So, I left him with the baby this morning. I went for a walk. Then, next thing I know, he called me and told me that he's going to call the police telling me that I left the baby here by himself. >> She's assuming I'm cheating, doing all that. If you don't pick up, I'm leaving the baby here and leaving. >> You have the parents. Are you willing to give the baby up? >> On September 23rd, 2023, officers responded to an apartment after a man called 911 reporting that his girlfriend had abandoned their infant child at home. Upon entering the residence, officers began investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged abandonment. >> Hello. >> Do I tell them I'm a cop? >> Ma'am, police. Anybody home? APD, anybody home? >> Oh my god, dude. >> What happened? The baby is in here. >> How long? >> Yeah. >> Sleeping? >> Let's check the sign of the We got to sign of the baby first. Let me hear if she's alive. >> Okay. I don't see no injuries. >> I just don't get it. Did the door lock himself itself when we when we walked in? >> That's why I don't don't don't don't close the door because it has an automatic thing. I think he opened from the cell phone. He left it open for us to get inside. >> Oh, so you opened with his phone? >> Yeah, I think so cuz it was open. This system you can open from anywhere. >> He's coming to get the child and we we good to go. >> That's the paper. He now advises that he is at work. He is going to be on the way. He already has the advice as well. >> Can I give you an ETA? >> That's the ETA. Okay. I think I can call him and give you that. >> But uh he's the one who's alerting us. Otherwise, we would have never find out about this. They were having an argument. So, now I'm not sure if he's using this to hurt the young lady, the mother of that child, because they have an argument. So, let's say that she they both agree. She's going to work, he's going to keep stay with the baby. >> Uh he left her here. >> And now he's he's changing the story and he's telling you something completely different. >> Oh, do you want me to to to ask this party you should get in contact with the mother or the baby or what? >> Cuz she doesn't have the number. Now, we can get that number from the leasing office if they're open, but they're not open yet. >> So, can you tell me what actually took place here? Please be honest as possible. We're trying to help. We're not trying to get nobody in trouble, but we need to find out what happened. >> Okay, so he's been telling me that we got an apartment and he he had decided not to buy those two bedroom house. So, today this morning I told him I will be no longer staying with the baby and I'm moving. So, I left him with the baby this morning. I went for a walk. Then next thing I know he called me and told me that he's going to call the police telling me that I left the baby at the apartment. So >> So, what was the argument about? >> It was from this week. We got into an argument about some cheating in the relationship stuff. >> So, you left this morning? >> Yes. >> And what time you think you left the the house? >> Around 4:00 something. >> 4:00 a.m. And uh he was still here, right? >> Yes. >> So, you told him that you was leaving the house and you was And this this is your This is your daughter, right? >> Yes. >> Is your daughter with him? So, this is both of your parents is the baby. So, did he agree with you to leave and keep the baby leave the baby with him? >> No, he's been telling me I need to leave. >> So, he asked you to leave? >> got no where to go. I don't got no family, no friends, but he's been telling me to leave. So, I'm pretty sure he is he probably thought I need to go and I think he's probably saying I need to go and the baby cuz wherever I'm going the baby can't come. Can't come. >> Okay. So, you have no family in Georgia or anything? >> No. >> Where's your family from? >> Jamaica. I have my mom and two sisters in New York, but we don't we not we don't talk to them. >> So, what was your What was your immediate plan right now? Where you was trying to go? >> I don't know. I was sitting in the park and somebody saw me and they offered to let me stay for a little while and help me out. >> This morning? >> Yes. >> Okay. It was Was it far from here? >> No. >> You can't take the baby cuz you don't have nowhere to go, right? >> No. >> Okay. What do you think need to happen here for the good of the baby? So, you're just going to leave for now until you get together. >> He's a breastfeed. I don't got no formula to give him. >> You just leave We're going to check with him. Are you breastfeeding the baby? >> No. >> Well, this is tough situation. Sorry to hear all this. So, you say he was still here, right? When you When you left the house? >> here when >> Because he asked you to leave. Did he ask you nicely or he like was >> No, he's been telling me since I'm not providing and we don't go shopping on Thursday or Friday. Today we went shopping cuz he said that he make sure I eat. >> How long you guys been together? And this is the first time that he got violent? >> No, it's been It's been bad. >> How old is the baby? 5 months? >> She's about to be 6 months. >> 6. This This is your only child? >> Yes. >> Just stay with the baby and for now until we figure this out, we're just keeping the baby, okay? >> Hi ma'am. How you doing? Officer Martinez is attending you. >> So, tell me what happened, man. >> I went out yesterday. >> All right. >> She's assuming I'm cheating, doing all that arguing and all this stuff, right? Which I'm not. Came back home like 2:30 in the morning. Took a shower and then after that I had to be work at 5:00 in the morning. While I getting ready, she just up and left. Which she didn't leave the house here. I left the house before. >> So, you left the house last or here or she was She left first? >> She left >> I left first. But you said that you got here at 2:00 in the morning. >> Yeah, but while I'm getting ready, she was still in the house. When I put on my clothes, she was getting to go somewhere. We not talking, so I knocked her way. So, that's why on my way to work, I called the police. I said I called 911 and said can I get a police officer at my house cuz I feel like my child is being abandoned. >> How do you How do you knew that? How you >> Cuz she was getting ready to leave. You see she came back with a bag. She was getting ready to leave. >> She told you that you want going leave the house, right? >> No, we had no conversation at all. No conversation. She >> But how do you knew that she was going to leave without a without a name? >> She said that was yesterday in the night. If you don't pick up, I'm leaving the baby here and leaving. So she came back with a whole bag. >> In her phone? >> She got people texting her tickets and all that to get to Hawaii and all that. >> Let me see that again. >> I can't unlock it. >> Okay. >> That's her phone, but she got tickets to go into Hawaii. >> Do you have her cell phone? >> Yeah. What? It fell on the floor outside. So when I was coming in, she was coming at the same time. So I came to I'm like, "What happened? Why you left the child?" Whatever, cuz she called me and said, "Why you calling me?" >> You just found the phone right now? >> No, it was on the floor when you was talking. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> So Mr. Mark, how you doing? >> Good. >> The baby's fine. Good news, baby's fine. You guys are whatever issues How old are you? >> 30. >> 30. She's 20. Whatever issues you guys got going on, you'll have to figure it out, but we need to make sure who's staying with the baby and for the good of the baby, who will think it would be better if >> I don't think that baby I don't think she meant for the situation for that. I think you should involve CPS in that. I ain't got time to do that. I'm facing eviction right now. I'm soon going to be homeless, just so you know. >> So do you want us to get D fact over here? >> Yeah, definitely. It is what it is, cuz regardless, I'm going to be homeless regardless. I'm back back to back homeless. >> Well, she's homeless, too. >> No, she got people want to fly her out. So I appreciate that. >> Does she got Does she got family in Hawaii? >> Well, she got somebody she met online yesterday for a water ticket for today, and she want to go. That's how bad it is. >> Are you going to keep her phone, or you want to >> No, no, no, keep the phone. >> Well, everything's cool with the baby. Your house, everything's good. We got great there. >> It was a while ago. >> Well, we got the call at 6:00 because of the changing shift. I What time I What time you called? >> Like 5:30. >> Yeah, yeah. The morning shift leave at 6:00. That's why they didn't show up. >> All right. >> Appreciate it. So she's going to keep the baby? Yeah. Ma'am, so you understand you're responsible for your baby, right? Or you have something in mind, somebody to call and help you out? So, I don't think it's a good idea to stay here cuz you guys can get along right now. Yeah, that's what you told me. But, he's saying the same thing. Cuz he's about to be evicted from this property. So, he's going to be homeless, too. >> You giving the baby up? >> That's at least that's what he said. I don't know. If y'all don't want the baby, I can let them know so they can take the baby to grade and we can call Leafers and they'll figure it out from there. >> Okay, so can I ask him to see what's up? >> He already told me. >> He wants He wants them to take the baby? >> Mhm. >> To grade? >> Yeah, he he said he said he can't keep the baby cuz he got nowhere to go. >> Okay, can I talk to him? >> Yeah, talk to him. Please. We don't We don't need no We don't need no argument here. >> Uh she wants to talk to you. Uh you want to talk to her? >> About the baby situation. >> Our baby situation, our daughter's situation. >> Okay, so he's going to give the baby up? >> The eviction process is things I mentioned, just to let you know. So, yeah, okay. >> Is you giving the baby up? >> You as a mother would give the baby up. You the baby up. >> I'm asking you where are you at, the parents? Are you willing to give the baby up? >> You the mother, whatever you want to do. So, if you want to give the baby up, we can do that. We can give the baby up. Me personally, I ain't got a job. So, you got to give the baby up. Okay. >> That's what I heard. That's what I heard. >> That's what I heard. Well, when we got We got cleared that you left the house this morning at 4:00 and you left a little later after, right? About 5:00. >> I left the house before her, actually. >> So, >> She left the house last. I left her in the house with the baby. >> And what time you left the house, you said? >> the house like 4:15. >> 4:15? And she was still here? >> Yeah. >> And what time you left the house? >> I don't know what time, but he was here all the time. >> So, you said So, you y'all see somebody is somebody is is changing stories here. >> Yeah, I got to be at work by 5:30. >> And what time you got to work? You clocking at work? >> Yeah, yeah. >> And what time you clocking at work this morning? >> They check the pass. I clock in for 6:00, but I was in the parking lot originally. So, we got to swipe from the parking lot. The parking lot will show my swipe at like 5:15. >> So, she left last? >> Y'all cool with us taking the baby? >> We can We can call D-FACS, social worker. We can We can get you help. You're not stranded here on your own. But >> I'm keeping the baby. >> But can you go go ready with them? Can she do that? >> Got everything you need? >> Cuz yeah, she's pretty much She's pretty much homeless. >> All right. >> And from there I would I guess it would be easier for us to maybe call D-FACS. This is Saturday. You go and take a minute with D-FACS and get there. >> It's all cool. >> Life is going to be tough sometimes. Don't fight it. Fight it. Don't worry about this situation right now. Fight it. Don't leave that little baby alone. Don't leave that baby a chance. All right? God bless you. I'm going to be praying for you, okay? >> All right. >> We can assist with resources and assist on on, you know, helping her out, but because you don't want your child, we're not a drop-off spot. That's That's That's not the way that works. Our guess our decision will probably be based on what y'all decide because at the current time the child has caregiver, but if if charges be pressed >> See See, that's That's what I can't really establish yet because it would require more investigation. I'm stuck here with the baby, so I can't move nowhere. That's why I got the detective coming, so we can get it together. I can give you a call in a few minutes and I'll let you know what what's what's going to happen. >> Yeah, do that because again, just to let you know, and we've had meetings with APD and Fulton County leadership on the process that that D-FACS work, that we can't just come and just take a child. >> So so the resources are if we can find resources that that's something that you guys can help us out with? >> I mean there's there's there's resources. We have a new program that just put in place for rental assistance. You know, we have CAPS to help with daycare. We have food stamp program. I mean there's there's a lot of federal funding, you know, stuff that that's out there. And you know, if she can provide the proper requirements to to get any help. >> Well, let me see what the detective want to do with this and and now and I get back with you and I guess we'll get you a better scenario what we got going on. I make contact with the special victim and they we ready to take the mother in custody here at huge folding. But I also need to take in custody the father. He's at 180 Jackson apartment 3509. Can you help me out and see the you have a available unit to do that 23 for me so I can release cuz I also D FAS won't take care of this child if we don't have if we're not doing charges. We got the mother here. We about to 23 here for reckless abandonment of a child and reckless conduct. So if you make contact with him, it's just tell him that he going to be detained for investigation and just raise me or call me whatever and and we'll 59 you bring it to me and I take care of it that that way I can take both. >> So what's the word? Anybody has spoke to you yet? >> Mhm. He's so cute. >> Have you contacted anybody? >> What's your plan? What you want to do? >> I don't know. >> Things are not going to be pretty if you start behaving like that, okay? I'm telling you he I I I'm not supposed to tell you anything. But I I want to help you. But this all this situation you guys doing, that's wrong. We here to enforce law, all right? Look at that angel. All right? So what's your plan? What you What What you had in mind? Remember, we not here to to to put uh things in your life. We here to help. If you be If you work with us, it's easier for you, not for me. All right, this is my job. I'm going to know everything sooner or later. All right, because we have sources to uh find out everything. So, tell me, are you you planning to go out of state with someone else? >> Before this, before all of this, my parents wanted to leave her with him and just go >> You what? >> Oh, my parents would leave her with him. Get out of my life. I don't care what it is. Just go somewhere. It didn't matter to me. I just wanted to get out and leave her. Keep her. >> So, you want to leave the the girl with him? >> Yes. >> So, you know that he works, right? So, this is where I think we all those here, right? You making a conscious decision. You left, you drive alone today. That's a You made a conscious conscious decision. But, you had a chance not to do it, but you planned it and you you did it. All right, so now, you know that you that this guy does have to go to work. So, what had to pay for the food, right? Is that Is that correct? >> Yes. >> All right. So, you left the child with him knowing that he had to go to work. Are you working right now? >> No. >> Exactly. >> Okay, but listen. Before all of this, I tried to speak to him multiple times. I said, "Honey, can we have a conversation about this?" I said, "Fine, you could go and do whatever." Cuz this is this is what caused the problem, relationship. >> Okay. >> Cheating, whatever. I said to him, "Okay, can we have a civilized conversation? You could cheat and do whatever you want. Just make sure me and your daughter is okay, cuz I'm here taking care of her." He said he's not going to put food in the house, he won't pay the bills. So, what is What else is left for me to do? Cuz I'm telling him I'm willing to cooperate and take care of her, but he can do whatever he wants. That's what I tell him multiple times, and he can tell you that. He didn't want to do that. So, then what am I supposed to do? Okay, what he wanted to do? >> It's like he wanted to have me there and just have me there suffering. He's very spiteful. He would rather be not eating. He stopped paying my bills cuz that's why >> Did you go to anybody for that? Like a lawyer, police, or anything? >> Wait, that's a psychological abuse that you're telling me? >> That's domestic violence. >> Yeah. >> If you've been a victim of that, that's a that's another story, okay? You didn't You didn't mention that before. >> police at times about domestic violence between me and him and >> Did you did Did you spoke to someone? >> Multiple times and they said I don't have no physical I don't have nothing to show. And the fact that he wants and he always wants me at the house and the fact that he wants me at the house and my name is not on the lease and I'm not paying the rent means they can do they say they police always say they can't do nothing. So, all is left for me to do is go. >> We're going to have a nurse to take care of the baby. You need to step out with us cuz we need some more information. You You going to You're going to stay with us. >> Wait, at the station? >> Mhm. >> I'm not allowed I'm not getting arrested. >> You're going to be detained, unfortunately. >> For how long? >> It will be up to the judge. Once we spoke to the judge. Right now, as the investigator are looking at this case, you will be charged for reckless abandonment and reckless conduct. But >> I It wasn't me, though. >> It's both of you. You guys I told you earlier you didn't made a conscious decision. You made a conscious decision doing that. So, that's that's that's what you did today. Go ahead, man. >> Okay. >> She's going to take care of the baby. Uh your baby's going to be the custody is going to be transferred to DACS. >> What is that? >> Uh Department of Family Child Services Protection. >> Is she going to be okay? >> She's going to be She's going to be okay and you're going to be okay, too. >> And you're going to be fine, too. But this this is a this is a process. Listen, this is not just you, Ashanti. >> This is you and and >> I I'm Mark. >> I'm Mark. >> The both of you made a conscious decision. >> It was a mistake. It was a bad decision. So, from now on >> Step out for me. >> Do you have anything illegal on you? Any knives? Do you have any weapons? Turn around. >> This is the time that you got to be a strong. If you believe in something and God is something, pray and be a strong. >> Okay. Mom, do you have any family that you want to reach out to or have DPLAC reach out to in order to get your baby with some family? >> Give your mom a call right now. >> is in New York and she doesn't have a good relation with me. >> With your mom or not? >> She's in the >> So, you would prefer them to put the baby into foster care? Do you have any family that I can get to them? >> Not down here. >> It doesn't matter. They're going to try to get a family. >> Can we call Can we call um Mark? >> No, Mark Mark is going to be another arrest, too. >> No, to tell him to make his cousin. He has a cousin. That's the only family I know. >> We're going to call him later. We We don't want to call him now. All right. Let me open that for you. Hold on. >> I don't I don't want him to see us cuz he might not open the door. He might walk back, go grab and shoot through the door just cuz he he probably know. But, if he see you, he know you can't arrest him. >> What was that for? How you doing? Step out for a minute and talk to you. >> Huh? >> You step out for a minute and talk to you. >> Huh? >> Step out for a minute and talk to All right, boss. We We got to holler at you, man. >> Just step out for a minute. >> What's up? Can you put some clothes on, man? >> Yeah. >> You got no weapons back there, do you? >> No, no, no. >> So, right now you're being detained for reckless endangerment to a child. Uh y'all left the baby here. Go ahead and put your clothes on at the same time, boss. >> Why I'm being detained? >> I just told you, man. What else did he say? He said reckless endangerment to a child. Um and reckless abandonment to a child. >> But, I left before the lady. The lady um The lady would left the house last. >> What lady? >> My lady. >> [clears throat] >> Your lady? >> Yeah. She left the house last. >> Um You left the child was in here by herself. >> You're not getting it. >> I'm No, I'm getting it. You said you left first, and you said she left second. >> Yeah. >> was in here by their self. Did you see the first officer that came? Light-skinned guy? Hispanic? >> Yeah. >> All right. So, we're going to detain you, and we're going to take you to him, and you can talk to him. All right? We've just been instructed to come here >> to take >> detain you, and take you to him. All right? You think you need He probably need two, bro. >> See why >> Yeah. He's big as >> Here. >> Yeah, you probably need two, bro. >> So, you said you had to go to work? >> Yeah. >> So, and you went to work? >> Yeah, I did go to work. >> Well, what happened? Why you not there now? >> Cuz Cuz I was I was the one who called the cops. I called the cops. I called the cops. I feel like my girl abandoned the child in the house cuz I left in the house. Cuz I was already on the way to work. >> Well, why did she >> So, when you left the house, she was here She was there. >> Yeah. Cuz when I woke up >> Can you prove that through your phone? Like, do you got messages with her saying something that's indicating that she's in the house? >> Well, I got messages in my >> Because the way it's sounding is like both of y'all just left, and the baby was there. >> No. But, I got messages in my phone saying she going to leave the baby in the house, though. >> After you were at work? >> No, that was like before when I came back. Like, right before I came back. I was coming in. She literally came back with a whole suitcase to the cops. She had a whole suitcase packed up. >> All right, bro. I'm going to kick it to you right there, bro. I'm going to be I'm going to keep it a bean with you. And this is documented. I don't agree with what's about to happen, but judges are pretty fair. So, when you get in the court, just tell your story, explain it, and you should be fine. Sometimes, investigator cuz this is all up to the investigators with special victims. >> Yeah, this ain't us. This ain't >> This ain't us. Cuz if it was up to me, I would let you go. And I would get your phone. I would have you show me text messages to prove it, and then I would go talk to her. I'd interview her. I'd interview you. I'd look at all the evidence. >> So, I'm the one only being detained? >> No. She She going, too. >> She going to be detained? >> But, bro, you you going to have to fight your ass off in court so you can have your child, bro, cuz you the only one with a job. And the way that the way the supervisors are kicking it, they saying that Huh? >> When is that court thing? >> Uh you going to figure it out when you get down there. >> I don't I don't know, bro. >> All right, bro. >> Following the investigation, both parents were arrested and charged with abandonment of a dependent and reckless conduct.