She's been eating feces and breeding it in >> she could in that room. She was laying in maggots, flies, roaches, and feces. That's what she was sleeping in. >> Cops have a tough job where they constantly encounter situations that they are surprised by. But what happens when they walk in on a scene and discover something so truly horrifying that it sends shivers down the spines of even the most experienced of them? >> Hit my face. >> Hit your face. Yeah, he just and I just cut my face. He >> has blood on his chest. His eye is all scratched. I'm the parent. I thought he was taking a nap. I went to go check on him. Door was open. He ran over here. >> Here are times when cops make the most horrifying discoveries of their lives. Starting off with a shocking case where officers found out about a teen who they had released earlier, went ahead and fatally harmed his parents. >> She thinks that I'm like psychotic. like literally psychopath, sociopath, something like that. I I don't know exactly where she's at. She thinks I'm going to kill her. He attacked me, my dad. And when he did, he tried to come in with a knife and then it was in Oklahoma and so was that. >> I shot him when he tried. On November the 14th, 2023, deputies from the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office arrived at the residence of 16-year-old Colin Griffith after he had been accused of domestic violence and threatening to harm his mother the previous day. Given the sensitive and volatile nature of the case, the officers began this interaction with Colin cautiously while hoping that he would be on his best behavior. >> Hello. >> Hello. >> Hey, how you guys doing? >> Good. Is Colin? >> Yeah, you guys can come on in. He's doing standing marches. He's not a happy camper right now. Colin, right? >> Yes, sir. >> So, what's going on, man? Last night, me and to a physical altercation. I got arrested for domestic battery, but went in front of a judge today. I have right to public defender and see how that goes. >> Okay. So, what's how is the situation with you and right now? Are things calmed down? Are you guys able to get along? What's where are we at? >> No, sir. It's it's not good. Um, she thinks that I don't. She thinks that I'm like psychotic. like literally a psychopath, sociopath, something like that. I I don't know exactly where she's at. She thinks I'm going to kill her and I want to kill her or that I want to be of her. >> Do you? >> No, sir. >> Okay. >> I don't want to hurt anyone, let alone my mom even despite this happening. But I'm not going to take what I consider abuse when someone's attacking me. And >> how is she attacking you? What what kind of when she attacked me? When when she threw a punch at me, grabbed onto me. I grabbed onto her back and got her off of me. She hit the ground and then I fled and called Rentus. And then he sent someone out. >> You called who? >> Rent. Detective Rent. >> Okay. So, basically why we came back is when when you were when the jail was releasing you to your this morning, was there anything said then? >> Yeah. I said that I didn't really feel safe there with myself and with her >> and that I didn't know what was going to happen. I still don't know what's going to happen >> as far as what? >> Her attacking me or her doing something to herself or me. Okay. What about you doing something to her? Can Can you Are you able to control yourself? >> I'm in a constant state of fight or flight and I don't know. I'm If if I think she's going to do something, even if she's not, I might act. I'm not going to like go crazy or anything, but I'm I'm not sure honestly. >> Okay. >> You're not sure if you're going to hurt. >> Only if she tries to hurt me. >> Okay. Did you make any statement saying that you were gonna kill >> your mom if you got in a car with her? >> I'm trying to figure out why we would have a corporal at the jail that took you out that that >> dropped you off to your mom and telling us that you said don't put me in a car with her. I'm going to kill her. >> Yeah. Um, >> was that said? >> I did not say I was going to kill her. I did not say kill. I I don't know why he sent me back here. I asked him not to, but he said he didn't like my attitude and that I had to work. As they questioned him, Colin opened up about the intensity of his struggles at home, detailing a troubling pattern. But his next revelations would shock the officers to their core. >> Well, we're just trying to figure out. We just want to make sure it's we do everything we can to prevent anything happening. >> Sir, given the situation, I I don't think that we should be in the same house at all. I don't think it's okay. I mean, we're going to court anyways with one. God knows what's going to happen then. >> How do you get to court? >> By car. brother. >> You drive? How old are you? >> Uh, yeah, but I have to have an adult in the car with me. >> You got learners permit? >> Yeah. >> She's been trying to lure a Confession out of me all day. It's been Well, it's not. Sorry, not all day. >> So, what does this all start over? Is Has this been ongoing forever or has this all of a sudden happened last night? >> For a long time. Um, so I came to live with her after my dad. And since then, there's just been kind of times when things boil over with her and she acts out. One time she pulled a gun on me. I called the cops. I guess I just didn't I wasn't believed. >> Well, what got her to the point that she she's doing these things? >> I don't know. >> You have no idea. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, she pulls a gun or hit you. It's It's cuz that I um I'm driving her crazy somehow with the way that I act and I don't know how I'm acting badly. Um >> she talks about school a lot. My grades are fine. They got a 3.7 GPA. Um >> Okay. I mean, obviously you're not, you know, you're you're you're smart enough kid. I get that or whatever, but but I mean obviously it takes two to to create this type of environment in this situation, right? And I've heard nothing. you you haven't said a word about what's going on, what you're doing or what is going on to provoke this or where it's coming from other than out of the blue your flies off the handle and does this stuff. I'm struggling with that a little bit. >> She claims that cuz I don't like help around the house. Um don't seem to follow rules. Uh a big thing for her is that I don't make a schedule. Uh like I don't schedule my day. Um she has ADHD and a lot of other stuff. Um, she was really abused by my dad from what I know. And that kind of just made it to where she has these very specific things that set her off. These triggers, um, they're strange. It's hard to understand them. I I still don't. So, that kind of just sets her off. And I'm worried that she's at her breaking point. I mean, with everything that's happened, how could she not be >> So, how how long ago was your dad passed? I'm sorry to hear that, by the way. >> 7 months. >> 7 months. Okay. >> Attacked me. my dad and when he did he tried to come in with a knife and then it was in Oklahoma and he so >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> How was that? >> I shot him when he tried to kill me. >> Did you already have a gun in your hand? >> Uh I was fleeing and the house was filled with guns. 23 to be exact. And >> um you know who they were? >> I didn't seek one out. I was just trying to run but I was cornered and I had nothing else. There was a gun. Colin's emotionless description about this entire situation painted a much darker picture of the home environment, forcing the officers to realize just how dangerous and unstable the situation really was. >> He's also a bit of a case, but um other stuff. >> So, is that why no problem with that? No, I'm saying is that what you think pouring gun out on you or what? >> I don't know. I think she's she know about that incident. >> She does. And she thinks that um as a result of that incident beforehand that I'm like murderous or sociopathic. She said a lot. So lack of I don't know the clinical definition, but basically she thinks that I'm an emotionless, narcissistic, murderous person. Are you seeing anybody about that situation and try and work through that or what? >> Online therapy rather than >> online therapy. >> Yeah. >> Okay. How's that working? >> It's going I guess but probably going to miss this session and next session because everything's going on. >> Okay. >> How are you, sir? >> Okay. Um, so right now I mean >> comfortable. >> Yeah, that's right. All right. >> This is the second time today. >> Okay. >> I'll still make my court appearance, girl. >> Um, should. If not, they'll definitely know. You know, make sure they know >> where you are. Is this an arrest or a baker? [Music] This is bigger. >> You ain't got anything on you. >> You got something in your pocket there. I don't know what that is. My wallet. >> Hey, hold just Well, you got it. Hold on one sec. Go ahead. >> Nothing in your wallet. Shouldn't be there. I think so. >> I'm guessing you just came out of jail with that. >> Yeah. Basically, just so you're aware, I don't know what and she's got going or whatever, but some of the statements that we were told by some of the jail staff when you were here or whatever is going to want as a baker, you know, baker acting, you make sure everybody's safe. Make sure you're not a harm to yourself or others. Just so you know what's going on. >> I think it's better that I that don't be in my house anymore. So, if you agree with that. >> Yeah. No, I mean, I think >> I think this is probably the best best result. >> Would you agree? >> Yeah. Um, I just want Are you reporting? >> Mhm. >> Um, I still haven't spoken with my attorney, so I need to make sure that happens before my court date. >> Right. When you get there or whatever, I'm sure you have access to phone. Do you know who your attorney is? Do you have that information? >> I don't think I've been appointed yet. >> Okay. >> And I have a court date once, so I should, but I I have a right to speak with him, so I need to speak >> immediately. I mean, you're not being arrested right now. So, >> I know, but I I am having a criminal case brought against me, so I have to speak. >> Right. When you get down there, you'll have access to a phone. You'll be able to make some phone calls and and make that happen. >> Can I know what's going on? >> Yeah, we'll be we'll explain things to you here in a quick second. >> Was fearful and he said if you put me in the car, this is what he tells the jail staff. He puts me in the car, I'm going to kill her. You send me back to that house, I'll probably kill her. Now, they forward that information to me. So, I call the jail staff to confirm that. I speak with Corporal Platt who said, "Yeah, that's what he did say." He's like, "However, I just reached out with my watch commander and they're like, you know, just go ahead and, you know, responsibility." >> The female officer recognized that Colin posed a real risk and did her best to persuade her superiors and Colin's mother that he needed to be separated for everyone's safety. Unfortunately, her warnings went unheeded. >> Well, now she's not. and out but now but this is that she's she's a problem because mom according to she's she's a huge enabler is telling me that she said no I'm concerned for his actions and she's like I'm recording everything I said what are you recording what's the recording when he coach you what what is that doing cuz I'm confused here you know but no he's told he this I don't have charges to get her on jail he told Corporal Platt if you put me in that car I will kill her I'm afraid I'm going to hurt her so He's meeting all the criteria, you know what I mean? And they called her to pick him up. So, I can't even I kind of I mean, for right now, that's all that's all I have. And I can't I don't even have her on board. She's saying, "Oh, no. You can't take him here." I said, "Ma'am, it's not really up for debate. I'm not asking I'm not asking you for permission." >> Yeah. I'm not asking you. I said, "But if you turn around, if this kid's being walked out and saying, I I'm afraid to be in the house with her. I'm afraid that I will hurt her. I'm afraid I will kill her. Do you meet criter criteria to hurt yourself or someone else? He's got to go." Yeah, >> no doubt. No, Dave, I was living when she called me with that. But um uh yeah, so he's she she gave me She wasn't horrible, but she gave me a hard time inside. She goes, "If you do this, you're making the situation worse." I said, "No, ma'am. I'm doing my job. I'm not here to make a situation worse, but releasing him to you when he wants to hurt you and you were fearful last night, but now you're telling me 4 hours later you're not." No, I'm sorry. >> Come and tell me handcuffs, man. So Ellis is transporting. They're leaving now. They're headed for the baker act. And um Okay. >> Did you tell them at the jail that you were going to kill me? >> Did you say you were going to hurt me? >> I was worried about >> Okay. >> I heard you say you were worried what was going to happen. Ma'am, yes, they have to go. I understand, but they have to go. >> Yes, he did. To a jail staff, they have to go. >> Okay, that's not I I don't know how others treat it, but I'm telling you how we treat him. >> Okay. And I don't want you It's not that I don't want you to not talk to your son, but I don't need to treat you. >> And he didn't. He may have not told you, >> but he told the employee of the jail what he was going to do. And and I completely understand with what you're saying that he may use that as a tool, >> but we don't use Baker X as a tool. It's a criteria. We have to do our job. And so when he gets there, if he tells them he's not homicidal, >> I don't care what he tells them. He told the jail staff he wants to kill his mom, he's not staying. And he has a bad dad. I just >> I don't ma'am, I've never This is the first time I've met your son. I don't even know your history. I don't know the history of your dad. I know a little bit. Were you able to speak to Rent? >> Yes. >> Okay. And what did he say? >> That's exactly where he was going. >> He said Baker all day long. I talked to Rentus and his boss just called me as well. That's why I walked away second time cuz we want what's right for him, but we also want an obligation to protect you and protect him. We have to protect both >> because even though he didn't threaten to harm himself, he threatened to harm his either way that >> I know. And with all due respect, you can't have them here last night where you were fearful and then four hours later you're recording because that's going to recording's not helping you when he chokes you out and what's the recording going to do? What's the recording stop bringing you back? You'll still be dead. You know, I I'm not I'm not trying to make it sound like it's an easy task, ma'am, because I'm sure it's it's a tough thing to do. But I struggle with a kid that's being released from jail and saying if you bring me back there, she's going to die. >> Colin was Baker acted that day and held for 3 days, the maximum allowed without a court order. His mother was afraid he'd retaliate after release, leaving officers in a difficult situation with no clear solution. Sadly, their fears were realized in one of the most horrifying tragedies they would ever encounter. think following up with you will give you more reassurance. >> I I >> because the not knowing >> I don't care anymore. I don't >> The not knowing is what's really going to hurt you. >> No. No. I hope it won't just giving up on yourself and everything all together. I am and that's okay. >> Yeah, but I can't I can't have this in Colin's conscious that something happens to you that he's a reason why something happened. Real >> Yeah. You know what? I hope I hope to God I get hit by a car. I hope to God if somebody does something and that kid actually has to worry about someone else beside themselves. That would only be my luck. But that's not what's going to happen. Instead, I'm just going to walk away from him because I can't keep doing this. He's going to kill me. You didn't see him yesterday. You didn't try to talk to him today like I did. As soon as he was gone to Charlotte Behavioral Health, that was it. It was over done. He became that kid again who was beating the last night. And he's never going to change. It doesn't matter how hard I try. It doesn't matter what I do. It's not ever going to be good enough. Yeah, I would like to say otherwise, but I know that that it's not going to change your mind or anything like that. Not >> and now you left me in a spot that now I I would like to follow up with you because I am worried about you in the long run. >> Well, I don't want to be followed up with and I don't have to open my door. If you guys show up, you want to have a warrant and didn't tell me whatever. >> But we've worked too hard on our relationship to go that route. >> Yeah, we worked so hard. And where is my kid now? >> He's in a safe place is where he's at. And you're in a safe place for me. That's a win right now until we can buy some time to find the right placement for him so that he's okay and you can function like a normal human again. >> Colin Griffith was eventually charged with first-degree homicide and kidnapping during an altercation. Up next is a complex case where officers had a tough time after they discovered and rescued a little one from his abusive father. [ __ ] damn it. Why can't you ever just do what you're told? You stupid. >> You upset? >> Cuz my dad hurt me. >> Okay. Where did Where did he hit you? >> He pushed me away. >> They're from your dad. >> And that's the breath came out of my nose. >> And I don't know how I'm supposed to be able to help him when I can't even help myself. Officers responded to allegations of severe abuse at a residence where a six-year-old child, Aragorn, reported physical and verbal aggression by his father, Athena. The officers reached the location and were immediately thrust into a tense situation. >> Yeah, we just had a report that's regarding um that the child made reported to school staff that the dad was angry a lot and need to he wanted to live with his mom. reported that multiple incidents of death pushing him to the ground. Um reported that he got scared um at night and his dad ended up pushing him to the ground again. They have been I guess gave them groceries cuz the dad has been having a hard time and then dad got mad at him again. He didn't have any marks or bruisings according to the school but um he reported that dad hits him in the face and he made a fist. He reported that dad has kicked him. He was asked about if he understood his private area and he said yes and that's where his dad had hit him kicked him. Um calls him names. Dad has choked him before. He said calls him stupid. Get out of my house. Calls me um [ __ ] Calls me f- word. Gives me the middle finger. >> And it was reported by a teacher. >> Yeah, but it's anonymous. But it's reported to school staff, it says. So, >> so the kids reported it to the school yesterday, >> but then they just sent you guys like a >> like an email of it or like >> it's a it's a they made a report. >> So, they didn't contact law enforcement? >> No. >> So, then they just let the kid go home with his dad. >> Yeah. >> After saying all that. >> Yeah. >> Um and there's no record of mom at all? >> No, it doesn't say anything. It just gives the dad's father. >> Okay. >> As a reference, but that's it. Hopefully he's here with the kid. Um I did find a grandpa in um on the kid's power school so I can give you that information if you need it. >> Damn it. >> Why can't you ever just do what you're told? You stupid. >> Officer Fernandez with Farmington Police Department. >> Hi. >> Hello. How are you? Can we talk to you outside? >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Okay. So, we can hear that you're pretty upset. Okay. Um, so we're just going to talk to you about some stuff that's going on, okay, with your son? >> Yeah, absolutely. >> How do you say your name? >> Uh, I go by Athena. >> Athena. >> Okay. How do you say his name? >> Aragorn. >> Aragorn. Okay. Where is he at inside the house cuz I need >> this room. I just put him in this room for a timeout cuz I'm trying to walk away. >> Okay. Do I have your permission to go make sure that he's okay real quick? >> Absolutely. >> As the officers went in to check on the kid, they uncovered a much more serious problem. Hi. How are you? You okay? Mhm. >> Yeah. You need a hug? Okay. You upset >> because my dad hurt me. >> Okay. Where did Where did he put you? >> He pushed me in front and that's what he did >> just now. Okay. Can I see like your hands and stuff to make sure you don't have any boo boos or nothing? >> Okay. You want to pull up your sleeve for me so I can see your arms? You look a little bit red on your arms right here. What happened? See that right there? What happened? You know, >> dad just pushed me. >> He pushed me. What about these ones? Was that from the same thing? >> Okay. You got some red stuff. Did you Did Where did you hit? Was it your back or was it up here? >> It was up here. >> It was up here. All right. And that's where you hit what did it hit your face at all? Okay. What side? This one. >> That side. All right. How old are you, Airborne? You're six. Can I Hey, let me see the back of Can I see the back of your neck real quick? >> You can play with your toys. I just want to look at the back of your neck. Okay. >> My dad This is really easy. >> You got any boo you got any boo boos on your legs? >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. That one? >> Yep. >> Okay. >> I was shooting the other one. >> What happened with those? Do you remember what happened to your knees? >> Yeah. >> What happened? >> Look at this. >> Oh my goodness. What happened? >> Michael pushed me. >> Who's Michael? >> Michael's just like my brother. >> Your brother? >> Yeah. >> Does anybody >> He really scratched me right there very hard. >> Okay. >> Yeah. That's why I start crying. >> Okay. Well, >> I a long time. >> How old is Michael? >> Uh, eight. >> He's eight. And he's your he's your brother? >> Yeah. Who else lives here with you? >> Um, my dad. >> Just your dad. Nobody else? >> Yeah, but grandpa and Michael just Michael just come and grandpa and >> do you feel safe with grandpa? >> Yeah. And mom. >> Grandpa and mom. >> I scared of storm cuz I every time I get scared of storm, I just hide in my blanket. >> Okay. All right. I think they my room. >> Your room isn't that dirty, though. >> The child's visible distress and injuries clearly raised concerns. As a result of that, the officers returned to question Athena, the caretaker, who had just the perfect excuse to help him get out from under the radar. >> The only kind of hitting that's happened before is he's been spanked. As far as any kicking and stuff like that, um I have some aggression at times where I'll break personal items, but um never anything that goes on to him. I do yell um you know, the single parent. There's times where in the mornings um he just doesn't he doesn't want to listen to me and so he throws tantrums and I'm trying to get him ready for school and I can't get to work on time and I can't do the things I need to do to provide for him and so it perpetuates and that anger just builds up and I don't know what to do because I don't have a support system and I'm transitioning and I don't have a support system for that and I just I don't know what I'm supposed to do when I get frustrated cuz it's like just now I was trying to walk away and he keeps grabbing me and pulling me away and trying to like hit me and stuff and so I keep trying to push him away and finally I just pushed him away a little harder and he fell and I don't you know I don't know what to do in those situations like I don't want to hurt him I don't want to touch him but if he's grabbing onto me when I'm trying to walk away and I'm frustrated what am I supposed to do and I've got him in counseling with I've got in family counseling we're going to Judy Beck and there's been times where we've talked about things and we've been trying to work through it. So, I'm trying to go through the motions to get to a point where it's not bad for him at home, but I you know, I don't I'm just lost. I don't you know, I don't know what resources there even is for single parents to, you know, >> where is his mom? >> She's in South Carolina. >> Does he have any contact with her? >> She's supposed to video chat with them once a week, but it's more like once every two weeks if we're lucky. And I've talked to her about trying to be more involved and trying to contact him more often. And she says that she will be, but she doesn't. And she left suddenly. She just left during CO. She said that she was going to go live with her mom. We had 50/50 custody and he was doing great during that time. He was thriving. >> Um when she left, it was put all on me. >> So what we're going to do is just kind of, you know, um I'm going to go and talk to him as well. And then we can also offer resources to you to kind of support. We have family support services that can also come in through the home and help you out. I know they do. It's through Desert View. Have you gone through them? >> I haven't gone through Desert View before. Um when I first was 50/50 custody with um his mom, he was in it was a special um needs program and stuff and they came and visited with us before, you know, and he was thriving during that time. I was doing okay because I had someone else who could help, you know, help me on that. And so I was doing a lot better. There wasn't any yelling ever or anything like that. >> Um I forgot uh Round Treat. That's what they're called. >> Okay. >> Round Treat. Yeah. So I was with them for a long time. Okay. >> And then um when he got older they said that they could continue service with him, but they didn't see need to at that time. >> Okay. Does he have any developmental disabilities? >> No. I don't know. I mean, um, his, uh, school counselor is, um, said maybe to see if he's high functioning autistic, but there's no huge signs of that. >> Okay. How do you discipline? >> Generally, I usually try to put him in a timeout. Lately, he's just been disobedient and stuff like that. So, I usually just get frustrated. I'll take away toys and TV and stuff, but >> again, he just tries to escalate the situation. He'll call me names. He'll try to hit me. I'll tell him that's not appreciated. I'll put him in timeout and then eventually he just escalates to a point where I don't really do it too often, but sometimes I'll spank him and it's not harder than, you know, it's enough to maybe make him go like this, but it's about like that. >> Okay. >> And it's and he's usually I wouldn't say fine after that, but he's he's frustrated and then he tells me I'm mean and then usually I can walk away at that point, but otherwise he'll just scream and cry for hours. Athena admitted feeling overwhelmed and needing support, but even a blind person could see that he was just playing the victim card with no true sign of guilt. >> They're from your dad. >> And that's the blood came out of my nose. >> What was that? >> That's the blood came out of my nose. >> Blood came out my nose and it went there. >> Dad. >> Okay. >> And there's some in my bathroom. >> I can hear. Let's just talk quiet. Okay. >> Where's my dad? He's downstairs talking to somebody else. Okay. Okay. >> So, we just got to make sure that you're okay. This is Eric Gorn and he's 6 years old. The bruises on his face, he's got one right here on his right side that kind of looks like a line. >> Okay. >> It's It kind of looks new to me. On the other side is a little bit bigger. It's like right next to his mouth. Kind of the size of the quarter. >> So, I don't know if there's any internal things going on. We are going to put him on a 48 hour hold and >> Okay. >> I'm going to try to transfer transport the dad to detective. So, >> okay. Where is >> dad is downstairs, but dad goes by Athena. >> Oh, that was the purple. >> Yes. >> Sorry for that. Wait, Athena. Um, so there is some bruising and stuff on Aragorn. Okay. >> Cheek. >> Yeah. So, there's there's a few and there's some scratches and some redness on him. So, we are going to we have no choice but to put a 48 hour hold on him because he has bruising and stuff like that. >> So, what does that mean? >> So, what that means is he's going to be transported by medics to the hospital and he's going to get evaluated for the injuries that he does have. He is making some statements about how he got those things. Okay. So, that's something law enforcement has to investigate. And with that being said, we can't have you in contact with him until everything's done being investigated. Okay. >> With that, his counselor, she going to be allowed to be involved in and such cuz she >> school counselor >> or his medical counselor. >> His medical counselor >> Judy Beck. >> Judy Beck. >> And she's my personal counselor as well. Okay. >> She's been working with us. >> Okay. So my biggest question right now is are you willing to go with us to the detectives to talk about what's going on just because it's a more formal sit down place or are you >> am I going to be appointed an attorney? >> If if you want an attorney that's 100% you're right and you can have one. So the what happened >> this morning he had woken up and it was a pretty normal morning and um I went to go get him dressed and I asked him to turn off the TV and it was time to get ready to go and he said no. I waited a few minutes. I asked him again. He said no and this time I turned off the TV and I could tell he was frustrated so I walked away. I let him be upset and then I came back. I was like all right let's get dressed. He told me no. And I said, "Okay, well then I'm going to be the one that gets you dressed then cuz I need you to go to school." >> Yeah. >> And he said, "No." And then he started fighting and all this. So I sat down on the chair and I was trying to take off his shirt and he was flinging himself around and he swung himself in the chair and he hit himself on the cheek and then he started crying and screaming. And then I didn't know what to do to get him to calm down cuz he didn't I tried to hug him. He didn't want that say I'm sorry. He didn't want that. And then I tried to walk away and that was pretty much it. He just kept escalating and I just said, "Okay, fine. You know what? We just won't go to school today and I I've been jobless. So, I've been trying to put job applications out." So, I was frustrated because I can't go and do that cuz I'm worried about taking care of them. And so, we've just been hanging out all day. We played with Legos. We had a Nerf war. I took a break. I was just on the computer just doing some job stuff. and came into my room and he had asked me for a snack. I said, "Sure, give me just a second." And then he started calling me names and stuff. I was like, "You're not going to have a snack if you're going to be mean to me. You know, you're just going to end up in timeout." He just kept being rude and I said, "Please stop." And he said, "No." So, I was like, "All right, fine. You're going to go to your room." And so, I went to go pick him up and then he dropped his body to the floor and was dragging his body against the floor when I still had his arm in my hand. So, I let go and then he got all upset. So, I tried to pick him up by the body and then place him in his room. And that's when he kept pulling on me and kept pulling on me. And I was like I I even said him I was like, "Let me walk away." >> You know, and I I told him I was frustrated. I was like, "Let me walk away, please." And he just wouldn't. And finally, I just I pushed him onto his bed and then I was able to get out the door and I just shut it behind me. >> Okay. >> Officers explained the search warrant process while finalizing Athena's statements and planning their next steps to protect the child. As they weighed their options, the case's complexity became clear. >> Um, so he was swinging on you. >> Yeah. So I had him sat up on my lap like this and I was pulling his shirt up so his face was facing this way and he was swinging around and then he veren towards like this trying to get my hands off of him and I let go and he just went like that and he turns himself and he slams his head but he hit himself right on here. >> Okay, that's pretty >> pretty hard. And so I didn't know what he was upset about at first. I was like, "Why are you so upset?" And he's like, "You hurt me." I was like, "I didn't hurt you. You hit the pillow." And then he's like, "No, you hit me right here." >> Okay. Is that where these peas came from? Was that just like an ice pack or something? >> That was an ice pack. Yes. Afterwards, I saw it was red. So I asked him, I was like, "Do you want to put something on your face to make it feel better?" >> Mhm. >> And he said yes. And I was like, "It should make it go away eventually." >> When we first walked up to the door, there's some pretty choice words that were used. And I mean, I get it. Um, I have kids. I get frustrated. I I say [ __ ] I say I say that kind of stuff. It It sounded pretty aggressive though. Everything piling the way the way it sounds. >> Been able to go to counseling. I mean, >> and I don't want to because this sounds like bad, right? But my job had asked me to violate the law. And so I told him I quit. And now I don't have any way to take care of myself or him. I can't go to counseling anymore. I can't like I have nothing that I can do to take care of myself and I don't know how I'm supposed to be able to help him when I can't even help myself >> and so I try really hard to just walk away from situations and stuff. >> We're wondering if we could um have grandpa he can my dad's phone number. >> Hey kiddo. >> Bye kiddo. I love you. >> We'll see you in a bit. Okay. I'm sorry I was frustrated. You guys were arguing a little bit this morning about him not wanting to go to school. You said you were walking towards the garage. The the chair tripped you up and you just later broke it. >> I I broke it in the same I tripped on it and I was because I was so frustrated and then I tripped on it. I was mad cuz I it was in the way and I didn't see it. So then I got mad and I kicked it and it broke and then I just stomped on it afterwards to get it out of and break it the rest of the way. >> Okay. Was some kicking to the groin, some kicking to his body? >> No. um some slapping, maybe some hitting that was unnecessary. >> I've never kicked him or kicked him in the groin ever. >> I swear like I I've never done that to him. No, I mean he was he got hit in the groin at school and that's what I was saying earlier with like that bullet he had got hit in the groin by them and he said that other people at school has hit them there. Um, and I told him, you know, I was like, if somebody hits you there, you need to tell the teacher, but if you can't get away, you know, you can, you know, you can hit him back, you know, if you have to. >> Yeah. Do you feel sorry at all? Is that is that why >> like before you guys when when he hit the couch? Was that on purpose? And then you felt sorry and grabbed the peas, put them on his face, >> I did feel sorry and I did go grab him and I put them on his face. says like, "Okay, let's try to get that swelling down cuz I don't want you to be like having a hard time chewing >> or made fun of." >> So, in the past couple days, have there been times where you felt that you were so frustrated and that your spanking was overboard or your punishment was overboard? >> Today was the first time I've spanked him in in weeks. And I mean, usually my punishments are, you know, no TV or video games. And that's usually pretty soft cuz I feel bad. like I don't know what good punishments there are. So the worst that I do is is I get frustrated and yell and I always feel bad about that. >> But you don't feel like you've gone overboard recently or as of late. >> I've I've definitely like on the verbal side where I've been upset where I've just, you know, gone through and had kind of my own tantrum cuz I have CPTSD. >> Mhm. you know, so like it's just sometimes it's uncontrollable, you know, and I just get frustrated and I'll just walk back and forth down the halls and try to vent out. So I'll yell and he hears that, but it's never directly at him. I do yell though, so it's not like and he thinks it's about he thinks it's at him. It's like I'll say something like, "Why can't you just listen to me?" Or, you know, like, "I wish you would just do what I'm telling you to do. Um, you're making these, you know, like things like that." Or like, "God, I'm just so frustrated with you right now. I wish I could just take a break." So, and then help me clarify something because this is a picture that I had painted in my mind. I was about to kick down the door, right? I hear some some words and then I hear you stupid. But in my in my head, I'm seeing you very frustrated and then him potentially being injured or hurt. So, where was he when that when this was on going down? >> Like when I right before you got He was upstairs in his room. He was upstairs in his room and that's when I had walked straight to the door. I had been sitting here for a second and I looked at the time and I real I was like, "Dude, uh, it's 12:00 in the day, you know, I mean, now it is, but you know, it's 11 in the morning. I haven't done anything with my day." >> Mhm. >> And so I was frustrated about that cuz I was a reminder just how the whole day went. But I was sitting right here the whole time when you guys knocked on the door. I mean, I was 5 seconds away, you know, like I answered immediately. So I was down here, he was upstairs in his room. >> Okay. Do you think he might explain something differently? Um, as far as like the incidents today, >> I don't think so. I mean, it's hard to say what words he would use, but I'm pretty sure you would get almost the same general story. >> Okay. >> What they'd uncover next could change everything. >> So, Aragorn told me that you had thrown him up against the wall and that's how he got a scratch on his chest. >> I've never done that. I've never done anything like that. >> So, is there >> I'll walk through the whole story as many times as I have to, but I've never touched him in that aspect. >> Why would he feel the need to tell a police cuz usually police officers make kids feel safe, right? >> Right. No, I've picked him up like, you know, like how I usually pick him up is underneath by the arms and stuff like that. And I' and he was facing me, but I've never pushed him against the like thrown him against the wall or anything like that like it's some kind of like movie investigation or anything like that. So he said that um in his room that when I was up there earlier um he said that you gave him a nose bleed the other day and that the blood that there is blood on his bed is from you is what he said. >> He had a nose bleed in the middle of the night and it was on his bed and he woke me up and I didn't know what was going on at first cuz he said my nose hurt so I was like what's going on? He had already gotten up and wiped it, but he had had a dry nose and it was in the middle of the night. There's all kinds of stains on his bed from other things before, but I didn't give him a nose bleed. >> I got to be frank, right, as a cop, do you feel like um you don't want him in your life anymore? >> No. >> That it would help you through your transition, that it'll help you through your frustrations, get better without him, and then once you're better, you want him back? >> No. I want to have the the partnership that my ex-wife and I agreed on. I want to have like I want to be involved in every step of life, but I can't do it on my own. I need somebody who's like a parental figure to be able to take on that that role. >> So, you don't feel like a parental figure? >> Well, I mean, I do feel like a parental figure, but I need somebody else, like a partnership in some some way, like I don't have to have like a significant other, but like I've talked to his mother. I've asked her, I've begged her to move back. I was like, "Please, like I need your help to raise him. You know, he needs his mom." I've said that when we got divorced in court that I said that he needs both of his parents in his life. >> And when she left, she gave me the option to either not have him at all in my life or take him full-time. And it's like, what are you going to do in that situation? He's my son. Of course, I want to see him every day. Yeah. >> So, it's like I've I was pushed into either having him fulltime or not at all. >> Yeah. But as of late, do you feel like you don't want him right now? I >> like you want to not push him off to somebody, but you you need your own time, right? >> I just want somebody who's able to take him half the time. I want to be able to be a supportive parent and involved in his life, but I don't know if I have the ability to do that every day. You know, I'm I mean, you know, I have like like I said, there's all this stuff going on. I just, you know, I don't know what that is. Like I don't have other friends really who have kids. you know, it's not like if that was the case, you know, it's like maybe, you know, they could go hang out together for the day and, you know, I can do the same for them or something, but I just don't really have that option. So, it's just I do need a break of some kind, but I don't want like a long extended break away from him. I love them. I love I mean, I love playing Nerf Wars with him. I love playing Legos with him. Like, I love all of that. >> Mhm. >> Every part of it. and I'm happy to be in his life, but I don't know if I can be the only one in his life. >> In New Mexico, we're pretty proactive with keeping families together. Um, usually they want to see families stay together, but honesty goes a long way. Um, in order for us to help you, there's a bunch of services that we can provide you. If you work with CYFD, they can get you through parenting plans. They can get you services, maybe put him in some clubs or some youth clubs to help him and aid him, right? But you're going through a lot and it sucks. You got this ball of piled up inside of you. But I need honesty. >> I'm being as honest as I can. >> I need to know if if it went overboard and when because if he's saying that it went overboard and he's telling us and he's going to tell multiple people. He's telling his school that it went overboard. >> The only time I've been overboard is trying to get him dressed. I'm trying to pull his clothes off of him and it's yaking him, but I don't. That's it. That's the only time today where it was really overpour. >> Did it frustrate you so much right here that you pushed him into this chair? >> No, I lifted up off of his shirt and he slammed forward. So, if I did it wasn't intentional, but I don't think I was going like >> Is this the shirt right here? Or was >> No. Um, but I was trying to put on his shirt. So, I guess Yeah, you're right. No, I realize that now putting on his shirt, it probably pushed him down like that. So now you rather than taking off your his shirt, you're putting it on. >> Yes. I'm sorry. And >> it's okay. It's okay. We're We're going to We're willing to work with you. That's what we're here for. >> I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm nervous and I'm trying to We're coming with you. I really am. >> Like what? Show me. >> Probably pushing pushing down on his shirt. >> Did you do that intentionally? No, I was just trying to get it on his arms fast because usually what he does when I'm trying to get him dressed in moments where he has been frustrated with that is he'll start like pulling off his sleeve on his own if I can't get over his head. So, I tried to pull it over his head and just pulled it down as fast as I could. >> Were you Were you pissed off at that time? >> Yeah, I was upset. >> A detective is on his way here right now to come and talk to you and he's going to kind of let you know what's going on a little bit more. So, if you could for me just grab your phone, maybe like a jacket, and we can go talk outside real quick. >> After finalizing the safety plan and arranging temporary care for the child, officers reviewed the evidence and came to a conclusion, which did not look good for Athena. >> So, the thing is is I'm just going to have you stand up, okay? Can you stand up for me? So, right now, you're just being detained, right? Um, you're under arrest right now. Okay. So for child for right now, okay, because we believe that there's probable cause to believe that there is child abuse going on. So I'm going to be transporting you up to the jail. >> I thought I was allowed an attorney and that I'm a little confused here. >> You still are you're able to call an attorney. >> How can I do that if I'm being detained right now? >> You you it's a like I said, it's a process. One's appointed to you. That's how it works. if you can't afford it. >> My option was to go stand outside and get arrested outside >> or >> so I tried to give you an opportunity to get things that you wanted to get without us getting them for you. >> And so that's why I asked that. >> Okay. But I'm just confused how that led from one end to the other because >> So we basically already knew these things. >> Sorry. I've never been I've never been in this situation before. So can I finish talking please? >> Definitely. >> I've never been in this situation before which is why I was asking the questions that I was. Okay. >> I don't feel like that should mean that I get detained. >> Okay. So, we have enough probable cause to believe that child abuse is occurring and that has occurred over the past couple days, if not more than that. So, we have probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed. >> The option to go outside. >> Well, I was going to detain you in handcuffs anyway and arrest. >> Yes. >> Got it. Okay. So, that's what I was asking with that. So, that's perfectly fine. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't being lied to. No, I'm not I'm not >> I was giving given the option of the situation. No. >> So, um when do I get my one phone call? >> Yes. You'll get a lot at the jail. >> So, my name is Jamie Smith. I'm the investigation supervisor here at CFD. Um based off of the circumstances today, um we are needing to set up the safety plan for your kiddobbean. Um the biggest thing is is that we need to get your consent once we go through all of the stuff on the safety plan because we do have some concerns obviously. Um, the biggest thing is I'm under the impression that you're okay with sending him to stay with your dad. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> I'm detective and com with Farmington police. Quick question. >> She goes by Athena. >> Athena. >> Yes. >> Okay. Athena, where do you keep your keys? So after we're finished with the house, we can lock it. >> They're on my bed currently. >> Questions for me? >> No, not really. I'm sorry. There's like a thousand questions. However, are they relevant? You know, I'm nervously changing. Can I grab my medicine? I'm sorry. That's in this. Yes, we can definitely grab any medicine that you need. Um, I also do have another question regarding if there any is there anybody else that lives in the house? >> No. >> Okay. Just you and >> just me and my son. >> Okay. All right. Do you feel comfortable? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> If I'm going to jail, and this is really weird, but um >> because I'm transgender, I'm like afraid of going to male jail. I don't want to be assaulted. >> Is like do you know what what happens in that scenario? Cuz I really >> Yeah. So I I know so I don't have the exact answer, but if that is a concern of yours, that's totally understandable and I wouldn't want that to happen to you either. I don't want that to happen to anybody. Um to have that type of fear in general. Um unfortunately, it is a fear and so and I couldn't imagine having to have that type of fear. So I'm going to do my best to talk to them, but it's more of a them question. I don't want to just tell you yes or no, but I'm sure that they can put you alone rather than with a group of people at least. >> Athena was eventually taken into custody and charged with abuse and neglect. From a shocking incident to a heartbreaking one where the officers discovered a house of horrors and found some children living in deplorable conditions. >> What's that smell other than the poop? Did you spray something or she don't know? She she wiped her poop everywhere and she spit. She don't she don't know. >> Bless her heart. 10 years. This is the worst I've ever seen. That's where she was laying naked. That's feces, maggots, roaches. That's where your daughter was sleeping. >> On September the 28th, 2023, officers responded to reports of three children living in horrifying conditions. Upon entering the home, they were confronted with a shocking and distressing scene. >> Go ahead and open the door. He can't He can't get up. I hear her back here. >> Thank you. >> Hey, babe. Mr. Parson, is you on the couch? Okay, there you are. So, we got EMA out here. They're going to check on the kids. Um, we're also going to get some information, see if we can get APS >> as another form of assistance. Um, I don't know if EMA wants to come out or wants us to walk them out, but so EMA is going to evaluate them. We'll get all your information for APS. And then, well, I guess your wife, where's she at? >> She's right there. better clean. >> Hey, um EMA is here to evaluate them and then if y'all want to come out here too, we have two other officers that are going to talk and try to get APS. So, we need everybody's information for APS cuz they give resources for adult protective services such as like your husband's help. >> Come here, Brandy. >> I mean, we're making a huge impact on >> Yeah, we are. Imm Come here, Brandy. Michael's a sweet baby. Will that Michael be please? >> Okay. Well, if you'll come out here cuz EMA is going to need your kids names and Denver. >> Okay. >> Is that hers? These or hers lives here. >> I live with my mother-in-law. She stays with us cuz I had to take care of her. >> Okay. >> Cuz I I don't have to go back there. >> Yes, you are now. You've been here for two years. This person, what's your first name? >> E. >> I need my ID and stuff, baby. >> I I can write it down. >> Can I go wash my hands and stuff, please? >> You know, your kids day the burst and all that. >> Yeah. >> You have your ID? >> Yes. >> It's whatever y'all want to do. Whoever y'all are talking to or interviewing or whatever, >> I'm trying to hold this up here. >> Who are you charging? That's all I need. >> Who are y'all charging? That's why here to talk to everybody and interview. Now, the mom for sure because she's ablebodied. >> Okay. I wanted y'all to see it yourself, too. >> She's the mother-in-law >> and and able body. >> That's the mom. That's the dad. You see his >> get >> um and then there's one that's a felony neglect. And then um it could be cruelty to children >> for the other two. Um there's one for exploitation of a disabled. I don't know if it's disabled persons or adult. I'd have to look it up. >> The officers quickly secured medical care for the children. But what followed was going to reveal the true severity of the neglect, shocking even the most seasoned of officers. But her feet are have been like that. And that's something the doctors actually been looking at. >> She um wants her to have therapy >> and I have that to get that set up. >> I'm say you need to be checked out. That whole shelf right there is her medicine. >> Seizure medicine. >> Yeah, I seen she had a seizure. The fifth [Applause] spit. Sorry. >> That's bleach. Bleach are feces. I smell. >> No, there's poop on the store. >> Oh, no. I know. I smell that. There's another smell. >> I got rid of it. You see what I mean? I get some stuff >> clean. And they let her. >> It's just two >> like this. >> Which one? Which girl stays in there? >> Which one? Which? >> The only girl. The 10-year-old. Yeah, she was in here. >> You got a picture of her in there? >> No. When I walked in, they were um >> see you got body cam. >> No, cuz it was on the charger. And I as soon as I came in this morning, I was called a call. Call. Um now defax, I think Miss Jones took a picture of her. She was standing on the pile naked and I think Miss Jones snapped a picture real quick. >> What's that smell other than the poop? Did you spray something or >> for you? >> Cardiac and you have diabetes. Well, the two me and her always call me. >> Yeah, I had to look up the address to make sure we were going to the right place and I seen the um >> the call. I seen that she had just had a seizure. Well, I seen she was unresponsive. >> It was pretty scary. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. We had a 18-year-old that just moved out. >> Mhm. >> Oh, that was the eldest. >> Yeah. >> Okay. I thought so. I was like four. There used to be four of them. >> So, >> the eldest is the one that trash. Where's the the two boys sleep at? >> We have to wear >> Wear diapers, buddy. All right, cool. >> She's the only one. >> The only one in diapers. >> I know this is in the safe, but I'm going to put it up under there. >> I'm going put it here. >> I put it here. >> I'm going to put it up here. You're right. >> Another one >> kid. Just three. >> Yeah. Where's he at? >> He is in my mom's room. Just give me >> Oh, yeah. He's on. You He was in the bed. Do you mind if he walks right back here? >> They just have to look like they looked at him. Hey, baby. Hey, wake up. Hey, boo. >> They got to check you out. Okay. You're a hard sleeper. They got to check you out. [Music] >> He shakes. >> I don't know why. He might be autistic, too. >> Yeah. Yeah, they do that. He was like that earlier. He just shakes. See? >> Does he feel cold on his >> He shakes like that with his autism? Okay. You say he's soaking wet? >> Yeah, he pees. He pees in his in the bed. Like when he's sleeping, he'll pee >> cuz he wasn't wet when I brought him back here. So >> So it's okay, baby. >> He don't wear no diaper or nothing. >> He does, but he didn't put one on him. the I didn't put one on him this morning because he, >> you know, we had just gotten up and he had just gotten up, but then he went back to sleep. >> Suspicious person. >> I mean, he got this ain't helping. >> Yeah, I know. >> And his doctor? Yeah. I'm trying to get that room cleaned up is why I've got all those bags and stuff in there. I'm getting it done. >> That's why you keeping them at >> I have been. Yes. >> That ain't that smart. >> No, it's not. And I'm trying to get it clean. You know, you got >> about her cuz she's been eating feces and breathing it in. >> Don't kill a person. She don't know. >> The children, including one with autism, are clearly victims of extreme neglect. The evidence was obvious and the officers needed no convincing to act immediately. Um, we changed that around because um when Chloe was or when her sister was in here, she didn't want Chloe to come in there when Chloe was um not out of her room. Yeah, we did that. Yeah. Um we weren't trying to, you know, keep her locked in there. We just, you know, and we don't even lock that door now. She's just not in there now. >> That trash was wall. There was no space to walk in when I came the first time. >> She was in that tent naked girl. Girl, we had her in the tent. The police actually hit him. >> Come here, baby. Come this way. >> No, you're fine. You're okay. Oh, this was trash. And she was when I walked in, she was pulling her out of the tent naked to put her clothes on. >> Yeah, I said she don't know. She She wiped her poop everywhere and she spit. She don't She don't know. >> Bless her heart. >> But I do have to spin just in case. But that's why I'm worried about her. >> Walk that way, buddy. maybe getting body weight cuz she's been eating it and breathing this in. >> Last time she was right there in a pile of dog. >> So I took her to the hospital to dump out. >> That old lady's room is immaculate. How do you as an adult let other children live like that? You can at least try. >> She's being able. >> Yeah, her room is clean. That's what pissed me. The room with the little boy sleep. Her room is nice. >> I'm calling you pack. >> They say anything. She she is walking in the car now to get that order. So I can go ahead and take them to if y'all just stand by for her to at least say she's got it in her hand. >> She's going. >> Yeah. >> Take back to sit with her too. >> Unless you want Unless they can take her from the hospital and ride in with her to >> she going to jail. >> They can't. >> Yeah. Sorry. There's like four people talking. >> It's the same but she's walking in there now. We all going. >> I just I just called her. >> What she say? >> She said she's walking in to get the order now. Can you step outside? They're going to talk to you. She's 30. >> She's 31. >> 31. Okay. >> Yes. >> If you'll step outside with them. >> Hey. >> Hey, babe. Hold APS for them. All right. So, I'm going to get APS out here for her. I'm going to go ahead and tell you what's going on. The two ablebodied people are going to go to jail. The only reason you are not is a little sympathy. I feel that maybe you didn't realize how bad your daughter had gotten. Um I'm going to get APS out here to help you. I'm going to get APS out here to help her. But um let me tell you, 10 years, this is the worst I've ever seen. Okay, y'all need help, but somebody has to be responsible. Okay. >> The disabled father, visibly distraught, insisted on telling his side. A revelation they were not expecting. But I've always expected my mother-in-law and my daughter, >> and that's why I'm holding them accountable because your mother-in-law is right across the hall from her sleeping in feces. And I'm not talking about a little bit of feces that she smeared. This has been this is a whole long stretch of feces, maggots, roaches that she's laying in. Okay? I don't know how much longer she would have died. She's breathing all that in every day. So when DeFast gets out here, if they're cool with a family member, I'll get numbers from you. And if a family member is going to take them, great. That's even better for them. Um, we're not trying to be difficult. And then, um, we'll get APS out here to help you. They'll start sending hopefully nursing care, CNA, something like that out here. >> What about my wife? I mean, >> I'll get your number so she can call you and everything else. Um, >> I depend on her to take care of me. >> That's I'm calling APS today, but something's got to give. I mean, I >> that's I'm getting APS out here, but maybe she needs some help. But at the same time, you can't lock your child in that room with all that. When I went in there, that's where she was laying naked. That's feces, maggots, roaches. That's where your daughter was sleeping. So, that's the issue. >> I told her I told her. I mean, I spent almost $3,000 the last place we lived at. >> Mhm. >> Or something similar. and she promised me that it would never happen again. >> Well, that's why I said I'm not not trying to be difficult, but I'm a mandated reporter and I'm a mom and I got to get them somewhere safe and clean and healthy. Um cuz the last thing I want to do is leave and she in that room. >> Yeah, but it's got to be clean and take it or >> you say your brother can clean it? >> Well, I got brother-in-law and sister and they're going to lose it >> as long as they get it clean. That's That's going to be defects is only concern. >> How long is a I mean, how long could she be in jail for? >> Um, today is Wednesday, but they have a She should have a hearing Friday. She should have a blind hearing Friday. They have it Wednesday. Monday, Wednesday. >> Nobody leaves her from jail until she >> she has a bond a blind hearing. >> Mhm. >> But they can put her in jail right after the hearing. >> No. Somebody pays her bond SSI. SSDI. That's always survivable. That's it. I'm begging. Please don't take it. Just don't take it. Give them a warning. They're They're willing to They're going to clean it, >> man. There's no way I can give a warning for that. >> I got nobody else. I promise you. I got nobody to take care. >> I'm I'm calling APS out here to get you some help and start that up and and she may need help taking care of all of y'all. But >> she does, but she don't she doesn't deserve to go to jail with this. She's been trying and advocating and asking for help from family members. We've been screaming and asking for help from everybody. And the one person that was helping us, she took off. >> My daughter, she took off to go move in with her sister, >> which she had every right to. >> You Yeah. Cuz she's not responsible for y'all. Y'all are the parent. She can't raise y'all. >> Yeah. >> And that's why I'm getting APS involved. And then they'll send somebody out here to help you and help her back here. That's still a help. She's 10. >> She can't fend for herself. >> She's looking for y'all to take care of her. Just like you look for your wife to take care of you, somebody has to take care of her. And nobody is. And that's just being honest. She's left in that room to eat and sleep in it and be covered in roaches. So believe me, I'm pissed at mad. I just don't know what her This is devastating. >> Yeah, I understand. Well, this is the route we're going to take cuz somebody has to be accountable. There's two able-bodied women in this room. And before I I don't mean no before I take care of my husband. I'm going to take care of my child. So they're going to be held accountable. We're going to get APS out here to help you. DeFax will be out here and if they're cool with you calling your family so that the kids are somewhere familiar, I'm cool with that, too. >> The officers held the mother-in-law and her daughter responsible for the neglect, charging them with multiple firstdegree cruelty charges. The cops had a hard time processing the next case after they discovered a horrifying secret involving a daughter and her family. >> He lifted up my shirt. He grabbed my breast. He just smacked him for no reason. >> On my face. >> No, he's just spit right. >> On May the 30th, 2024, officers responded to a disturbing case involving a man accused of inappropriate behavior towards his daughter. >> I know, dude. Why, man? He lied to me straight to my He looked at me god right godamn face. >> Yeah. Get your idea. >> How what's going on with her? >> You said >> yes. Please. Just one unit. >> We all have co. >> Okay. Let me take a step back. >> That's first and foremost. >> Yeah. I don't need that. >> Um we all slept in this morning. Him and I woke up. I got up. I made myself some cereal. Came to the bed. He asked me if I had checked on her yet. I said no. She was still sleeping. >> He got up. He went to check on her. Went to feel if she had a fever. I guess >> next thing I know a little bit later he comes in. He says she's gone. >> And she's claiming all this stuff, right? >> Claiming that when he went to feel her stomach >> and I guess he touches her breast, >> but he was just trying to touch her stomach. But he was trying to touch her stomach to check her temperature and the window to her bedroom. >> I guess she crawled out of it here in the neighborhood from it that she really has. So we went over there. I drove him over there here in the van >> and then she took off running. >> She all right now. >> The officer was in for a shock when he began interviewing the victim and discovered the real story of what had happened. >> What's going on? Sarah, >> were you over there when whatever he did over there happened? >> What >> were you at the other address when he did whatever he did? >> No. No. >> Okay. All right. So, what's going on? >> I was scared. I got scared. So, so I left. >> Okay. So, what happened? >> I I I've been >> Mhm. >> So, I wasn't feeling good. I' I've been having a a >> Mhm. that this morning >> I had to sleep. I I had just woken up my eyes >> and he kind of like came in and I I was just like, "Okay, yeah." I wasn't putting bra under. >> Okay. >> He kind of put his like hand on my shoulder to kind like check. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> He kind of like like slowly like like within a minute like maybe a minute or two he was in there. Kind of like lifted up my shirt more and he like grabbed my breath. >> He he lifted up my shirt and he grabbed my breath. for me like a couple of seconds. >> All right, go five. >> Go ahead. >> Grab my breath and then took a picture of this like my top and then he kind of put my hoodie back over, put the boyfriend on top and told my mom that I didn't have a fever anymore. >> Okay. >> I just like >> you. >> I got I got up. I I got out of bed. I paid some shorts and I just I I left. I I went to my my my window in my bedroom. I don't know. >> All right. All right. Have a seat. All right. >> Were you in the room with him? >> I was not. The door was open, though. >> Okay. >> He was in there less than 2 minutes. Yeah. >> Less than 2 minutes. >> Yeah. >> I didn't even think it was that long. >> 26. Any touch? So, what about the phone thing? What is she talking about? >> I don't know. She says I took a picture of her, but I don't want to get you. If you got some mask, I'll put it on. But I don't I don't mask cuz it's been so long since we had to wear them. >> I know, >> you know. Uh but no, I last picture I took and I even that's that's the camera. And even show my trash, too. I haven't >> Yeah. >> All right. >> And what is she diagnosed with? Anything? >> We don't have insurance, so we haven't been able to get her. He went and he has co but >> no >> Oh. Oh, you mean about everything? >> Oh, no. She's >> We haven't had any choice to be able to get her. >> What do you think? But she has mental problems. You think >> it she definitely has depression at least. >> Okay. All right. Give me a minute. All right. >> Yeah. Give me a minute. The situation became slightly tense as the officers struggled to contain family members as they got involved in heated exchanges. >> You shouldn't have gotten into my house at all. >> Come on. What's going on, man? All right. Come on. What's going on? Come on. What's going on? >> It doesn't matter. You have no business. What? How? >> We're going to talk. We're going to talk. Ma'am. Ma'am. Ma'am. Ma'am, stop. Don't even bother. What? >> Listen. >> So, what happened? What's going on? Let's actually go behind the car. Come on. >> Come on. Come on. Come on. >> Yeah. Yeah. No, you won't. No, you won't. No, you won't. Ma'am, you're not you don't touch my son. >> Ma'am, you don't >> you respect That's my fault. >> My mom. >> Yeah. All right. So, what happened, dude? >> So, >> ma'am, >> I understand that, but you can't. >> I don't want I don't put no hands on nobody's kids. >> Ma'am, listen to me and walk over here. Okay. Everything's going to be handled. >> Okay. I want to push Let me hear Let me hear what happened. I don't give a listen to me. I don't care. I don't care. >> Stop for a minute. Stop. >> Stop and listen. >> Go. >> Like he like grabbed her >> and like he also took pictures of her naked and I was like yo that's like not okay. >> Mhm. >> And like she was like crying. She was like she like she was overwhelmed and now we're here. >> But what happened then >> after that? Like what's it called? He came to the house and he knocked looking at her. I told her that and I told him that um like do >> so like >> I I told him that she wasn't here so he didn't do nothing bad. >> I want him arrested. >> I I know but listen >> I want him arrested. >> I can't just arrest people without hearing him say what he's saying. Right. >> He put his hands on the mic. >> Listen again. Listen. Stop. >> Uh-huh. Go ahead. >> I'm trying to work with everybody but you need to stop. >> Okay. Go ahead. Finish. >> So then he came to the back porch after he she was trying to run. So then like what's it called? opened the back porch, walked to the front door in the house, and then opened the front door and then pushed her to the freaking sidewalk just like she pushed her. And then he came into the house and said, "If you ever lie to me again, you're" And he smacked me like in my face. >> Yeah. Yeah. Oh, that's great. That's really nice. That's really cute. >> Stop. >> I'm sorry. She is. I'm sorry. >> Stop. You need to stop. Okay. >> Okay. >> You got to give me a minute. I'm arrested. Can you stop and let me speak? >> I need to figure out that situation and then I'm going to figure out your situation. Okay. >> Okay. >> Everything's going to work out. All right. >> Mhm. >> All right. So, just take a minute and relax. >> Hardware. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I know. >> Burglary battery. >> So, I can do burglar battery therein. >> Yep. >> And then the other >> You want to press charge it? >> She want mom wants to. Yeah. Uh, this is what he's saying. He just touched her stomach. She lost her mind or whatever. He goes outside. She jumps out the window, runs her life, >> right? >> She's claiming that she was sleeping. He started to touch her stomach to see if she had a fever and then touched up here, >> but he said she touched up here, too. And she said that she's her clothes off and touched her. >> Yeah. >> How do you get her clothes off? >> That's the thing. Like, it doesn't make sense. The officers, still no closer to resolving the situation, returned to speak with the victim, who appeared unsettled by the chaos unfolding around her. >> Hey, he he smacked you in the mouth, right? You said >> right here. >> Like he smacked you in the face. >> One smack. >> And my ear was like you heard him say he'll do it again, right? >> Yeah. No. Well, that part isn't anything. I'm not worried about I'm worried about him actually hitting him. >> Last night was an oversized hoodie. >> An oversized hoodie. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Just an oversized hoodie. >> Yeah. >> You want to wear nothing else underneath that at all? >> Nothing. Okay. >> My front was kind of exposed. He took a picture. >> Your eyes were still closed. >> Yeah. >> So, how do you know that he took a picture of you? >> You saw the flash? Okay. Well, I got to ask. That's That's the only reason why I'm asking. It's not silly. That's why I'm asking. I didn't say that. I have to ask these questions, right? >> Has he done this before? >> Has he done it before? >> Are you clicking me off? >> What did he do last year? >> You're flicking me off. You come inside. >> Hey, just just go with it. >> I know. But I get it. >> I get it. But just stand over here and we'll handle it. Okay. If they're doing something, you give it to us and we'll handle it. You're not going to do that to me. I promise you. Fair. So, we're all on the same page. I mean, she's really shook it up. Like, she's >> something happened whether what she's saying is true or not, but something happened. I mean, she's she really believed it. She saw it from her eyes. While officers were still taking statements from everyone involved, the suspect suddenly erupted and instantly flipped the situation on its head, leaving the officers with no choice but to take action. Um, I don't know like what you guys are doing, but I know you guys are investigating her allegations, but I don't know if you guys understand how traumatic it is. That girl looks like she's about to have a >> We're doing both of them. >> Yeah. But you imagine if somebody was molesting you and then you have your right next to you. >> Listen, I'm not going to tell you how to come and do your job at Advent House. So, you know what I mean? It's the same thing if you come over here and try to tell me about her. >> But, but at the same time, ma'am, you need to understand that there as of right now, it's all allegations and we're trying to figure out the proof of such. Okay. >> So, that's why we're we're figuring out what's going on with your son while also figure out what's going on with her. >> So, I mean, he's not saying do you >> I understand what you're saying, but we're also dealing with >> Right. Now, everybody's a suspect, not >> everybody's a suspect. What do you mean? >> As far as over there. >> Oh, >> correct. So, it's over. Okay. >> Yeah. I'm just saying cuz I'm looking at her through the window through my car and she looks like she's on a hyperventilate like >> we understand and we we have all that in mind as well. That's why I mean we're we're working on it. So, >> I I'm just worried about her. >> I understand. We are too. You know, it's it's >> And I don't mean to come off rude. >> I understand. I know what you're saying. >> I'm trying to advocate for her. Like I was just sitting there thinking like if if I was I wouldn't want my near me. >> I understand but you what I think the general public doesn't see a lot at least when it comes to law enforcement is that we get allegations like this all the time. >> But I do hope he does get arrested because while we were here and the other guy was here, he did say numerous times that he would get my son and that he would smack him again. And I was like, "No, you're not. And I didn't touch my son like hello. >> When he did that, did he approach you guys? >> Uh, no. He was standing on where he is now. >> Hey, that was inappropriate. >> That was inappropriate. No, you didn't. >> Back up. Back up. Back up. Let him Let him >> He just smacked him for no reason. >> Spit on my face. >> No, he spit right here. I saw that. >> We have it all on video. Just take a step back. Take a step back. >> I saw that, though. up over. >> He's not cooperating, but we got to get him on his stomach somehow. Let's get his legs crossed. >> Okay, look. >> Listen, >> we're listening. What's up? >> Okay, I will roll over. >> Okay, I said it once. >> Let go of this arm. I will roll over. >> Let go. We'll hold on. >> You can stay on this. Okay, you can hold on to it. You have to move cuz I'm a little fat and I can't roll. >> Okay. >> Okay. We're rolling this way. We're not going to do it your way. >> Okay. So, whenever you're ready to end, >> you can put a cuff on this hand if you're right. Wait, you got to be on your way. >> As soon as you put me in your bag, >> I got to roll more because they're >> Yeah, I'm having a hard time hearing my man. They're >> at 11616. >> That's all. Hey, I got a wallet in this left pocket. >> Okay. right here. >> All right, we'll roll you this way. >> All right, >> I'm going to throw up. >> We're going to get you up in a second. >> I'm going to throw up just throw him on the side. Sit him up. >> I'm going to throw up. >> All right. Well, >> you might want to leave me here for a minute. >> All right, we got to set you up. I'd >> rather not. Okay, that'd be fine. >> All right, brother. >> Officers documented injuries and performed medical checks as the suspect complained of breathing difficulties, but it was only going to delay the inevitable. All right, Eric. Now you're going to jail for spending on the deputies. >> Connie, he's now evidence of resisting violence. Okay, that's three felonies. You didn't need >> Connie. He's just complaining of nausea and shortness of breath. >> Shut up. >> Whatever. I don't care. >> I know you don't care. >> I'm not going to spit. >> Well, you just did too. I was trying to spit because I couldn't breathe. >> Well, that's weird. >> I got co >> That's awesome. >> You guys do too. >> And they already knew that. >> He's not going to need that right now. >> He's not going to need that right now. >> No, he's got spit mask on. He's not spitting anymore with co. >> Just put it down for me. >> Put it down and then come over here. >> If you're complaining, you're breathing. You're fine. >> What? >> Is that you in the middle? I have no idea. What do you need? >> Good. Everybody that's dealing with him all the battery. >> Absolutely. That's fine. >> Is it easier for you to roll onto your side or you do like this? All right. That works out for me. I appreciate you. >> I ain't lifting that over you. I'm definitely not getting spit on by you. So, >> you're going to wear that >> little spit spit mask. >> Did you see exactly what happened >> when the whole tustling and wrestling was going on? Um, not enough to I saw it. Yes. But everything happened so fast. >> Okay. >> I know that he the detective came to get the phone and he had it I guess in his pocket. He wasn't going to give it to him and that was when he, you know, started resisting and getting the phone and everything. And then they were I don't even know who. I don't I don't know which guys. I can't even tell you. But they pulled him out and threw him onto the ground. They were struggling with him cuz he was resisting. I don't know. >> Are you willing to write that in a statement for us? >> No. >> Okay. >> We leaving? >> I think so. So, >> we rolling. >> Yep. That car right there. >> All right. So, take my things I need. >> That's it. Got >> that for me. back of the trunk shut. >> Yep. That's all I would ask. It doesn't have >> just sit like that right now. And then it's his car, so he's just going to do it real quick. Just relax for right now. >> Okay, that's fine. >> So, every time you get moved or transferred, you got to check your pockets. >> Nothing on you like that. >> All right. We'll call you when I get there. Get the water. >> Make sure you get the keys out of the van. I think you left them in them. Oh, can you do me a favor before you take my wallet? You can hear my wife and my cash. >> Yeah, the cash. >> The suspect was taken to jail and was charged with multiple offenses including burglary, abuse, loot acts, tampering with evidence, and battery on law enforcement. From one case of neglect to another troubling case where officers discovered a roughed up child and had to rescue him from his own parents. >> Did he grab your face or did he hit your face? >> Hit my face. >> I need you to be honest with me. What happened to your face? Travis, >> was he carrying you? Did he hit you? What happened for real? >> He hit me. >> No, you're under arrest. You're being mean charged with child abuse. >> Officers responded to a call on August the 20th, 2024 about a young child left unattended by a pool while the parents were engaged in a heated argument. The officers immediately began questioning the mother and her boyfriend Travis about the incident. >> Good morning. >> Hey, how you doing? >> Good. How are you? >> Do you have a little four-year-old kid? >> I do. I >> Okay, good. Uh, somebody's calling in that he was back here by the pool by himself. >> There's a big bay window. He I mean, he's right there. He knows how to swim. I can I mean, I can get him real quick. >> Can I just step in and talk to you guys real quick? They said you guys were arguing, too. Is everything okay? >> Yeah, we're okay. Can I get my boyfriend and ask him? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Give me a second. >> Hello. >> Hello. >> How's it going? >> All right. >> How you doing? >> Good. Uh, somebody called in and said you guys were arguing >> out back. Yeah. But we we're fine. >> Happy. >> Okay. And do you have like a little four-year-old or something? If we can find him, better kid was by himself in the back. They just want to check and make sure he's okay. >> Yeah. I mean, he's been opening the door, going out back and whatnot. I mean, he's fine. >> You guys weren't physical at all or anything like that? >> I copy the >> Okay. What's your first name? >> Travis. >> And have y'all married? >> No, we're um boyfriend, girlfriend. We got Airbnb here together. >> Yeah. If you want to get your driver's license and then I'll just need her information, too. Uh I do have to come in and just make sure the kids okay and her she's okay. >> Okay. >> And that'll be it. make sure there's nothing, you know, that like >> they were saying it sound like, you know, something was going on. So, I just want to make sure there's no domestic going on. >> All right. I do have to get a sworn statement in front of you. >> Okay. Um, so I'm going to swear you in. Raise your right hand. >> Okay. >> Is that okay? >> Yeah. >> Do you swear in front of the statement you're about to give true and correct? >> Yes. >> Okay. Uh, tell me what happened this morning. >> I woke up and he had blood on his face and the mark on his face. >> Mhm. And I asked him what happened and he said, "Travis did it." And immediately I went to the bedroom and I woke Travis up. I said, "Hey, can you wake up?" And he woke up. He looked at his face. I said, "Look at his face." And he said, "What happened?" He said, "I don't see anything." I said, and I was wiping the blood off at like, you know, he just had a bloody nose. It wasn't like there was like blood from an abrasion or anything. And I said, "Do you know what happened?" And he said, he was like, "No." And like at first, you know, he said no, like I don't know what happened. And I was like, well, he's saying that you did it. And I was like, I just need you to tell me explain like what happened. You know what I mean? Like I I didn't think that, you know, he would have actually done it. He was like, you really think I did that? And I was like, no, but saying you did it. So like, you know, I I know that you carried him to bed. Like did I was thinking like, did you drop him or something? You know what I mean? Like just tell me what happened. And he was still groggy, still waking up. It just escalated immediately. Like we started fighting. I was just like, "How can you?" I I just didn't understand why I escalated. I was like, "I just wanted answers. I'm a normal mom." Like a normal mom would want answers if they woke up and their kid looked like that. >> What was he saying? >> Like just He was just saying, "I can't believe you would think I would do that." And then DSF or DFS called and then that just escalated. He thought I had called the cops. You understand what I'm saying? >> The little one was found with visible injuries, including blood on his face and chest, raising immediate concern for his safety. They questioned the mother who seemed to be equally surprised by this information or she was trying to hide any guilt. >> So it just got blown out of proportion. >> It looks like a handprint though. >> It does. I know. >> So it doesn't look like he dropped, you know. And I mean that just doesn't make any sense. >> But >> he never did he ever deny do it? >> He he was like, "You really thought I did? You really thought I would do it?" Like and like and I I really don't believe that he would, but it looks like a ham saying it. And I Rowan accuses me of all the time. All the time he accuses me of that. I know I didn't do. >> Yeah, but that's that's severe marks though. >> I don't know what to do. >> That doesn't happen by accident. >> I know. I know. I don't know what to do. And like I told >> And you're saying he's never showed any sign of aggression or >> No. Nothing towards him like yesterday. Like they >> Has he ever hit you? >> No. No. We got into like an argument last week, but he's never been violent. Never showed aggression like that. Like I know that he has a history with his ex, but >> in what way? Um, she stabbed him. >> I know. But did he did he ever get arrested for domestics? >> I don't think the domestic was on him. I think >> 123. Go ahead. >> I think it was on her against Stephanie. I'm showing a valid ID card only out of Maryland in reference to first Travis and showing him in a protection order protective party Molly showing a valid class out of Maryland. >> That's her. >> How long? So, y'all been together for eight months. He's never been violent with you. Never hit you. Never pushed you. I know how this stuff goes. And I told him that. I was like, you understand? Like if you did it, I could go to jail if I don't say something. Like I told him that. I was like, I >> did he ever deny it and say, I know I didn't do it. >> Yeah. He said he didn't do it. >> Okay. I mean, what do you think? >> I don't know what to think. And I know that I don't want to get in trouble. >> Has your kid ever been injured before like that? >> No. >> Cuz I mean, it doesn't look like he'd do that on himself. No way. >> I don't I don't know what to think. Like I I don't think that he would do it. Like I know that there's a handful. You know what I mean? like he's a high energy kid and but I don't I don't understand that but also he plays like they play rough like he does does play rough like when I say play rough but it looks like the only thing is it looks like a handrint that's the only thing but he does play rough like and I mean you don't understand when I say rough like walks into side of tables you know what I mean >> right but I mean to leave a handrint like that in my opinion it's going to be it looks like three or four fingers on his face and it's it's red red >> you know what I mean like I haven't even we literally just woke up and I haven't gotten any further with it. So, like I haven't even had a chance to talk to him or anything and I've been asking him to talk to me. Like I was like asking him to talk to me, but as soon as he thought that I called the cops because they called it was just shut down from that point on. >> Well, I mean, >> so like I don't know anything except from when I told you like he woke up that's what happened and I'm like flabbergasted. I'm completely flabbergasted. But you do have to understand that. I mean, somebody that acts that way, >> always continues to act that way. I've been in abusive relationships before. I'm a little >> But I'm I'm not even saying that much. I'm saying that when when you confront somebody that is not guilty, right, and not nothing's going on. They're going to tell you, "I didn't do that." Right? >> But there's also going to be not marks like that. >> I understand. >> That's that's severe marks. >> I understand. >> That's not normal. I've been doing this job since 1998. Very rarely do you see >> I have a 13-year-old. I I and I'm one of eight brothers. I mean, >> I understand that, but I'm telling you right now, average person that sees that DCF a doctor, they're going to say that. >> Absolutely. I I literally that's exactly what I said to him. I was like, if you did that, like, and I was like, I can't believe you think I did that. That was all he was just I can't believe you think I did that. >> The officers turned their attention to the child, carefully questioning him. And it was at this moment a crucial new piece of information emerged that could drastically change the course of the investigation. >> I'm doing good. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. He's going to hold the ball and >> I have Paw Patrol. >> You have like Paw Patrol. >> Like I've gone through stuff in the past and I've busted my ass to get my life better. You know what I mean? Like I have busted my ass. Wait, what is that? >> I'm like, this is not what I want. >> It's like a flippy. >> Yeah, >> I have my car seat right here. >> Yeah, >> it's a cool car seat. >> What happened to your side of your face? >> Travis did it. >> What? He did it. >> Yeah, he did it. >> How'd he do it? >> Because he didn't listen. >> Cuz you didn't listen. >> Cuz he didn't listen. >> Cuz he didn't listen. Did he grab your face or did he hit your face? >> Hit my face. Hit your face. >> Yeah, he just And I just put my face. >> Yeah. I'm really sorry that happened to you, bud. >> Yeah. Where's my chin? I think Travis did it. >> No, the chin was from the glue stick. >> Um my dog just my chin. >> He hurt his chin yesterday with the glue stick. >> Just And I'll just put my thing. >> Yeah. Do you smack like that or do you do that? Can you show me? He just and I just b my face. >> Ouch. >> And I just break my drink really fast in my tummy. So like see my belly I my >> Do you have a Does he have any marks on it? >> And no history of it. And he like I said I just woke up. I was trying to figure out what was going on. He's he's said that like I've done stuff before that I haven't done so. So I don't know exactly. Well, I'm telling you another he didn't do it to himself. >> I know he didn't do that to himself. >> And there's nobody else here besides the two of you, correct? >> Right. >> So, when you went to bed last night, it was his face like that. >> And you didn't do that. >> No. >> Has there ever been any child abuse cases in the other state you guys live in or anything like that? >> He has a restraining order against him >> with Megan, his wife. Yeah, I know about that. She stabbed him, too. Like, they have a >> pretty unhealthy relationship. That was why we it escalated because I I he had asked like what would happen. Well, I said that like you know I was like you would have to call the cops like I'm not going to get in trouble for this. You know what I mean? You and then DSF called and he thought that I had called the cops and then it instantly escalated. >> DCF called you >> for something completely unrelated. >> It was applying for benefits and getting established. >> Gotcha. Okay. >> So when they had called you know how when they called they asked you like all the questions, you know what I mean? When did it happen? Last night or this morning? >> I don't know. >> You don't know? >> Are you sure Travis did it? >> Yeah. >> Positive. You didn't. What happened? >> I was talking to you and I didn't listen. >> Okay. You weren't talking to me. I wasn't in there. I was sleeping on the couch. Did Travis throw you to bed? >> Yeah. Okay. >> What happened to your face? >> I need you to be honest with me. What happened to your face? Travis did it. >> Was he carrying you? Did he hit you? What happened for real? >> He hit me. >> Why did he hit you? >> Because he was not listening. >> He wasn't listening. >> Yeah, he wasn't listening. >> What was he not listening about? I looked I looked around. There's nothing like you know what I mean? Like I looked around too. I didn't see >> Well, there doesn't have to be >> I understand. I understand that. But I figured because there would be like Hey. Uh-uh. We don't throw rocks. >> On that one, >> I told you we played hard. >> No, I understand. I I I just I mean, there's no >> I don't want to. >> Nobody in their right mind is going to look at that and say that's not >> like a >> um So, >> what the did I do? >> Like, >> I mean, you're not going to have to do anything, but >> I'm fixing to go in there and uh >> you know, Travis is going to be held accountable. >> With enough evidence, the officers moved in to take action against Travis. But it was easier said than done. >> Yeah. I put this cigar around the gross lucky brain. >> No, you're under arrest. You're being charged with child abuse. Battery. >> I'm going to give you a chance to tell the truth. You haven't been doing that to this point. >> I mean, not >> Look, look, look. I'm just going to be honest with you. Hey, I've been a cop since 1998. >> Mhm. >> That's one of the top cases I've seen in child abuse. You You can't blame that on anything. That's not falling down. He's got handprints on his face. Okay. That kid says, "You did it." That Travis whacked me in the face. Okay. We've asked him three times. I asked him when I first got here. He told me right off the rip that you did it. Okay. I mean, >> then then you guys get into an argument this morning because she says, "Why did you why did you hit him?" And you said, "What are you talking about?" >> Well, he came in the room last night. All right. Look, I'll I'll tell you how it went. >> Well, hold on. If you're going to make statements, I'm going to read you your random warnings, okay? because right now you're um under arrest. First of all, you know what perjury is? >> Perjury is when you lie under oath. Okay? So, I will be putting you under oath. Okay? So that whatever statements you give are sworn. >> Um as a law enforcement officer in the state of Florida, I can swear you in. Okay? As if I was a notary. Okay? You understand that? >> So you swearing from the statements you're about to give are true and correct. Yeah. >> Okay. And let me read you something else. Your Miranda warnings. Okay. You have the right to remain silent with these rights in mind. You won't talk to me now. remain silent. >> You remain silent. Okay. Anything on you just going to stick me, poke me? Nothing stuck up in your under your ball sack in your ass. >> I don't believe so. I just have my wallet in my pocket and >> Okay. And that's it. Right. >> Mhm. >> Okay. We're going to walk out to the car and I'll search you out there. >> Yeah. >> And then uh we'll go from there. Okay. >> Listen, I'm all about disciplining your kid. >> Smack him on the butt. >> Look, I've already explained to him cuz he doesn't have any kids. I was like, if you want to smack him in the butt, that's fine. >> Sure. Uh, that one's my car. >> Anything that leaves a mark is used. I told him that before. Like, you can't. >> Leaving a mark is one thing. Like, he can smack a kid in the butt. It's going to leave a hamper sometimes. And that's okay. >> That's how I was if you leave a mark right now. >> Come here. Let me help you. >> You're talking about his face is swollen. He has a black eye. >> Okay. >> I know. That's I literally was fighting with him this morning with Travis this morning. I was like this. >> Travis can deny it all he wants. Not only that, but you have bruises all over you, too, which means that you have also been embedded by him. I've been doing this a long time. Tell me I'm wrong. He's not going to go to jail for it because I don't know when that happened. I know it's old. >> It is. >> So, I don't care what he does, what he makes, or whatever. We have resources down here >> that you can >> I mean, I'm probably stay here. >> It probably be a good idea. Just get away from him. >> Come on. Come on. Cuz I'm telling you right now, the state of Florida, we don't mess around when it comes to domestic. >> I swear to God, I was just having a conversation with my mom on the phone the other day and was like, and I told I woke up, I was outside telling him like, do you understand? I like there's so many child abuse cases here. >> So many. >> We don't. >> I was literally checking myself as a parent. I was like I was like, man, we need to go get him some learning books. Like, we need to >> When did he grab you or hit you? It was um but it was me chasing him that like I just wanted to talk to him, >> right? But did you hit him and touch him? Okay. >> I say something to her real quick before we go. >> No, unfortunately she's a witness and the kid is a victim, so I can't let you around them. >> You'll actually have a no contact order. Do you already have a no contact order with another chick in Maryland? >> Yeah, it was a ex-girlfriend being spiteful. >> What did you do to get that? >> Uh nothing. She just was being spiteful. So she got a restraining order for violence against you, but you didn't do anything. You just wanted to know. >> Did you ever get arrested? >> No. >> Have you ever been arrested for anything? >> You've never been arrested for domestic? >> No. >> Okay. >> I've always been a I've been stabbed plenty of time. >> All right, cool. Hop in. >> Watch your head getting in. >> Travis, who already had a restraining order from his ex-girlfriend, tried to complicate the situation with his denials and resistance during the arrest. Despite this, the officers stayed firm and focused on maintaining control. They then took the statement of the witness who called the cops in the first place to get to the bottom of the story. >> Originally, like I was taking the dog out maybe 9 9:30 and I heard two adults arguing. The male was arguing cuz he had one cigarette left and the female sounded distressed, like her voice was shaky, saying, "I'm going to call the cops." and he kept badgering her, "Go ahead." And that kept going on for a little bit. I listened. I didn't And then I don't know if they went inside. I didn't hear anymore. So, I went back inside. A little bit later, I was outside again. Um I was on the phone talking to someone. I said hello and I heard a child say hello. Um, and like I looked over, couldn't see anybody, but I knew where it was coming from cuz I've seen the child outside playing in the pool with his um, mother, I assume, before. So, I knew it was coming from, but I didn't see anyone. So, I just figured like maybe he was through a window. I don't know. But, I was already on guard because of that argument. Um, I heard muffled arguing again when I was outside and then didn't hear anything. I came back outside for something and then I heard a child banging on a sliding glass door. Saw the child banging on the sliding glass door saying, "Is anybody home? Please let me in. Please let me in." He was just wearing a swim trunks. They have a pool on the lai. No baby gate. And he was out there on the lai banging on the door, begging to come in. I stood there and waited long enough, I would say, for someone to get through the door. 10 times in my opinion to let him in. Nobody came to let the child in. He's still screaming, begging on the door. So that's when I called after, you know, hearing the arguing earlier in the day and now this happening. Then I got distracted. And during that time, they must have let him inside cuz when I turned back around, you know, he wasn't there anymore. So they must have let him in at that time, but I had already called 911. And >> how long was the outside unattended that you know? >> May only have been 5 minutes. >> Okay. Um, but like I said, he was clearly a young child and there was no pull gate or anything up that I could see. I did not hear any like physical. I just heard yelling. >> And same with the child. You just >> Same with the child. >> Could you see the child? >> I could see the child. >> Did you see any injuries to the child or anything? >> I couldn't. Um, yeah. It was through my screen. >> The situation seemed resolved. But the very next day, officers received another distress call involving the same family. What unfolded next would further expose the danger lurking beneath the surface. >> Where's the kid? >> He's out back with my husband. >> Okay. >> What's the situation? Are you >> My husband was out Armo and I smoking a cigarette and he saw the little boy running in the road over there. Um >> where they live on that road. So, like we don't have a house behind us. >> Is there a canal in between you guys? >> There's not a canal. So, my husband ran over after seeing the boy running around back there for a while. >> You can see him in the Okay. >> Yeah. >> Um and then so he's like, "Hey buddy, where's your parents?" He says, "Inside." Um he has blood on his chest. He has blood on his chest. His eye is all scratched. Um >> where is he at now? >> Who did that? He's >> Is he with your husband? >> Yeah. >> Cuz did the parents know he's over here? >> The mother now does. She just showed up like >> So is a just called 911 to let them know that >> So is she standing back there with them, too? >> She said she was going to go get her phone. >> Oh, really? She left her kid? >> Yep. And she left him with my husband. >> Okay. >> Hello, sir. >> Hi. How are you? >> Hello, everybody. >> Hi. I'm the parent. I thought he was taking a nap. I went to go check on him. Door was open. He ran over here. It's been a hellacious couple of days. We've had things going on. Um, we've been in social service the past few days. We had a domestic incident. So, um, >> when was that? >> Yesterday. >> Yesterday. Okay. >> Yes. >> So, has he been back today? >> Um, we've talked. I told them that I talked to him and everything. I'm leaving. I'm going to North Carolina to stay with my mom. He's coming with me. DCF, they are aware of everything. I literally just thought he was taking a nap. I literally thought he was taking a nap. >> So So are you home or are you with >> I'm home? I'm home right now. I'm waiting. My dad's coming to get me. And I'm >> Anybody else in the house, though? >> I don't believe so. No. >> Is Travis I see? >> No, I don't believe so. >> Is that Is that your boyfriend? >> Yes. I We >> So, is there something that's saying he's not supposed to be here? >> No, he has um >> no contact order. >> He has a no violent contact with Rowan. >> What was the allegation yesterday? >> He smacked him in the face. >> He smacked him in the face. Yeah, he admitted to it. Um, they asked if I wanted to put a protective order on him. I told him that I'd already been in contact with him. So, I said a no violent protective order against him. >> Well, you got the blood on your chest. >> That's an old wound. I guess he just scraped. I guess he scratched it. But >> can I see where you're bleeding from >> here? >> Can you show your mom? >> Yeah, >> that's old. They've already looked at it. >> Can we look at real fast? Just make Can you >> Hey, come here. >> Hey, >> stop stop bouncing for one second. Can you look up so I can look and make sure you're okay? >> Yeah, I do not got blood from Look up. How'd you get that? >> So, and he went >> today. Yeah, >> but the neighbor got him. He was >> yesterday like I saw him and I I like >> I I thought that sleeping. I went to go check on him and he ran out the door again. >> They said to get out of the house as quick as possible and to get to North Carolina as quick as possible >> is what DCF told me. getting tired. He needed some water to get away from you. Need some water? >> Get away from >> They approved him to have care and everything up north. I mean, up in North Carolina. My parents are in Taco Hill. >> It was already a scratch. He had a glow stick. It was a glow stick he was running with and glow stick did it. He said Taylor did it. Who's Taylor? We don't even know Taylor. >> You got to tell me something about Big [ __ ] >> His sister is in Maryland and he hasn't seen his sister in a month and a half. children that >> uh 13. >> So, when was the last time you saw him? Think he was gone for 30 minutes? >> He was taking a nap. He was sleeping. He said he was going to take a nap and watch Mickey. Put Mickey in. I literally >> when he got out, he was running in a road over there, I guess. So, >> went to use the bathroom. I thought he he said he circled the house three times and then came over here. This unexpected development revealed that the issues were far from over, signaling deeper problems and prompting a renewed urgent response from law enforcement to protect the child and address the escalating risk. >> Hey, can you talk to me real quick? >> I can do that if you want to grab. >> Was asleep? >> Yeah, >> I was sleeping. >> Yeah, you was sleeping >> just now when you came outside. Was I sleeping or did I tell they said go lay down in your room? What happened? He's sleeping and I was going back to No, I was playing with him. >> Was I laying down or was I sleeping? Didn't I talk to you? >> He was sleeping. I was going back to >> I was asleep. >> Yeah, you was sleep. >> So, how did I talk to you? >> All right. Well, regardless of whether you were sleeping or not, I mean, he wasn't being supervised. So, it was an accident. It was an accident. But you It's not It's not a good situation cuz what we were just out here for yesterday, you I understand completely. >> So, um, he's going to get some information from you, Deputy Overway, and >> I'm going to go see if there's any documentation on the scratch violation. >> Yeah. So, he's going to go for that and she's probably >> I just want to go to my house. Yeah, I'm waiting by. >> Can I stand outside of the fire? >> No. >> Definitely reach out to you if there was an emergency. So, there is an emergency. Okay. I'm just going to give you the rundown really quick. Today, they let Travis out. Uh, he came to the house. I told him, you know, he needed to leave, whatever. But because they didn't call the cops immediately, now I possibly could be getting charged with felony neglect. Um, my mom is making arrangements to I should have called him immediately. I didn't have I like I literally didn't know where my friend is. I was distraught because I didn't know gotten out of the house. >> So, I was with the deputy overway when he was asking questions and he advised you rights and I just had some follow-up questions if you don't mind. >> Absolutely. >> So, was outside for about 20 minutes. 20 to 25. >> There's no I don't believe that it was that long >> according to the neighbors. I don't I don't believe it was that long, but I mean it could have been like I was distraught >> and and made you know he's pretty pretty smart kid. >> He's a very smart kid. >> Okay. So, he even said that mommy and Travis were inside sleeping. >> Weren't sleeping. Like I >> I'm just telling you what he what he said. >> Okay. >> And typically kids at this age don't know how to lie or why you know what a lie really is. >> Right. I wasn't sleeping. I talked to him >> and we talked to Travis and Travis admitted that you guys were together. >> We were in the room. >> All right. Do me a favor. Put your hands behind your back. >> Yeah. Can I say bye to my son? >> Uh, put your hands behind your back. >> Okay. >> So, your son is going to be placed in DCF. >> Okay. >> Give her your mom's information and she's going to talk to your mom. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> All right. And obstruction. >> Okay. >> In the house. >> Okay. He was in >> allow someone to come into the house or you put your son. >> Okay. [Applause] >> Yeah. Is is that an issue? >> No. Then um we'll probably have to try to see if they can if you're comfortable with them coming to get him, then we'll try to set that up. But as of for right now, he's gonna be placed in foster care temporarily until he can figure out um if they'll be able to come get him or not. Um >> what's mom? >> If he needs his clothes, his bedroom is right there. >> Mhm. >> Um um yeah, I can pack up some clothes for him. >> Okay. Um, there will be a court hearing tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. >> Okay. >> I don't know if they'll allow her to do a Zoom or not. >> Her should do a Zoom or me. >> Yeah. >> Okay. I think they do video. >> They'll Well, do you think they'll allow her to do a video for the court hearing? >> It's up to the jail and the judge. It's all of them. I have no say in that. >> Um, if the time changes, we'll contact you and let the jail know and they'll try to set it up so you can be present for it. >> Okay. >> All right. All right, >> that's pretty much it. >> Walk through the second car. >> Second. Is it in the front or is that >> that one right there? Sorry, the front one. You don't have anything on you. Any contraband? Anything like that? >> I just want to let you know that if you go down to the deal and you do have something on you that you're not fine, it is an extra charge. >> I'm aware. >> Okay. You don't have anything on you, prick, or poke? >> Nope. I'm clean. >> Do you have pockets? >> I don't have pockets. >> I have pockets. >> Go ahead. >> Please. Please do. >> That's fine. I believe so. Yeah. I'm just going to have you take a seat in here. >> Okay. >> For me, this side really quick. >> Yes. >> Whenever she comes back, I'll let you move out. Stuff like that. Okay. >> All right. Just watch your knee. Hold the door. >> Eventually, the woman was also taken into custody and charged with neglect without any bodily harm. The cops had a tough time believing this next case, which revealed the horrors of a terrifying and dysfunctional family. >> He's a bad person. >> In what way? >> Everywhere. She said all she remember is looking down the barrel of it. I heard the safety on this gun flick off and that's when I shot mine. >> Let me see if that's something. Oh, appears to be a skull cap. >> Will that be accurate or not? >> Yes. It all started on July the 25th, 2020 when sheriff's deputies in Hawking County, Ohio, responded to reports of gunshots in a residential neighborhood. Upon arrival, they encountered 18-year-old Melody Dixon and her 40-year-old father, Michael, and began questioning them. But little did they realize they were about to stumble upon the most shocking case of their careers. >> How we doing? >> All right. >> We shot gun 40. Well, she said you got shooting a 22. >> What' you shoot in it? >> What kind of ammo? >> Hold on. >> Okay. >> That'd be terrific. Were you shooting anything else? >> That and the 22. >> Okay. We had >> I only shot that once and I can show you where it hits the tree. >> Okay. >> Because I know they go far. It's like shooting the right. Well, the new ones >> Well, it's no big deal. We had somebody that fired a gun and it hit a it struck a windshield. Nobody got hurt or anything like that. >> The officers issued a warning and left unaware that just hours later they would return to the same location for a much more serious incident. One involving a missing person and concealed truth. >> This is my dad's property, Jim Whitaker. >> Okay. >> We haven't been able to communicate with him for 20ome days. He's not in his house. >> I think something's happened to him. There was other people in here when we got here. They left about as soon as we got here. >> They didn't give us no answers on where he was. >> The thing is, I know my son. >> He doesn't He's never done this. >> 56 years old. He's never just disappeared. >> Jim was reported as missing by his family, but strangely enough, Michael and Melody had also vanished without any trace soon after the officers had questioned him earlier. Jim's family also provided information on Michael's strange behavior. He had a 50 lb bag of dog food in one hand, a dog, a live dog, a chainsaw, and reached over and grabbed five arrows off of that thing that's out there, and a pair of gloves. >> Mike came out. We were fiddling with something in the garage. Mike was fixing something, and I was sitting there fiddling with it. He came in the house, and then he come back out and he's like, "I just found this in Melody stuff." And it sounded like a >> like a >> an odd an odd professional love to Mike's and his daughter Batgirl Melody SL >> but you know um >> very weird. >> It he it was signed Jimbo. I didn't think Jimmy ever signed his name Jimbo. You know >> a quick search of Mike's property revealed some very important clues for the whole case. >> Smells like feet. I think might smell quite what I think I quit smelling a while ago. No blondies. >> The camo bag. >> No, >> I saw the camo bag. I flipped the >> white. See the glove? >> I was looking at that bag right there. right here. You see this? There's three big Looks bloodish. There's four, actually. >> A quick search of the property and outside didn't reveal much, but later on they found Mike at his parents house. Upon locating Mike, they talked to him and his family and were immediately alert to some really strange behavior from them. >> Mike, there's going down. He's got a warrior need. Okay. I want to take a couple minutes off that cigarette. Are >> you just okay hanging in your mouth? Keep smoking it if you want. That'll that'll help you out. >> Is your dad here? Okay. Is there anybody else here or just your dad? >> My dad. My daughter. You want to talk to me about what's been going on at Jim's house? They say that he I don't come down a few days ago and said that I had to get out of the house. Mhm. He's >> been gone, I think, since the 5th. >> And his daughter comes saying, "Oh, I getting rid of his stuff." I didn't get rid of nothing. His He was like a dad to me. >> So, what do you think has happened to Joe? >> I'm hoping nothing. I'm hoping he just took off, but I don't know why. >> The officer then turned their attention towards 18-year-old Melanie. >> James say where he was going or any >> No, no, he didn't really say where he was going. You were just >> What happened to uh some of his stuff? >> What do you mean? >> My his guns and his TV set and all that. >> Well, the gun was been missing. >> I don't know about the TV. >> You think that something's happened to General? >> I think he's just involved cuz that's what he's been talking about for a while. >> Where would he go? Well, he told me and dad like, I'm just going to not be here long and and you guys can keep this place because my me and family knows about me or whatever. So, >> you think something's happened to him? >> I don't really know. Last time I seen him was fourth, fifth. >> Did you and Jim have a relationship? No. >> He wanted one. He >> wanted one. >> And then when I told him no, he went berserk. And that's what that letter was about. >> The police quickly traced all of Jim's stolen items, including a gun and a TV that Mike had sold. While interrogating one of the buyers, Tommy, they uncovered intriguing details about Jim and Mike's relationship. Cuz see Michael be out that old man a bunch like yeah they got in a fight a lot man. The old man would get high on that old man was a methhead and he get high on meth and stuff and him and Michael get into it hot and heavy. I mean he blacked Michael's eyes and Michael black his eyes too. I mean it was just like they was two fighting married couple. I swear to God that's what you thought. Um he had said that he had caught caught his daughter and him in bed. I asked him that's on my mom my kids. I asked him right now uh right in my living room two days before you guys arrest him. I asked him if he did it and here's his exact reaction when I asked him. He was like, "No, man. I didn't do it like that." Like eating like how you put that. You know when somebody's being sarcastic like you know like you can see in their voice and here that you know he knows more than what he was saying >> mentioned that he was going to kill Jimmy I don't know how many times. >> Several times. >> And this was even before Melody showed up down here cuz they get in fights and they throw [ __ ] at each other. They get in fights and the next thing you hear was a couple gunshots and you have to wonder, okay, did somebody try shoot somebody this time? Really? For real? >> Meanwhile, Mike was taken to the detective's office where he was questioned about Jim's whereabouts, which was now more mysterious than ever. >> I guess what makes it look strange for you, Mike, is that you guys continued to live there and never let anybody know that Jim was missing. I mean, why not call the sheriff's office and say, Hey, this guy's left. The TV's missing. His gun's missing. And I haven't seen him for a few days. Even though I understand Jim's an adult, but why didn't you go and call us? I don't know. I should have when I was going to. I asked a few people to say, and they said, "Oh, no. Jim might be doing something he don't want the cops to know about. I should have called you." >> Soon they brought in Melody for questioning as well. >> Good. Okay, Melody, I'd like to uh go down like to take you down to Lurville and talk with you about your dad. Okay. You okay to go? >> You're not under arrest. >> You're not under arrest or anything like that. We want to go down and just have a conversation with you in a nice private area. >> What I would like for you to do is talk with us about the incident occurred with Mr. Whitaker and about what your dad has told us. Are you willing to talk to us? Do you actually have a recording of him saying that? >> Sure do. >> Could you show me like a um recording first and then to >> I don't have the video with me. >> So obviously have to go online right now. >> Well, >> I don't know if what you're telling me is correct or not. >> Wouldn't you want the family to have closure? >> Do you think that James deserves to be laying out good people of my opinion? >> Pardon? They're not good people. It's a lot of what I would want them. They're not good people. None of them. >> So, you don't care about J? >> No. No. I would say, well, >> he's a bad person. >> In what way? >> Every way. >> In every way. >> In what way would that be? >> Why do you say James is a bad person? Yeah, I guess [Music] screaming the f out. Well, I had to stretch like really bad. So, I went to the one step to the grocery he get those out. I was like, well, let me leave. I didn't want to hold it from him. >> Why didn't he want you to leave with your dad? >> Cuz >> So you guys were arguing? >> I need I need Okay. >> And then >> So he has a hold of your wrist. >> Yeah. And then you and I wasn't thinking. I just went back and then he went out. He >> grabbed you by your throat. girlfriend. >> The police, armed with this piece of information, took Mike to the property to show them what had happened. But what they would realize later on was that Melody had not told them the entire story and had left out some chilling details. >> I told him I was going down the stairs to get my gun and I went and got my gun. >> Come up. >> Yep. >> That's when Melody was coming out of the thing. I could hear them scruffing a little bit. >> What were they Were they saying anything to each other? No, I just heard her kind of like yelling and supposedly she grabbed like his gun. She said all she remembers is looking down the barrel of it. I heard the safety on his gun flick off and that's when I shot mine. >> So Jean saw that your dad was pointing a gun at him. >> He didn't have enough reaction time. >> He didn't have enough reaction time to do anything. Is that what you're saying? I was like >> not close. >> Couple feet away. >> I'm right here where I'm standing. >> Okay. >> And if he would be to come forward towards me a little bit. No that way. Just right there. >> And if you would have turn like if you would have been going toward the light. Yep. Right like that. Right there. >> Right there. >> Yep. Now, right just like that. Exactly. >> And where did you hit him in his body? >> Right on right there where he's pointing towards his eye. >> He wasn't doing it because he's an evil person or whatever. >> I understand. He's just trying to protect you. >> And I don't think he should get like maximum punishment or whatever. Like everyone else is, >> you know, it's basic. It was my fault at the start of >> No, it's not your fault. I wouldn't say that >> cuz if I wouldn't want to go upstairs. >> Mike continued to recreate the scene for the officers by moving the refrigerator back to its original position and showed them exactly how the events unfolded on that fateful day. >> Is where was the gun? >> About where my feet are. >> Which which way was the gun? pointing the barrel towards that. >> Use that. >> This was it. Say this is the barrel like that. It was right there. >> Was it laying on him? >> Right there. >> So where's the butt of the gun? >> Right there. >> That's the butt of the gun. >> I took when I come up here to that way. >> Kicked it out. And then what? >> Then I reached out like I told him to see if he had any paws. >> Okay. >> What kind of clothes did you have on at the time? My graduation dress. >> Graduation dress. What color? >> White. >> What did you do with it? >> Pretty sure my dad burned it because it had stuff on it. >> Is your family like Frank or is he married? Are they supporting you? I mean, are they being nice to you at least? >> Me and my grandpa. >> Your grandpa. >> Frank. >> Frank. Okay, that's your grandpa. Have you tried to talk to him about it so that they understand what what you're going through? >> I mean, whenever I can really talk to him, but the other ones, he can't really trust him. >> As the investigations unfolded to understand the motives of the father and daughter, if they were the killers, the police returned to Mike's stepfather, Frank's house, to question him and his family. >> I want you to understand something. I've already talked to Mike. I've already talked to Melody. They both indicated to me that they talked to you and told you of the involvement of James death or Jimmy if you that's what you want to call him. When did he tell you this and how did he tell you this? Was it right after it occurred or a day or two afterwards? So >> when they come when they come here that's I thought he shot at him. I didn't know. But he just said he shot him. >> Shot at. >> Shot at. >> That's That's a lie. That's the way it was phrased to me. >> Okay. And he didn't say I killed him. >> No. >> He didn't say >> I buried him. I get rid of the body. >> No. >> Anything like that? >> No. But that's when I would have gotten a hold of somebody and found out what was going on cuz I knew Jimmy years ago. >> Did he try to bring a weapon here? >> No. >> Any kind of gun at all? Handgun? Long gun? Not that I not not that I've seen. >> Essentially, there's only one question that I really need to ask you. >> Gun. >> Correct. Where is that gun at? >> Get it out of my trunk. >> It's in your trunk. Yes, sir. >> You know, the question is Michael brought you the gun. He I bought the gun from my brother before any any of this ever happened. Um, he kept asking me to borrow it. He wanted to go hunting with it. And then he showed back up with it that morning. Um, I didn't know yet. He just showed up with it. Here's your gun back. >> But nobody had been able to locate Jim's body yet. But as things unfolded, the cops would come to realize that Jim faced a more disturbing fate than they could have ever imagined. >> What happened then with James body? >> I was looking forward to that. We go downstairs to bed. So he told you to go downstairs. >> Well, we and and walked me out downstairs and because I was like shocked when he kept screaming in my room, but I wouldn't move. messed me up and grabbed me and brought me downstairs and like helped me and then told me to like stay on here for a little while and I fell asleep. Slid his head over this way. I put the sled right here beside him. Took him rolled him over. Took him got hold of the sled put it here and rolled him over onto it and rolled him out the door. So when you woke up, was the house was all the blood and everything cleaned up? It was already gone. >> So you didn't know where any of that stuff went to? >> He said he burned it. >> Did you ask him or did he just tell you? >> Well, he told me the night before that he was going to go take care of everything. You never actually witnessed how the body was dragged out of the the home, how it was removed or anything like that. >> He didn't want me to know. >> He didn't want you to watch. >> He knew once he pulled the trigger that he did that and he shut my door. Melody was placed under arrest for obstruction of justice since she had lied about not knowing anything about what had happened. She was then taken to the crime scene and questioned further where more disturbing details came through. >> Had there been anything going on between you and Jeff? >> No. >> No. >> I need I need I mean I need to know nothing. >> No. He wanted something but I told him no. And he got mad about it. >> When was that? Or we face the entire time. That would have been me. >> So the entire time >> he like >> he'd been hidden hitting on you, wanting you to do things with him. >> Yeah. >> And you never did. >> Mhm. >> What about anything between you and your dad? >> Nothing at all. >> No. Apparently, the reason for this line of questioning had come up earlier in the investigation when it was revealed that Melody had been asked to stay away from her father when she was put in foster care since both she and her father shared an intimate relationship, which was confirmed by both friends and family. >> Whenever we lived out with uh his mom and dad, I walked in the trailer and Melody and her little blanket, but maybe >> that you said that that happened out at uh >> Frank and Denise. >> Frank and Denise's house. Was that like a long time ago or like >> No, it wasn't. It hasn't even been a year. This September 20. >> They would always hold hands and all this. And he he tried to hold my hand. He was like, "Come on, baby girl. You can hold my hand." I said, "Uh, no. Do you want me to beat the out of you?" That's just nasty. I'm not like 22 years old. I'm about to die because he's in jail. He needs to die in jail. While this chilling detail came to light, investigators still were in search for Jim's remains. And for some reason, both father and daughter were doing very little to help the cops find it until now. >> So, which way did you drag him down into here? >> You dug him right through here. And then show me where you laid the body. >> Watch your feet and that stuff, buddy. About right here. His head was about right there. >> And the feet were down >> that way. And his head is about where your your feet are. >> Okay. And over and you say you burnt him 10 to 15 hours. >> Yes. >> And you were the whole time you were using wood sticks. Accelerant was really nice. The only time I used any accelerant when I first started it. >> Like how much stuff was piled on top of him on top of the body? >> Probably a foot or two. >> A what? >> Till. >> So you got a foot or two on top of him. You light himing. You throw tires on after it's gone and wood. And you just kept throwing that stuff on there. for a little bit. Not all that long. Then I once I got it going, I went out. >> Okay. Did you Did you stir it around like I mean fluff him up? Let's say like you'd fluff a fire up >> once. >> You did. Did you see his body then when you fluffed it? >> Did you come out and make sure that he was gone? You didn't look at it to see if there's anything left? >> No. The cops also arrested Mike's family members, Frank and Denise, for obstruction of justice. Later on, more sickening details would come to light as Melody's cellmate revealed to the officers that Melody had confessed to her that she used to be intimate with Jim as well for monetary benefits. This would perhaps explain the motive of the murder in a twisted love triangle. On further questioning, the truth came out. >> Looks like contact between you and your father. Would that be accurate or no? Yes. >> How long had you had a relationship with Michael? >> The first thing that happened was when I got took out our mom's custody. >> In 2021, Michael Dixon was sentenced to life in prison for murder, tampering of evidence, and engaging in illegal acts. Melody was charged with obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence and was sentenced to 9 years in prison. If you thought that case was wild, up next is an incident that left the cops alarmed and stunned. >> Kind of made some claims that you had a child that actually themselves. >> Absolutely not. >> The allegations are that you have a son and that he's deceased and he's here in this house. Do you have a son named Zion? >> You know what? No. >> You've never had a son named Zion? >> No. >> We're trying to figure out where your kid is. You're saying that he doesn't exist? >> On July the 25th, 2023, officers received a 911 call from an informant reporting a pre-teen had died. According to the caller, the child's mother was trying to cover up the incident and hit her son's body after his passing. Alarmed by this report, officers were dispatched to Sushi's residence to investigate this claim. Upon arrival, the officers found and questioned the suspect. Rather than address the accusations head-on, Sushi dismissed the claim and insinuated the report was nothing but a harassment attempt by her ex-husband's girlfriend. >> Hi, >> are you Miss Staples? >> Yes. How can I help you? >> So, we got kind of a weird phone call. Um >> Mhm. >> Do you know Latricia? >> No. >> No. >> I don't know anybody out here. >> Some lady called DCFS and >> what? >> And kind of made some claims that you had a child that accidentally shot themselves. >> Absolutely not. No, I It sounds crazy to me, too. That's what >> I am so sorry about this. My ex-husband, his new girlfriend, this broad is off the chain. I have went down to Rock Island and filed a police report on her. Okay. >> I have went and put a restraining order on her. >> What's her name? >> Uh, her name is Tony. This girl is never in it. She has so many different Facebook pages she stalked me from. She has made up different names, called me from different numbers. I have changed my number. Try to do everything I can. >> Right. >> Unfortunately, I can never seem to get them served because they're always bouncing around in the Chicago area. >> Oh, okay. They're not even down here though. >> They're not even out here >> and it's been a constant >> Wait, have we been here before? >> No, you've never come to my house for anything. I've been here for 7 years and never had a problem in Rock Island. >> Yeah. I I didn't know you were >> I work I work at Genesis Hospital. I'm a patient care tech. I'm a student at Eastern Iowa Community College. I have a business in Davenport. This girl has made threats towards me on Facebook, posting her gun up, saying that she's gonna come to my attending. >> The suspect had a very believable story, but the officer's gut instinct could sense something a miss about the situation. To clear his suspicions, the officers asked to check Sushi's house. At this point, the suspect got extremely defensive and made it obvious she had something to hide. So they they made some allegation that you had a son and he shot himself and he's in your basement now. You think look look where I live. >> I No, I get it. Just so I can check the box off. Can I look in your basement real quick and I'll get out of >> No, you need a search warrant to do that. I'm sorry. I'm not about to have my blood rights violated because someone makes ignous allegations like this. >> I know. Like I said, it sounded crazy to me too. I'm just up here seeing if you know we have to investigate it. No, no matter how crazy, if >> you want to do that, I would suggest you go through the proper protocols. I'm not about to let some crazy woman who has now has my husband >> make Uranous accusations like this and have my rights violated. >> No, I get it. That's >> That is not okay. I have four girls in here. >> That's what I'm just asking. I'm not four children. >> I'm not trying to blame anything on you. I'm not saying this is true. I'm just I was just asking. Okay. >> This is nuts. >> That's all it is. >> Okay. Um, >> I have four children. >> Her ex-husband's new girlfriend's been causing her issues. She thinks that's who it is. >> I'm going She's been harassing my job, harassing my place of business, harassing my children. I'm sick of it. >> Okay. >> I've tried to get a restraining order against her, tried to get one against him. It's never ending. I cannot have any peace where I live. >> And you guys only have girls? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> I have four. Do you want to see them? >> No, no, no. They said it was a son. And I was just curious if that's even true. >> It's not. >> Okay. >> I This This is I'm just I'm It's a never ending story with these two. >> I like I said, I'm not I'm not trying to bother you anything, but we get a call. No matter how crazy it sounds, we still got to come up and see if there's any truth. >> And this is crazy. >> It is. >> This is very crazy. >> Okay. >> I have been living here for 6 years. I've never My neighbors have never had a complaint. Don't you think that my neighbors would have heard some some something like that? They would have made a call or said something to somebody. >> I would believe so. Yeah. >> Just think about it. It don't make no kind of sense. This girl is psycho. >> Okay. >> She's harassed my job. You know her phone number by chance? >> No, I don't. >> Okay. >> I don't know her phone number. >> Okay. All right. Well, sorry to bother you. Okay. It's like I said, we get a call, we we got to show up. They they done got to the point now where they don't have my phone number, so they emailing me. Okay, I have spam emails here from these people. I'm going to go down here. The last one I got was Let me see. >> Is it have a name on it? >> Yes, it has his name on it. I have to go here. This is the last one I have. And this gotten to the point where they're emailing me because they don't have a contact phone number on me. This is how bad the harass has gotten. But until I can get Rock Island to Cook County to serve them and actually find an address on them, >> right, >> that's going to be a problem. >> So they keep having me come back to court until I can get an address on them. >> I'll add some notes just in the call that I was here and that it's a harassment thing so we don't have to keep coming up here. And >> thank you. >> All right. Sorry. Sorry to bug you. Yeah. Just like I said, we got to call. Even if it sounds crazy, we got to come and see what's going on. >> Man, this this lady this I don't even know what to say about her. It's never ending. >> All right, >> I have Dorothy Cam's here. >> I saw that. >> I'm here. I ain't got nothing to hide. >> Okay. >> Without a warrant, there wasn't much the officers could do, so they ultimately had to retire for the night. However, this case was far from over. The next day, the officers obtained a warrant and returned to Sushi's home to find what she was desperately trying to hide. She looked out the window. >> Hello. >> Yes. >> Sushi, can you come out? >> What's going on? >> Well, just step on out. I I'll explain everything. >> Wait a minute. My kid is in here. >> Okay, I understand that. But we have a search warrant for the house. >> Thank you for your cooperation to be upfront with us. >> Hold on. So step on out. Step out. >> What side of the house do you all have a search warrant for? >> The whole house. >> The whole house. So you need to step out. >> Step out. >> Okay. Let me I'm I'm going to open the door. >> Well, I'll walk in casually. We're not going to tear up your house or anything. So >> calm down. My kids are in here. How many? >> Four. >> And where at in the house? >> They're upstairs. I just made them go upstairs. I don't want to scare my kids. Can we just Can we just calm down? >> These officers are going to walk in there with you. Then I got to copy them out here for you. H. Can I see the warrant, please? And I can call my lawyer. >> Can I see the warrant before we walk any further? >> We have a valid search warrant. So, >> I understand, but you haven't let me see it yet. And you're walking through my >> It's right here. >> You don't run how you don't You're not. >> Okay. Okay. I'm trying to see you. >> So, I need your phone, too. >> My phone? That's not my phone. >> Hold on to that. So, which which rooms are your kids in? >> Obviously not. >> They're upstairs. I am very cooperative. I'm not playing. >> You're fine. You're fine. Look, I'm scared. My kids are here. >> I'm going upstairs and check. >> My kids are here. >> I mean, that's empty. >> Well, it's for an old heater. While some officers searched the premises, others interrogated Sushi to get some pointers on the case. Contrary to the woman's claims, the previous night, officers found paperwork confirming she had a son. This only added to the officer's suspicions and turned out to be the first piece needed in solving this complex puzzle. >> Do you know why we're here? >> No, I don't. I don't know why you're here. >> Okay. cuz I'm really scared cuz my kids are upstairs and I don't know what's going on. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Just can I call my family to tell them to somebody to come? >> You're you're not under arrest or anything like that. Okay. That's that's why I'm sitting here talking to you. Okay. >> Okay. I'm scared to death right cuz I don't know what's going on. And so the reason we're here, okay, is because we're investigating a call that we we had, okay? The officers came out and talked to you last night, correct? >> Yes. >> Okay. Um, we have to handle that real seriously, okay? Cuz the allegations are that you have a son and that he's deceased and he's here in this house. Okay? So, that's that's where we're at right now. Do you have a son named Zion? >> No. No. >> You've never had a son named Zion? >> No. >> Are you claiming benefits for a kid named Zion? >> No. >> I haven't gotten any benefits for anyone. I just recently went through a situation where a young lady stole my identity and she falsely filed my taxes and my informations and stuff like that. and I've been working with the FBI. I've been working with the IRS. It's been a lot of things popping up and um >> um have you had any interactions with DCFS up in Chicago? >> I did. >> Okay. >> False calls that were made. >> Okay. Correct. >> Um one of the calls from 2021, DCFS came out to your residence in Chicago and there was a Zion Staples there. along along with your four daughters and then another young boy. >> We had kids in the neighborhood come over. >> Some of those kids that were implicated were not in fact our children. They were there. >> So you're saying there was a kid in your apartment that was not your your kid named Zion? >> I didn't say his name was Zion. No. Well, somewhere here, we've got to clear this up that this Zion Staples. >> Yes. And not >> benefits. Listen to it. Benefits being put in his name that you're receiving from. >> I haven't received any benefits. >> And then also involved in this. >> I haven't received any benefits. That's what I'm telling you. Someone has stolen my identity. I have proof of that. If you go in my phone, you'll be able to see the messages between me and the FBI agent in Milwaukee. So I'm >> But this is separate from that with the DCFS call >> because somebody is obviously claiming benefits and getting probably food stamps. So but they're getting food stamps for your your four daughters and >> and I've been having a hard time with that because I can't get any because of that and I've been working on it. >> Okay. Are we gonna find anything in your house that has Zion's name on it? Purse certificate, social security card, or anything like that? >> Nope. >> Well, cuz we're seizing your phone. Okay, >> I understand you're seizing it, but that's like I should be able to at least call my lawyer still. I shouldn't be held in my own house and not be able to call my counsel. So, are you requesting a lawyer right now? >> Um, >> cuz if you request a lawyer right now, we're done talking >> and then what? You're going to arrest me? >> I don't know what we're going to do. We're going to search your house. We're >> going to search this house upside down. >> The officers were convinced something nefarious was a foot, but they just couldn't figure out what. Exploring different possibilities, they theorized this might just be a fraud case with Sushi using Zion's identity for tax benefits. However, the truth was much more sinister >> cuz somewhere here we need to get the bottom of this Zion this Zion thing. >> This is coming from other this is coming from other people. This is people call and make allegations against me. People do this every day out of spite and I possibly had some visitors. It was it was probably the summer time. >> So where would where would they get the name Zion Staples? >> Pull up Zion Staples. >> I don't know. People make it up all the time. >> People make it up all the time. But see, DCFS does not come into your home and say, "Okay, have the neighbors over and let's let's do all this personal stuff that affects you and your family in front of all these other people." >> They do it with you. >> They did. >> They do it with your family. >> They did though. They very much did that. >> That doesn't make a lot of sense. If you are claiming people back and forth amongst family members to get bigger returns, our biggest concern is that we could have somebody >> with law enforcement say, "This is Zion. this is what what's going on and he is fine because right now >> we have a person that exists but we can't lay eyes on him and it's a child. >> Okay, that's what they're saying. >> That noise are >> just the beeping. >> So that's what we're looking at. So if this is what's going on, if you have a cousin, a sister, a brother-in-law, a friend or whatever claiming kids or you're claiming them on the app and you guys are splitting some extra money, I get that. The biggest concern that we have here is that we need to make sure that this kid is safe. >> And in the in the and in the time since the officer was here last night and the time that an officer had called you back in June that we can say nope, she's totally clear. There is nobody here. There's no stopping arrest. I'm telling you. >> Despite the overwhelming evidence, Sushi insisted she didn't have a son and claims the evidence presented was all a result of identity theft. However, not even a fool would believe this story, and the officers, well, they were no fools. Luckily, the detectives found something in the house, proving Zion's existence. But even then, Sushi refused to come clean. >> First of, >> what is that? >> First, Zion Staples. >> Zion Staples. >> That's not mine. >> Sushi Staples. Child, it's found. >> We need to get We need to get this figured out. Stop this. >> It's over. >> Where is that kid? You need to come clean cuz we're not going anywhere. This is just You're just going to dig yourself a bigger grave now. I asked you if there's anything with Zion's name in this house. You said no. >> I needed some extra help. Okay. >> That was it. What do you mean by that? >> I had a person that makes documents and it was just really hard like >> So, does is is Zion a real person? No. I can't call a lawyer and let them know you are here. I can't call a lawyer to come here to my house while I'm being questioned by you. >> If you if you want an attorney right now, >> we we we can just we we'll just be done. >> We'll be done. >> All right. >> But the investigation continues. >> Okay. >> Sushi's story sounded convenient, but the officers still weren't buying it. However, regardless of whether or not she was telling the truth, Sushi had admitted to her crime. Armed with her confession, the officers sprung to action and forced her to face justice. >> Okay. Turn around for me. >> Oh, no. No, no. I'm going to jail. What am I going to jail for? What have I done? >> You just admitted to fraud. >> So, now you're going to railroad me on fraud. >> Railroad you what? We're trying to figure out where your kid is. My >> You're saying that he doesn't exist? >> My kid walk out. >> We'll cuff you in front. Okay. >> This is embarrassing. Can I I can get in the car. >> Do you got to take my dignity away and >> put me in cuff? >> We're not We're not going to We're not going to put them behind you. Okay. >> We can We're going to walk you to the car real quick and then we'll get you out of here. Okay. >> My neighbors they've been knowing me for six years. You see that badge over there? I work two jobs at Genesis. >> I hear you. I hear you. >> I go to school out here. >> God, this is embarrassing. >> Later that day, officers continued their search and found Zion's lifeless body tucked in a garbage can in Sushi's garage. In the end, she was charged with obstruction of justice, failure to report a passing, and concealment of a deceased