEE IN THE BED. SHE peed her pants cuz she pegity don't pee the bed. Why is there pee in the bed? PE. That's where she died at. It wasn't her. You I'm telling you, Pinky Lee don't pee the bed. Pickly don't pee the bed. >> April, I don't care what you say. I think y'all need to call Uncle B. And I need a trainer cuz I ain't touched my baby. Pinky don't pee the bed. Pickle don't pee the bed. She don't pee to bed. April, >> I believe you. >> She don't pee to bed. >> Unless she's dead. >> She So you said I choke. Yeah, people pee. >> April, that's what happens when you die. >> This is one of the strongest moments in the interrogation. The detective stops talking in generalities and introduces a specific physical detail. She was not actually found hanging from the closet and there was evidence of urine in the bed. Dominique immediately focuses on one part of that statement, insisting that her daughter would never wet the bed. The reaction is significant because the conversation has suddenly moved from her version of events to a physical detail she cannot simply explain away. April, >> I got a lot of respect for you, but I didn't hurt Pinky. And I know your mother and and you see her like that and you hurting too. Even though she not your child, but I didn't hurt her. If I didn't hurt my baby, I didn't. April, >> I know exactly what happened and so do you. And now that you have asked me for an attorney again, >> April, I didn't hurt her. I'm trying to talk to you as a woman and as a mother. I DIDN'T HURT HER. Why you I understand there's people that go crazy, but I didn't hurt her. I swear to sweet Jesus. You understand what I'm saying? I swear to sweet Jesus. I did not hurt that child. April, >> I need some handcuffs. >> April, cuz I I didn't hurt her. >> I didn't hurt her. And I swear I swear to God I didn't hurt her, April. I would have told you. I WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU. I would have told them I didn't hurt her. I did not hurt my baby on my life. On my life. Dominique, yes. We're done. >> Yeah. Have faith in God. Have faith in God. Have faith in him. They say, that's what they said. Have faith in him. Have faith in him. And he's going to work it out. >> What's up? >> Is that yours? >> Have faith in him. >> And what you definitely want at this point, you want to stay missing. Hold on. >> I know this y'all. This is April case, but I'm telling you, I didn't hurt my baby accidentally or not. I didn't hurt her. >> Okay. April told me that she wanted her lawyer >> because she's she's in here bashing me. I came down here voluntarily. >> I I understand that. >> She I came down here voluntarily. I took the test voluntarily. She bashing me. She talking about I'm I'm not lying. >> Okay. Okay. >> And again, I got a lot of respect for But I know this ain't this not what I'm saying. Listen to what what I'm saying to you. This is what I'm saying to you. There's something happen other than what you're saying because what you're saying is I >> swear to God I swear to God what they said >> I know I know I know I'm asking you I'm asking you Dominique >> I need you to be on my side >> I'm on your side I'm on your side >> Uncle J look at me I swear to God Uncle J I did not hurt it was no accident he was planning that happened Uncle J and just like I told >> okay I want you tell me what I'm going tell you what forgot what they told me you tell me Brett here what really happened I'm telling you. I found Pinky like that. I went to sleep. >> You went to sleep? >> Yes. >> Okay. I didn't know this, Bob. >> I was asleep on the couch. >> Okay. >> Only thing that woke me up is when Robert called. >> Okay. >> The phone was in the cushion. It was ringing and vibrating. >> Okay. >> So, I answered the phone. I started talking about he said, "Let me speak the opinion." I opened the room door, seeing the covers on the bed, thinking she hiding. And I found in the closet. I'm screaming. Uncle Jay dropped the phone. The officer heard me scream. Now, April, I [clears throat] asked I said, "Well, why would I kill, >> right?" >> Oh, you were exhausted and you were getting off a bench. I said, "You only think you find my sister was we fell asleep on the couch and I was so cranky. Why not send pinky across the street?" It just didn't make sense, Uncle J. Now, >> now only somebody know what happened. She wasn't God. >> I'm telling you. >> And here is when I some I had news to tell you today about Smith. I talked to her doctor and I had bad news all day today. They don't think Smith gonna make it. They give her a 20% chance today. The stuff that they doing for her is making her look better, but it ain't working. That's why I've been at all morning over to the hospital. I just got home. >> Okay, I can leave. We could talk to you because if they won't arrest me, they they arrest me yet, >> you know. But all I want to know, Dominique, do you need to tell what happened? That was an accident. And you I'm not the police. I'm not the police. I'm here for your support. >> That's what I'm trying to tell you. Uncle how many how many sessions we don't had? >> Right. We had about a section. Yeah. >> Well, how many private talks we don't had, Uncle J. I would have told you. I would have told you. I would have said Uncle J when such and such happened. It didn't. I'm telling you, Uncle Jay. And I told them, >> excuse my lady, Uncle J right now cuz she trying to say, oh, you don't want to say it because you think Uncle J going to love you less. No, look at me. Uncle Jay, you my niece. >> Uncle Jay, I swear Jesus. I didn't on my baby. Uncle Jay, you know me better than that. >> I can't believe you did. You cannot believe >> this man say he don't believe I did it. >> She said she don't believe I did it, but she feel like I did it accidentally. I didn't do it accidentally. >> Ain't no dummy. This is bothering me, eating me. I'm caught up in the middle of something that I don't want to be caught up in. I I love you. You're my niece. I >> take care of my kids, >> baby. I'm going to always take care. I want to take care of I tried to take care of you >> and you tell them >> I tried to take care of you. I'm not going anywhere. You're not going anywhere. Don't mean only way you can go anywhere is you guilty of something. If you're not guilty, you can't go. Why you Why are you talking about going? >> Just like I told you. Okay. Don't try to make an example out of me. >> No, Jeremy. These people's trying to have a little girl speak out that can't speak out for herself. >> I didn't do this. >> That's what See, you're missing the whole point. It's not about you, Uncle J. >> It's about this baby. I didn't do this, Uncle Jay. I'm telling you for my soul. I did not do this, Uncle Jay. I did not do this, Uncle J. I wouldn't do that. Why would I harm her? She was >> I I know you ain't no problem, mother. I know you ain't never done nothing about her. >> What would make me snap out like that? >> I know. I ain't never seen you snap. I don't know, Dominic. I said you one thing. >> I'm telling you, Uncle Jay, tell me to take Badger. I don't care what to take your life and leave Pinky and Robert on me. would be a bad thing because these kids need you. You're their mother. They need you to know how and they also they also need to know what happened. >> Uncle Jay, it was an accident. I'm telling you, I didn't harm my baby, Uncle Jay. >> And I'm telling you and for you not to believe me. >> I see now you're putting words in my mouth. Don't switch words. Keep question. >> I'm questioning you because I want to know the truth. I've been wanting to know the truth ever since this thing happened. I'm not going to sugarcoat this. This is a death. Uncle Jay, I got her. >> Uncle Dominic, I'm not saying that you >> I'm not saying that you got up and you got mad and you heard it. I'm not This is not my words. I'm saying I'm asking you to tell me the truth. But >> I told you, >> baby. I'm the only backbone you got. >> Ain't nobody else going to come here to your rescue. >> Pick was in a happy. >> Baby, if these people charge you with first degree, listen to me. Listen to me. Everybody you think you know, they going to distance from you. No matter what they charge you with, I'm your blood relative. I'm going to be with you in the corner, in the courtroom, everywhere you go. But don't let them charge you with murder and something happened accidentally. So, see, that's what I'm saying. And see, that's why that's why people break down and say, "Oh, yeah." >> By this point, Uncle Jay is trying to get Dominique to look beyond her own fear and explain what happened to the child. He reminds her that this is not simply about what happens to her. Dominique continues insisting that she did not hurt her daughter. The more pressure is applied, the more firmly she returns to the same basic denial, keeping the conversation centered on what she says she did not do. >> Oh yeah, I did it. >> No, no, I'm not trying. >> That's why I'm not because I didn't do anything. >> I'm not saying you did. That mean you keep putting words out there that don't make sense. >> You're not. You're not. >> Cuz I'm free to go. >> Yeah, you're free to go when you're ready. These people going to keep hassling you until they find the truth. They're not going to let the case go until they find out the truth. >> Well, I hope >> I don't know if they told you all the evidence. >> Yeah. >> You know, >> they told me about evidence that me and Ty were sitting outside talking. She said that from the thing she could have did this and that, the other. I'm telling you, Uncle Jay and And >> let me ask you another question, and this is an important question, and I want you to answer this. No, we I [laughter] knew in my heart that you couldn't do anything like this. >> But you were asleep. >> Yeah. People got keys in my house. >> You was sleep in that house. >> Got keys to my house. >> You know, Charles got keys in my house and so does. >> See what I'm talking about? You need to let these people know this. You're not giving people the whole truth. >> Charles got >> You got other people with keys to your house. You lay on that sofa sleep. They know you you had a bill or two or something. You laying there asleep. And you got other people with keys to your house. This baby is dead. You got to reveal everything that is in front of you. >> Everything only some people got they got keys. >> These people should have known these people had keys to your home. >> These people should have known Dominique. >> But look, babe, see this is what I'm trying to get you to see. >> You're sleep. >> Yeah. >> You woke up and found this. >> Yeah. >> You don't How long you sleep? Hour, 2 hours. >> Probably two. >> You don't know what happened while you were asleep. You got other people in the neighborhood with keys to your front door. >> Yeah. They know sometime they sleep hard. You don't know what happened, Dominique. You need to sit down and tell these people, "Look, home. Someone got a key to my house. That he got a key to my house." I don't think that you would have went to sleep after her, baby. I don't believe something like that. But if you was sleeping, somebody came to your house and you don't know other people got extra keys to your house. This investigator should have been a little wilder than this here. This information should have came out Saturday night. You need to relate this yourself. Everybody that you meet, them people out there that you was dealing with, you know nothing about these people. You know nothing about their background. You know nothing about what we do. Detective Todd. Detective Todd. >> Yeah. Um cuz Uncle Jay Cuz I told Uncle Jay. >> You want to leave her? >> No, I'm I'm tell. >> She just gave me some information. Okay. I I want this him. For years, Dominique said she was asleep on the couch while her daughter was in the next room. She said she had nothing to do with what happened. But as detectives went back through the details, that story started raising more questions than answers. So, what really happened to her daughter? >> Okay, I I want this to be hammered, right? She just gave me information. His two other people got keys to her house. Y'all didn't know this, did you? >> Uh, we have some information. >> You let up yourself asleep. the paper dead. When you got people with keys, y these people didn't know this information. >> They said they they said they do. >> We're we're doing a we're we're doing an investigation. So, what information I know? I'm like just going to throw out there. >> Okay. You know, I'm just telling her I want to make sure that she told y'all >> everything that she keep telling y'all that is don't leave out the least little bit of information that the use I got to go over here this afternoon. Look at this little small baby here. get released from the hospital. Go penetrate with the money to bury. My sister, I just went to the hospital and they just told me they gave my sister a 20% chance of living through the weekend. Do y'all don't know how I feel? And then this baby sitting here is gone. >> I haven't found anything in any of our reports that state that she has given us information that anyone else has. >> No, she's going to give you >> Charles has a key in my house. My next door neighbor, he has a set of key in my house and so does John. >> But Charles wasn't home during this time. >> Yes, he was. Charles was sitting outside when I he >> Yeah, he told me he was sitting outside. >> Him, Maryanne, and Twin came in the house when I found Pinky. But were they home an hour before? >> Yeah. Charles got to work at 5:00. >> Or did you go to their house and get a cup of milk? >> She wants to get a lawyer and she go order it. >> Okay. Oh, I didn't know that part. >> Okay. So, what what would we do now? >> Nothing. You guys are free to go. If you have anything that you felt would be I could show you guys that way. >> What do you see? Look closely at Dominique's story. What do you think really happened that night? Was her version of events the whole truth? Or was there something she wasn't telling detectives? Drop your theory in the comments. And if you want more real interrogation breakdowns, hidden details, and psychological analysis, like the video and subscribe to Verdict Interrogation for