Why can't you JUST [ __ ] BURY ME? >> [laughter] >> THIS SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED. I called DCF 4 years ago. >> And the medical examiner said there was bruising on her chest that looks like it's your knuckles. >> In February, Marion County deputies rushed to a home after receiving a frantic call about an injured child. Inside, five children under 10 were in the care of their mother's new boyfriend, Jerone Coombes. But as deputies secured the scene, they quickly uncovered a nightmare hidden behind closed doors. >> I think that guy was trying to leave because of that car he just got in, but apparently he's the one who slammed her down on the bed and killed her. >> Which car is it? >> Uh the black one. >> And he's in the vehicle now? >> He just That's the one he just got in. >> going to say it, I'm going to say it. That black [ __ ] over there is the one that hurt that child. >> Okay. And he's he's in the black car right now? >> Oh yeah. >> So I just got here and apparently some This guy in the vehicle I'm behind right now, he pretty much killed the child. So I just got on the scene and apparently the mother I guess the mother says there's a black male in this car right in front of me that apparently took the child and pretty much killed him. Yeah. Ma'am. Ma'am. >> Yes. >> Is this the gentleman right here? >> Mhm. >> All right, so for right now, I'm just going to detain you, okay? Do you have any weapons on you? Anything that's going to stick or poke me? Again, you're not under arrest right now. He's just detained. Go ahead and face my car for me, boss. So you have nothing on you that's going to stick or poke you? >> My phone. >> Okay. Nothing on you, waste band? >> These kids are skin and bones. And they're not uh not supposed to be like that. >> Okay, ma'am, if you just hang out over there for a quick Go take a seat for me. I got it for you. Just sit. Ma'am? Ma'am? >> Yes, am I able to talk to him? >> No, he's got to wait. >> Yes, until more deputies arrive, then we'll get to that, okay? Ma'am? >> Yes. >> Are you able to hang up right now and stop talking? >> Yes, I need to uh get off of here. >> So, what what happened? >> Okay, um this is my place. I'm letting my niece stay here. Okay? >> Is this your niece right here? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> I had custody of and the baby and I gave them back to her 2 months ago because she couldn't care for them. Okay, she had gotten out of a abusive relationship with the baby daddy and I took them in because it was she has five kids or four kids altogether and she couldn't deal with them all. Well, leading up to this, she moved met a new guy, this man right here, and he brought his son to live here, which I wasn't too happy about. She was working and he was watching the kids, okay? autistic, okay? She needs a lot of support, the one that's in the ambulance. I know, I had her. She was supposed to have been seeking uh help, you know, through counseling and stuff because she's really bad ADHD and autistic. They have not done that, okay? >> The woman [snorts] speaking with the deputy is the property owner and the children's aunt. She explains that the mother, Jennifer, recently moved in with her new boyfriend, Jerome Coons. The aunt had previously held custody of the children to keep them off the streets, creating a highly tense dynamic as she suspected Coons was dangerously controlling, refusing to let anyone near the kids. >> I was I used I was coming over cuz I was fixing on the trailer. A week We've been here a week. And I was like, "How are you keeping them so quiet?" >> just give me one sec. I'm going to Is anybody else in the house? Which house was it? This one? >> Just the Just the boy. >> Okay. I I I'm going to need everybody out. >> And um >> All right, just give me one sec. All right, I got to >> Hi. >> Ma'am. I need I need everybody out for right now. Is there anybody else inside? >> No, he was grabbing his shoes. >> Okay. >> [laughter] >> I can't even go in my house. >> Ma'am, did >> You're going to be >> Did medics already check them out? Not too bad. How are you? >> What? So, apparently the guy I have detained killed the the single 44. >> Okay. >> So, as that's right now, I just have him detained outside the house. I guess the girlfriend is losing her mind right now, so >> Okay. Uh we got everyone Guys, I got everybody and the brothers on the way. >> Okay. >> Guys, if it's possible, could I get you guys to pull the van just on the other side of this pole for me? I'm going to go ahead and lock down. >> Can I pull my car out, too? >> Is that yours? Was that related to him at all? >> No. >> Okay. You Uh actually Actually, hold on until we can get that released, if that's okay. >> Yeah, I had just got home. >> Okay. Uh Just let let us clear it first. Thank you, sir. Hey, Bossy. Do you have your ID on you? >> Always in the last place you expect it. >> [laughter] >> And I dressed as all kind of familiar to them. >> And who are you to >> I own the places and she is her my wife and her mom have been best friends since they were kids. So that's >> Yeah. >> And so it's like family basically but not literally, you know what I'm saying? >> Okay. And then the the black male with the kid, who was that? >> The only thing I know is his name. >> All right, is that like her boyfriend? >> Yeah. >> Uh do you have your ID on you by any chance? >> You need to get in your seat belt, baby. >> And are you willing to fill out a written statement? >> Yes. >> Ma'am, was anybody else here? >> Just the man and the children. And the children's who came to me and told me. >> And what did they say? >> They said the oldest one said that he was punching her in the chest in her playpen. And I do believe that because like I said, me and my husband's been here for two to three weeks fixing on the place. And like I said, I had custody of the one that's I don't know if she's past or not and then the baby. And I just recently gave them back to the mother because I gave her a place to live. She didn't have a place to live. So I'm trying to give, you know, her an opportunity to be a mother. >> So >> of kids. >> All three of them saw >> Yes. >> him punching him? Okay. >> And um they're literally skin and bones. When I dropped these two children off, they were hefty. I have doctor's records to prove it. I took them to the doctor. They hadn't been to the doctor forever. This baby hadn't had her formula since she was 6 months old. They're still in my name actually and I got this lady over here notary signing papers up to put them back into my care and she's going to sign off on it so that way I know what's happening with these kids. >> Okay. Give me one second. Give me a The three of our so apparently the three signal 44s saw >> Where is our fourth? Where are the kids? >> in the back of the car. >> Okay. >> They saw black male of the team punch the signal 44 three times in the chest. >> Is this one of the kids too or no? >> Uh I think it's just the three in the car. >> So all three are in the car. Okay. >> She said all three in the car were all the ones that were inside. >> Okay. And this is on? >> Yes. >> She knows not to talk to the kids? >> Not yet. Well, she hasn't talked. She's just been putting them in car seats and stuff like that. >> Understood, but they need to stay on scene for a minute. >> With Coombes detained in the patrol car, deputies face a heartbreaking task. Three of the older children who had been locked inside the home are now sitting in a nearby vehicle. They are the sole witnesses to what happened to their three-year-old sister, Paisley. Deputies must carefully secure the area to ensure the child's memories aren't influenced before specialized child advocates arrive. >> It's a boy. All right, ma'am. Just for right now, if you don't mind, also don't talk to the kids just cuz we have [music] we have detectives coming out here. >> Oh, okay. Yeah, I know. >> talk to them. But if you you can just continue to talk I'm ready to see what >> you want me to finish what I was telling you? >> Uh we're going to clear the house. My sergeant will probably talk to you and same with the detectives who will be out here. >> Okay. All right. Hi. I'm Sergeant Batts. Okay? Your mom? Mom? >> Yeah. Oh, yeah. The baby. Yes. I I I'm >> You're okay. Don't don't apologize about anything. Um we're trying to figure out exactly what's happening, okay? I ask that we try not to talk too much about the incident, okay? Um just until we can, you know, make sure everything's happened. >> I'll tell you one of my really close friends is coming here. She doesn't want me by myself. >> I'm okay with that. >> Um and my car is now part of the crime scene. >> I understand. I understand. I'm asking you and I'm asking you as well, if you don't mind, at least the kids need to stay on scene just for now until we figure out exactly what's happening, and then we'll get um you know, them somewhere comfortable and um more appropriate, okay? >> Okay. >> This is the baby in the backseat. If you go Yeah. I had to get child safety locks cuz she's autistic. That's the baby in the ambulance, and she didn't look like that. She was skin and bones. That dude wouldn't even let me see that kid when coming over here. >> The guy had the twins? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I wasn't allowed to even see both of them. >> has she been in I guess for like >> 2 months. I had him for like 4 or 5 months, at which I'm fixing to get them back because this is bizarre. I had them in school, everything, you know? That was before they went to school. >> Okay, if you can, just continue filling out that, okay? >> Yeah, thanks. >> Should I try to get in contact with DCF and have them do an immediate response? >> What did she say? What did she show in the pictures of? >> How they used to look and how they are now. >> Wait, like they used to look when >> they were in possession, when she was in possession of the single 44s, they were healthy. >> How long ago did she have them? >> Uh it was about she said I think 4 or 5 months ago, and then now they're kind of like scrawny and >> Okay. >> I'll again follow up with DCF right now, see if they can do an immediate response. >> Thank you. First name? >> Uh Jennifer. >> Ms. Jennifer. Ms. Jennifer. Look at me. What just happened? >> I just got the phone with the hospital. They told me that they're going to get the No pulse on my baby. My baby. >> [crying] >> Take a breath for a second, okay? Breathe in. >> [gasps] [laughter] >> Take a breath. know. >> I don't know and I can't imagine. >> Breathe for me. >> She was just like me. >> Yeah. >> She's my twin. >> I'm so sorry. >> Can I show you a picture of her? >> I'd love that. >> [crying] [laughter] >> Oh, she's beautiful. She's beautiful. You have your Who's coming? Your sister? >> My best friend. My best friend. >> How far out is she? >> She's like an hour away. >> Hour? Okay. Is there someone else I can call for you? >> My mom and my grandma is heading down here. They left in Georgia. >> Okay. Okay. And your friend is like an hour out. Okay. We'll be careful for them. >> I love you much cuz she couldn't say so. >> Okay. >> So, she'd be like, "I love you much, Mommy." >> Yeah. >> I love you much. >> Why couldn't she say a lot? >> She couldn't say so. >> So, okay. Okay. >> So, she'd just be like, "I love you much." I'd be like, "I love you, baby." She'd go, "I love you much." >> Yeah. Any medical conditions or anything? Or Okay. She just couldn't say the word. >> Yeah. I haven't been home much cuz I've been working and trying to get the car right. >> Okay. >> I work at the Five Star right up there. >> Understood. >> Um I'm on felony probation, so I paid it off. >> Yeah. >> Well, most of it. I only owe like $200. And uh I was like, man, I don't I don't do anything for myself. I don't get anything or anything. I'm always doing for everybody else. I was like, man, screw I'm going to go get my nails done. >> Oh, your nails? Okay. Was that today? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Well, we're going to figure this out, okay? You're going to have a lot of people in and out right now, okay? Unfortunately, I can't let anybody in the house to include the kids and stuff, okay? Well, we're here if you need something, okay? Um we'll try to >> There's nothing that you can do for me. >> No, not at all. 100% 100% I I I wouldn't even dare to say that I could do anything for you at this moment, okay? >> I I I just want to know what happened to my baby. >> And that's why we're here and we want the same thing, okay? We want to give you answers. >> Even even if I find out what happened to her, it's not going to bring her back. >> No. No. I'm not going to leave the scene. So, if you need anything, I'm here, okay? My deputies are here. There's going to be a lot of other people that come, but I can be your contact. So, if you need anything, call me over, yell for me, it doesn't matter, okay? Um but we'll stay here through everything. >> [snorts] >> Okay? And I'll get your kids out of here as soon as possible. Um cuz I know they're probably not the most comfortable, okay? >> So, the child that was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead was parent- I think diagnosed with autism. And yes, and the medical examiner said there was bruising on her chest that looks like it's here on the knuckles. So, I guess the boyfriend that punched the child in the chest called the girlfriend, the mom, says, "Hey, this is what happened." And then that's when they called 911. So, from what I was told, um when the child was unconscious, the the black male that was there didn't not attempt CPR or anything like that until paramedics got on scene and that's when they attempted to do CPR. >> At this point, deputies step away to discuss deeply disturbing updates from the hospital and the medical examiner. The deputies confirm that 3-year-old Paisley has tragically passed away. And the severe, unspeakable injuries discovered by the medical staff directly match the horrifying given by her older siblings just moments prior. >> Yes, sir. >> I just got off the phone with Brad, and so apparently they said that she was also signal 37. >> Okay. >> To the anus and the vaginal area. Um looks like her legs were tied and there is multiple bruise marks to her chest. [music] So, correlates with what the signal 44 was saying. >> Did you um tell that to Lieutenant Curtis? >> Not yet. I'm still >> That's fine. Oh, and I was trying to see if I could call someone, too. So, give me a second once I finish answering my own calls. I'm sorry to have to keep talking to you. >> No, it's okay. >> Can we confirm the child's date of birth? >> It's February the 7th of 2023. >> Okay. >> Should have never gave these kids back to her. >> How long have they been back? >> Since the beginning of November, and I should not have done it, but I let her come and move into my house, gave her a car. >> You can't know what's going to happen. >> I I know, but I didn't want that boyfriend to move in. Which is his dad. I'm trying not to be too loud. >> okay. >> Because he would not let me see the kids every time I came We were coming over to work on this place again, cuz we had been doing stuff because I told her, "I got a place that's not ready. But it'll get you and the kids off the the street, you know?" And we've been working on it since she's been here. And I didn't want the two oldest ones I had custody of the other two, and she had the other two cuz >> Mom has younger two? >> I have the younger two. Paisley >> Okay. >> She had the older two, and I let her come and move in while we worked on things, and I've been working out with her, you know, on rent and stuff like that. And then she got repoed, and I let her >> Okay. >> do the car thing. I gave her a car to make payments on. >> Okay. >> And brought I I of course I brought the girls back here to be with her because >> Yeah, yes, in November to be with their mother, you know? >> Let me I don't want to cut you off, but let me speak with this detective so we can get things rolling. Most likely what's going to happen Have you ever heard of Kimberly Center? >> Yes. Kimberly College, yeah. >> yep. Most likely the kids are going to need to be interviewed, but I'll leave that up to the detective. I just want to let you know what's probably coming down. Um >> Yeah, um >> So. >> I know that I am They're going to be go They're not staying here. They're going to be going out to Placo with me. >> Okay, and they have that address, the deputies? >> They're going to be putting it on her right >> Yeah. >> Perfect. Okay. Okay. I just want to make sure we know where everyone's going. Let me speak with her um and we'll get right back with you guys, okay? >> I can't be here. >> Under- Understood. Okay, let me speak with this detective, okay? And then we'll get a game plan together and kind of let you guys know exactly what's going to happen, okay? >> All right, so >> Yes. >> I've got to let you know I'm like mental breakdown. I'm very close to some of you here. So, screaming >> Your friend's on the way, ma'am? Okay. >> She's uh >> We have crisis intervention, too, which um >> She's 29 minutes >> Okay, we have crisis intervention on her way, too, okay? Um there's someone I can talk to you on this to get that person >> recover from this? >> You hold your other babies close and >> It's hard. >> Hold tight to what's important, okay? >> My kids ARE SUPPOSED TO [ __ ] BABY. >> NO. RAISING HELL ain't ain't going to solve nothing. >> It's emotions. You can let them out, okay? It's not going to bother us, but just be mindful of the other kids, okay? >> She knew her letters. She knew her numbers. >> She's smart. >> She looked smart, full of energy. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Anybody Jasmine when she gets here, she'll tell you. >> Okay. >> She'll tell you she's not Paisley a couple times. Everybody I've called and I've talked to and all my close friends that I can call and trust to tell them this information, they That's not Paisley. This something happened. What happened to her? >> And that's what we're here to figure out. We want answers. I know you want them, probably more than we do, but Yeah. I understand emotions are high. They don't understand, okay? Kids don't understand, okay? We're going to get someone here for you to talk to cuz I can sit you're going to talk till I'm blue in the face and I don't understand what you're going through, okay? And I'm not going to pretend I do. I can tell you you can vent, you can scream at me, it's not going to bother me, okay? If you have those emotions, let them out. The detectives are going to want to speak with you, okay? We're going to speak with the kids and we'll get this all handled, okay? >> I'm I can stand up. Do you mind if we talk for a little bit? Are you okay? >> She is She has a friend coming. >> I I don't I don't expect you to be okay. >> I don't know. Where's my baby? Can I show you a picture of my baby? >> Mhm? Mhm. Good night, love. That's uncle. That's uncle of hers, so great uncles. >> that. >> In the van. This is um his son. So. And then the other three are in the car. >> Here's that picture and then I I had just cut her bangs. She asked if I cut her own bangs myself because >> Because I don't have the guts to do it. >> They turned out so good. >> They did turn out. >> Oh my god. Look at her smile. I don't know where it all comes from. I I I don't I don't know. I don't know. >> We're going to give you resources before we leave, too, okay? >> if we sit down and just like have a little conversation and we kind of just go over, you know, everything? You good with that? You want to sit in my car? >> We got the kids out here, okay? >> You're not taking my babies, right? >> I'm not taking anybody. I'm just going to talk to you, okay? And we're going to We're going to try to figure out how we got here, okay? >> Okay. >> All right, come on. >> This is Jasmine, the one I was telling you about. Did she Did she work over there with me now? The one I was talking to, Santia Santina or whatever her name was? >> Santana? >> Yeah. >> Thank you for being here. >> Of course. >> Obviously, just no one goes in the tape, um but we got you kids some Gatorade, some chips and stuff, so they're all set, okay? >> As the mother waits for the crisis intervention team, the weight of the tragedy begins to ripple through the community. An extended family member arrives at the crime scene perimeter, overcome with grief and severe anger over what she claims is a history of systemic failures. Her arrival pushes an already devastating scene to its [music] absolute breaking point. >> No. >> No. >> No? >> No. No one's here. Sheriff's office here, and we're the only people that's allowed to be here. Okay? >> She's at the police department? >> Yes, for your involvement. >> That's my niece that was murdered. She Hold on a second. This This should have never happened. I called DCF 4 years ago. 4 years ago when they when they brutally beat that baby. They brutally beat that baby. They should have never >> I just don't want you on the 6:00 news, okay? What's your name, hon? >> I'm a >> Okay. >> That is my brother. This should have never happened. I called DCF 4 years ago, and I told them when they took those kids away that if they give those kids back that that baby was going to end up dead. Ironically, it wasn't even the baby I thought. Like, if they give those kids back, they're all going to end up dead. Like, they're going to die. She's a terrible [ __ ] mother. Like, She's dead? She's dead? >> I can't give you a lot of information. It's active, okay? You want to grab your phone? Grab your phone, come back over here. So, I'm not at liberty to give you information, okay? >> she's dead. She's She's dead, isn't she? >> I can't I can't give you information, okay? >> tell by your face that she's dead. >> No, I'm just telling you I can't give you any information. I don't even know who she is. There's so many people that live here. I'm just going to tell you that I can't give out information, okay? There's a detective that's assigned. There's nobody at the house. I can't give you information, okay? And I know that's frustrating, and I especially, you know, there's news here. We can't give out information, okay? There's detectives that are assigned to this incident right now, okay? I can take your information and give it to you. >> I can give them all the information that they could not give back to this girl. >> 100% 100% DCF's here, detectives are here, so I don't have the babies. I'm sure you can't tell me that either. >> Everybody, yes. Okay. >> Just those babies need to get taken away from her, ma'am. >> Okay. What's your >> Stephanie. >> I saw I I know I haven't spoken with him, but I saw a call for service, so I'm going to make sure. >> I have him at my house. He stole my husband's bike. >> Okay. Do you have a phone number for him by chance? >> Um my number in about 20 minutes when I get back home. >> No problem. I can give you the number where where he is now. You want to You want that number? >> Yeah. >> Just anything to be able to get a hold of him for. >> his ex-wife. >> Okay. >> That's who he's with, though. >> What's her name? Okay. >> I don't know her name. >> That's fine. Just so that we know who we're talking to. Okay. I will pass that along, so detectives is um going to be working this entire thing. Obviously, it's new. We're here. They're running in a million different directions. We're running in a million different directions, but I will give this to her. I can't promise you she's going to call right this second because they are trying to do a thousand things. Um but they definitely want that information. I promise you. >> really don't. I really hope those kids aren't with her. Because they'll just be another kid >> Mhm. >> lost to her hands. >> Mhm. Well, the kids are with us, I can tell you that, so they're safe. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, um you know, we're involved. DCFS involved. Everyone's going to make sure that that these kids are safe, okay? >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Have a good day. >> Okay. No problem. And this is a dead end. I don't know if you've been here, so you'll have to Okay. >> I got it off of Facebook. >> Oh, that's great. Okay. So, it's a dead end, so you're going to have to um turn around. I'll have these gentlemen move, and then um someone will reach out, okay? No problem. >> they call me. >> I will. Trust me. We We want that information. I promise you. >> I got so much of it. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, of course. >> All right, man. Sir. Thank you, sir. >> Mhm. >> Right through here. Perfect. Drop them. >> The sheer heartbreak captured on this body cam footage is something that stays with you. Following this horrific incident, 32-year-old Jerome Coons was arrested and removed from the home, but the pursuit of justice was only just beginning. Coons has been charged with first-degree murder alongside charges of capital battery for the unspeakable acts committed against 3-year-old Paisley. Because of the extreme severity of these crimes, the state attorney's office of the 5th Judicial Circuit has officially filed notices seeking the ultimate penalty, the death penalty. Coons has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody on a no bond status at the Marion County Detention Facility, but he's not the only one facing consequences. [music] Paisley's mother, Jennifer, who was running errands and getting her nails done while Coons was left as the primary caretaker, is also facing charges of aggravated manslaughter. The surviving children, who were found in severely neglected conditions, were immediately taken into the care of the Department of Children and Families. As we heard from the frustrated family members on the scene, these are lingering, painful questions about whether the system failed these children years before this fatal day. We're going to keep a close eye on this trial as the [music] state seeks justice for Paisley. Please hold your loved ones close today and let us know your thoughts on this tragic case in the comments below. Thanks for watching, Police Watch.