Today you will witness two horrifying worlds of children in the US from a trash fil in West Virginia. >> Oh Jesus. >> Okay. >> Oh, >> those dark spots are cockroaches. >> I see how bad it is. Just leave the door. Just leave the door open. >> Vaccinations. We don't believe in >> to the fear of having to run away from their own mother in Florida. >> She gone again. >> She can lock in your room. >> Yes. >> Hi baby. >> The kids are open. >> Hi baby. >> Don't scream. >> Mommy and daddy get food but they don't give it to us. Two different cases, but the same outcome. Child, where parents pay the high price for their irresponsibility. West Virginia shows that even in the 21st century, some families see filth as a way of life, and children can grow up in trash, insects, and uncontrolled pets. What you need to do is tomorrow to call animal control yourself and get rid of all your dogs. On May 24th, 2023, Harrison County police received a call reporting children living in a filthy, insectinfested, and hazardous environment. They immediately went to knock on a house door where a man and a woman answered. Strangely, the two appeared extremely wary, refusing to let the officers inside. >> Sheriff's office. >> Oh, there we go. >> How's it going? >> Don't get excited and close the door. >> Are you Robert? >> Are you Robert? >> Yeah. >> We're with Child Detective Services. Um, my name is Jordan. This is Kristen. Law enforcement's here for our own protection and and and for your protection as well. So, the reason that we're here is we had to receive um a complaint about the conditions of your home and for the safety of your daughter about some unsanitary living conditions. Is your daughter here tonight? >> Yeah. >> Okay. What's your daughter's name? Is ISIS? Is that right? Is ISIS? Okay. Is Tiffany Bailey home as well? Okay. You >> want me to get her? Well, we're she's going to need to come out and speak with us as well, but we're also going to need to see the inside of your residence tonight as well because the complaint is pretty serious. Some cockroaches inside. There's some >> trash burn bombed. Yeah. >> Bombed. Okay. But before we can, you know, um leave tonight, we're going to have to see and walk through to make sure that the conditions are safe for ISIS to remain. >> If it wasn't safe that you decided it wasn't, then what? >> Then we would need to make appropriate arrangements for your daughter. And that could include family members or friends and we can discuss that. But we need to evaluate the safety of your dog. Okay. Can you grab Tiffany right now? How many dogs do you have inside the residence? >> I see how bad it is. Just leave the Just leave the door open. Leap. Listen. >> I see what it is. I'm not letting you close the door. >> That's fine. We can look in. I just don't >> I know. I'm not letting it close. >> Let the dogs out. >> The dogs. Go ahead and yell for >> Go ahead and get the dogs. >> All right. Help me. >> Are you Tiffany? >> I'm this is my truck. We're with Dr. Security. Law enforcement is here with us this evening for all protection as well. He's putting on the door. >> I've seen too much. >> Okay. Because your daughter is living here in the conditions and we can see inside the residence. >> I know it's >> all right. You know, we're obviously going to walk through. We're going to take some pictures, you know, and we obviously just from seeing inside the residence, we're going to have to make some alternative measures for where your daughter can stay. Where is your father or mother? >> What are their names? >> Yeah, cuz we need to get that. And if they you can call them. We need to call our supervisor and do like a CPS check really quick. You know, if they've ever had any criminal history, have they ever had any um protective services, any open cases or anything? Okay. Has there been forever? >> Like many years. >> Has ISIS Does she have a relationship or with them? Okay. Has she been down there? >> We need to go in there. But it would be great if ISIS you go get heris. >> Yeah. Can you go grab ISIS for us? He's messing around looking. >> Can you go get ISIS for us right now? >> He's not. Can you go get her? >> Can you go get her? >> Little Isis was taken outside in a state of panic. scared. I'm >> scared. >> You're fine. You're okay. >> Hi. >> Hi. I'm Jordan. >> Come over here with your mom. >> You can stay with her. >> Come with me. >> Mom's coming with you. >> Baby, you're coming with me. >> Hello. >> Here. Just come with me, baby. >> Want me to come over to you? >> Here. We'll come down. >> It's all right. You're okay. >> Calm down. >> This is my friend Kristen. >> You're going to go down with Peppa and Mama for the night. >> Papa and Mama? >> Yeah. >> What do you do with Papa and Mama? >> This is the mean dog. >> What is it? >> I'm not a mean dog. >> Okay. We'll do my mama so that daddy and mama work from the house. >> But it's going to take forever. >> Get out. >> All right. We do need um a phone number for Clara. And >> can you please call your mom and dad? >> Yeah. >> Do you want to just go ahead and have them start this way to get her? >> Call your mom and dad. >> Hey Isis, can you tell me how old you are? >> A couple people. >> You're eight. That's pretty cool. Can you tell me um what you've been doing this year? Have you been >> your home school? Correct. Yeah, I'll text it to you. >> That's it. All right. >> What have you been doing? >> Bring mom to her. Hurry up. >> Dogs. >> You have dogs? Tell me about your dogs. What are your dogs names? >> Tell the dog. >> I have a brown dog. >> You have a brown dog. >> His name's Snickers. >> Snickers. >> I used to have a dog named Snickers, too. >> The mother realizing the purpose of the police and CPS visit kept explaining the reasons for the house's filthy condition. We can tell them what happened. What happened with this house? I'll explain to her. >> It's okay. I'm just trying to calm her down cuz she's really scared. I'd rather not talk about the house. We're going to have a conversation about the house once she's cal. >> I know. I just want to explain to you how it started. I got really sick and I was in the hospital. I died and I ended up not being able to walk for a long time and he got really caught up with taking care of me and the house got let go for a very long time because of that. That's so that's what how it all started and how it all happened. >> How long ago was that? In 2021, I could pulse my legs and couldn't walk until clear in the middle of 2022 and all that and I had to go to like five million doctor's appointments. Took a very long time to get healthy again and all that happened. >> So, how long? >> She died for 6 minutes with a coma for >> So, how long have you been well? >> I've just started cut my legs and walking back again towards the end of 2022. Everything just started getting back to normal again and I just started getting back to work and all that. So, >> where do you work at? >> I just got a job and I'm in the middle of working right now. I just had to jump off the computer and run back out here. >> You work? >> Oh, no. >> But that only exposed a series of even more serious child care issues from schooling, health checkups, and vaccinations to basic necessities. Everything had been. >> So, you weren't able to keep up with the homework. >> It was very messed me up watching her go through that. I already have anxiety issues watching her die. Thought I was going to lose her by the time that she was able to feel that I felt like she was going to make it. You think that's the moment you'd be able to take a breath? That's when >> physiological response happened. Like it was all ped down and I had constant point to where I had to have ambulance come down here cuz I thought I was having >> Does she have to use the restroom? >> That's how bad my >> Did you have to go bathroom? >> You have to use bathroom maybe. >> You have to use bathroom. >> Do you guys have what utilities do you guys have here? >> Got water, electricity water, electric garbage and all our utilities are gone. >> Okay. When's one of the last times you bathed? >> That I bathe. >> She just bathed the other day. >> Yeah. >> She bathed regularly. >> Does she have to use the bathroom? >> Yeah. >> Is there a reason that she's doing that? >> She don't like those shorts. >> Yeah, she doesn't like the shorts. She hates >> She hates clothes. >> Like we have a hard time keeping clothes on. >> What? >> I don't like hair. >> Yeah, she doesn't like clothes. >> Where she goes? >> She We homeschool. We do a program once a month. >> What program you guys use? >> I need my phone cuz I can't remember it. My phone was on the desk in my walkway. >> Why do we need to clean the house? >> Because we have to. >> Yeah. You'll come back after I get the house. >> Does she have clothes down at her my mom and papa's house? >> Yeah, they keep house dirty. >> No, it's not. And if it's not clean or whatever else. >> Does that make sense what the ladies are telling you? >> You guys understand that? If the house >> if we get down to Cambria and it's a mess, >> then she can't stay there. So, just be honest before we go down there. >> I don't know what they're like. I haven't been down there. >> We'll ask them whenever they get here >> because she also has her parent her dad too. >> Who's her dad? >> My dad. Yeah, probably his house conditions. >> Oh, this house is excellent. >> Okay. Does he ever had any CPS history? >> No. >> Who does she have a good relationship with? >> His parents. >> Do you know if they're on their way out here? >> Yeah. >> Who does she see for a pediatrician? >> Pediatrician is um Dr. Herman. >> Was she up to date? Are you talking about >> Is she up to date on visits? >> Yes, cuz well vaccinations we don't do. >> Okay. When was the last time she had a doctor's visit? >> Doctor's visits. >> Ma'am, would you be respectful to the ladies and like not focus on your phone and trying >> I'm trying to find the homeschooling program. >> Okay, we can worry about this. >> I'm sorry. I just wanted to get the homeschooling information. When was her last doctor's appointment? Do you remember the last date for the last doctor visit? Cuz I do not remember. >> Was it like a wellchild or was it because she was sick or what? The last doctor's vis she went to a sip was at our doctor in um community care which was when >> that was last time she was sick was last year last year cuz she doesn't get sick all the time. >> She doesn't go to yearly wellch child checks with her pediatrician. >> No. >> Is there a particular reason other I mean I know you say you don't believe in vaccinations but there's other purposes for the wellchild check. >> She goes to up to my doctor Randy >> Brandy and communicate. >> Okay. Does she see her regularly? just done >> whenever she has an issue. >> So she she doesn't go yearly like children are supposed to for child >> check my immune system. >> I understand but children are supposed to go yearly for wellchild checks. That's what I was asking. >> Faced with this reality, the police and CPS had to find a safer place for the children. >> All right. >> Can you call them back and see where they're at? >> How are you guys getting like groceries and that sort of thing? >> His dad. >> They're bringing them in. I order them online >> or I go to the grocery store. >> It's a car seat. Put it in anywhere without >> So you guys not have transportation? >> I don't drive. So you guys don't go anywhere. >> I don't want to go into stuff here. That's what I'm trying to do. Oh, that's fine. >> Do you guys receive benefits with the state here? >> Which kind of benefits? >> Like do you guys receive um like food stamps? >> He gets food stamps. I get myself a medical card through SSI. >> So, do your parents come here? >> Do they come inside your house? >> No. >> They I just beat about that here. >> Do they ever question as to why that you don't want them in your house? >> No. His dad comes in, but he'll drive outside. >> Your dad When's the last time your dad was in the house? I don't even know cuz I always know rough estimate. A month ago, a year ago, >> a month or two >> and he doesn't have a problem with the housing conditions. >> He just doesn't say nothing to me if he does. >> Cuz that's a little concern that your parents are coming here and seeing how their do granddaughter is living and not doing anything about it. >> You know for sure their house is clean before they go down there and check. >> So you need to ask each >> I'm not going to ask. They have to inspect. Yeah, I'll ask. >> I can call my dad if you want me to call my dad. >> Does he come here? >> Just call your dad. >> No, my dad's not Doesn't My dad doesn't come here. >> Just call your dad. >> But she doesn't really know my dad. She'll freak out. >> But if those conditions I'm not because if we go to their house and it's not she won't be staying there is what I'm telling you guys. >> She does have something to play with. >> Let's do that. >> We need clean first. >> But we need safety, well-being, mental health, safe safety of your child. >> Single. They can't do it. >> Why? >> We'll get you though. You just have to do something overnight. Yeah. Sorry to play with it. My dad's house. Branson's here. >> Woman's last time. She was at your dad's house. >> It's been a long time. >> What's a long time? >> A long time. >> We talked 6 months. We thought you probably How many years? >> I can't remember how old she was last time. >> Was Albert even going to entertain the situation? >> Oh, yeah. He loves his granddaughter. >> Can we call him? >> I'll call him. Dad, I have a favor. Can um Isis come and stay with you tonight? You feel like to him, you can put him on speaker phone. >> I know, but um CPS is here. >> Can you be transparent with him and tell him it could be a lot longer? >> Cuz it's not going to just be overnight. >> Realizing the severity, the two immediately made promises. But could those promises be trusted? >> Then she offered you a conversation with that when we were talking about cuz I'm not going to upset her. >> The family members that are coming from >> you were still pick my daughter for for a long time. >> My house. >> I think you're going to have bigger problems than us. We have officers here >> over a dirty house. >> Dirty >> I mean I can my house will be cleaned overnight. >> But it's not necessarily a dirty house is a health risk. It's it's to the point where it's probably criminal. I >> promise you it will not be >> but it's not the fact of what it will be. It's the fact of what it is current. And it's it's let me finish please. It's 100% child. That's all there is to it. There's no reason for this. I understand she was sick. I understand you have some mental literally. >> I understand that. But she's been well for a while. >> She even all the way better. She came to stand up for more than maybe she's quiet. Listen. Just listen to her. But I'm just I'm trying to understand why she's not well. Why can't you still clean your house? >> Hey, ma'am. What kind of car are they driving? >> What kind of car would they drive? >> What causes you to not be able to pick up? >> The ones I guess were that were called first. Have you thought about reaching out to her parents to say allowing your child to live in this? >> Yeah. >> Do you have underwear or something that you could he could go in and get for her to put on? >> She had I don't know what she did with >> some shoes. Underwear, baby. >> It's in the red couch. >> On the red couch. On the red couch. >> How come she doesn't have underwear? >> Because unless she just threw a short naked when we got here. >> I I was in my work room. I have no idea. What are your work hours? >> I was working today from 1:00 to 9:45 and then my I set my production hours on Friday. I start at 4:15 p.m. and work till 12:15 a.m. and I'm off on Mondays and Tuesdays. >> No, I am >> You say triple is that your roadside service technically? >> Yeah. >> That's No, that's not >> Can I have my granddaughter? So, here's what we're going to do. Ma'am, let's have a conversation. I don't want to talk in front of your shot of >> When was when was the last time she saw Albert? So, honestly, it's been a long time. >> It was before she died. >> My couple years. >> Yeah, it's my my over at least over two years. >> Very strange relationship. >> I want to stay home to get these people. They can be so close. Please, please. >> We should have somebody to play with Albert's house. >> He's got a little boy there. >> My friend, >> he's never like me. Kind of makes a string between them two. >> His name's Branson. >> I never disrespect the man, though. Yeah, it's her father, but I never yelled at him or cussed him or anything like that. >> At the same time, the grandparents arrived and gave more information to the police. >> Are you Albert? >> Yeah. >> Hello. >> How are you? >> I'm good. >> I'm Jordan. I talked to you on the phone. >> I'm Kristen. I'm also a CPS worker. >> Okay. >> Probably first thing you're going to need to do is save her. >> Okay. I've got a neighbor if you know that she can help me. >> Okay. Okay. And I don't know. You probably don't have any clothes at your house. I've got clothes for my grandson. He's they're size sevens and eights. I mean, they're just >> whatever until Yeah, that's >> You can um come into our office and we can get you an Amy's attic and we'll get you some clothes and paternal grandparents have clothes for ISIS that you can get that might be cleaner than anything inside this house. Like I said, I don't think you want to write anything inside this house. >> I haven't been over it for years. The baby don't even know. Yeah. And I understand you. She might not know you, but you're probably the safest and cleanest. They don't care. Um, whatever you take off of her, I would just throw away. I think you need to take her tomorrow to see the doctor cuz I don't think she's been to the doctor for a very long time. >> I know she's supposed to be home. >> They don't. But she needs to see my doctor. >> The last place they live was like this. And >> they had to actually condemn it. But >> and they got me in trouble with the cops for the cops. Cops. I I had the cops meet me there. He was supposed to choke the girl and going to kill the dogs and all kinds of stuff. And I had the cops meet me down there. When they got done, they come out. The cops say, "Well, it seems like the problem is you cuz you won't come around." I come around. You've been in this house. >> You don't have any criminal history, do you? You know, you're going to have um ISIS come and that you're agreeing that you're not going to allow any unsupervised contact with the parents at this time. >> In a seemingly casual talk, the police accidentally discovered another secret. >> When did she last? She goes through sprints kind of like I did when I was little where she'll eat a lot over a period of time and then barely eat nothing over a period of time. >> So, when did she last >> today? Pizza. It was probably about 2 hours ago. >> You want to leave her out there? >> That's what I was getting. >> Yeah. Just go get her because grandpa's going to get on the roof. >> Come on. Grandma need her hair washed the board. >> What you doing, baby? >> Hey, I'm Grandpa. >> This is Grandpa Albert. >> I'm going to be grandpa. He's got a little boy about your age at your house. It's a boy, right? >> Ranson's age. He'll be nine October. >> See, they're about eight. >> You have a little boy to play with. >> Running wild. >> Got toys and cartoons. Chicken nuggets. >> And French fries. >> I didn't eat dinner, so that sounds real good. >> I think Grandpa's speaking your language. >> I know. Grandpa's speaking my language. I might go to grandpa's house. Got a cat. >> Pistachio. >> Well, that sounds like fun. Isis, are you ready to go with Pep? >> You're welcome to car. We'll be in contact. Oh jeez. Oh god. I don't think I can pick you up. >> Come here, baby. >> You're way too heavy. >> Thank you for appreciate it. Thank you very much. >> You guys can get on your way, too. Yeah, >> she she drinks water. She likes water. She likes juice. She likes all that stuff. She's not a normal kid. She likes veggies. >> She likes water, too. Most kids that don't really like water. They always want pop or something like that. >> I'll call check on you. Love you. >> They then went inside to inspect further and were shocked to see a mini landfill filling almost the entire house, blocking the walkways. >> I have no idea. >> You want to put a suit on? You guys understand they would like to walk through and witness what's inside. You guys good with that? >> You can't walk through there. You can't grab. >> There's absolutely no way you can walk through there. >> Can't walk through. >> You can't walk through. Just to be honest, the whole house. >> Well, there's a refrigerator that I didn't get from the door. >> You have permission to walk through, but you can't walk through. >> Well, this might not take >> I'm just being honest with you. >> Are they everywhere? >> Yes. >> We have a bunch of We have a bunch of bombs. We have a bunch of bombs to bomb the house. We just haven't yet. >> We're going to do it all the same. >> I'm just open up an honest with you. He thought you know what you're walking into. >> Wow. >> Okay. >> All right. I'll start with this. >> You want better luck to try to get in the house? You can go to the back door and try to open it. >> What door do you typically use? >> Well, we go we try we go through the front door. >> I think this is really all we need. Oh, Jesus. >> Okay. Oh [ __ ] >> Do we have to go through the whole thing? Seriously, >> I don't think so. I mean, >> I don't really I think this is enough at this point. I'm just getting the warrant. I'm getting charged. That's [ __ ] char. But I just don't think it's >> here. I'll give the phone. I don't think we do. I don't think it matters. >> No, they I'm just I mean she Yeah, she's got she's out of the house. That's the most important thing. >> I can charge them. >> Yeah. And all the roofs that's moving. Those dark spots are cockroaches. Yep. >> Where do you guys sleep? Our prosecutor is going to want >> Yes. >> Oh my god. >> Oh my god. >> Even so, the police gently warned them about the risk of losing custody. >> These ladies will file court custody type court paperwork for child in circuit court. >> Yeah. We're just saying we just want to have a chance to make things right. >> Today's the day. This is your choice in life. >> Well, here's the thing. When it comes to the court system, will you get charged? More than likely, yes, you will. Okay? I'm not going to lie to you. after which whether what the course wants to do they can give you put you on some type of path to fix your situation and if you don't it could get way worse for you or if you do you have improved then they can maybe drop things down to maybe status stuff like that whether the thing is this is >> very serious actions from here on out could that >> well I mean >> well definitely you know definitely from here on out you know you might want to just do everything you can. If I would recommend first thing, clean the house. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Cuz chances are there's going to be more visits at some point down the down the line. >> Oh, yeah. >> Fix whatever you have to fix in this house. You start doing it now. That should have been done >> years ago. >> Yeah. >> Well, this this wasn't even here years ago. >> It's been like it since >> 201 about a year after she was >> Okay. Listen, when it comes to a house, you let one thing slide and it just it snowballs. It will compound everything. >> And nobody says you have to clean your house spotless from top to bottom every day. You do a little bit at a time. This is just I don't even know >> what made it discouraging is is the health that we've been dealing with. And on top of that, it ain't so much the cleaning, it's the how bad the roaches got bad for us. >> That starts with you guys taking the trash out. I'll be very honest with you. >> Well, I mean, we got them living at >> thousands of roaches. >> We got them when we moved to Oak. >> Correct. because we had a referral and you get a mail from Riches as well. >> Not only that, even keeping dogs became an issue. >> I'm going to recommend um I know you guys really adore your dogs, but this is not fit for them either. I mean, I have to call get a hold of animal control. Okay. After seeing this, >> could I not take them down to my parents? >> Let me think about that. >> Then your daughter's not to be in conditions to where she can go there to visit. >> No, not that my parents. >> So, so you want to make your parents live like this? >> No. >> What he's trying to get to you, we can't make you. But what you need to do is tomorrow to call animal control yourself and get rid of all your dogs and all your pets. >> Yeah. >> Quit thinking. >> Do you believe in shots for your dogs? >> You do believe in shots for dogs. >> Okay. Well, there's there's three people you should care about right now. You, you, and your daughter. >> Forget about everything else that's in there. The dogs really don't matter right now. >> And I'm also going to kind of butt in here. I'm usually pretty, but you guys um had some issues when you moved from one house and they transferred here. You're kind of doing the same thing. If you continue to just like move one piece of property to another house to another house, dogs can like the same thing issues. That's why we also like told Albert like he's gonna have to throw away your daughter's clothes. We told told Albert he's going to have to throw away her clothes. Take her to a doctor. She was digging in her skin and she might also be carrying cockroaches in places that she was scratching at, itching cuz cockroaches burrow. There's also some issues like your dogs might be carrying them and might transfer them to your parents house. carrying them from this house might also take them over to your parents house. We don't want to keep creating issues all around you guys cuz at some point like it's going to come to like a giant head and cause problems for everyone around you guys. So you guys really need to think about what's important to you at this point, whether that be your daughter, your dogs, your home, and and make a decision. You guys need to think about that tonight. >> The police continued completing the paperwork before leaving while leaving final instructions as a warning of what they might face in the future. If you can't afford to clean this up, >> we'll get it done. >> I'm just going to say it's I'm going to go ahead and say it's very unlikely. What you probably need to do is consider getting a different place to live and start clean. I'm just being transparent with you. >> You guys you guys aren't going to clean this house up. >> I don't know what is even salvageable. >> You need to just >> You'd be surprised what I can do clean. >> But you're digging yourself a hole. I'm just saying that makes hard for me. >> What you What you need to do is think about tomorrow. Start a new life tomorrow. Cuz if you don't, you know what the result is. the results. No daughter in criminal court. It is what it is. >> This safety plan just says that you guys have demonstrated that you guys aren't going to go over there try and cause any problems for Albert. You guys are going to abide by the safety plan. You're not going to go over there and try to move in with him or anything at this point. If you guys are going to move, you're going to stay in contact with us and let us know where you guys are living. And if you guys do decide to move, we're okay with that. We'll just need to continue with the safety plan, try to move forward and and help you guys. It just says that Elbert's going to supervise and ensure a clean and appropriate residence for ISIS to reside in and will ensure that no unsupervised contact between parents and child at this point. So, do you guys agree that that's kind of what we've talked about here tonight? Do you guys have any questions about that? This plan will be in effect for at least the next 90 days. So, if a court process ensues, it'll probably be longer, but we can also change this to an inhome safety plan if that needs to happen. So, does that do you guys understand that so far? Okay. So, I just have to have you guys sign this here under caretaker signature. I need both of you guys to sign where that X is. >> Readers Digest version. If you get your life together shorter than 90 days, there's a chance that you could go to court and possibly even get your daughter back. >> Oh, that's always big. >> But if you do nothing, then the other answer is like they just said, they will extend it. >> See, that's why I was asking you that because we love our daughter. >> So then tomorrow you need for yourself. So it's like a question, whatever. >> You need to love her more. I just wanted to know that if we did anything, it would matter. >> Everything you do, >> that's that's all I need to hear. >> From this moment forward, everything you do is going to matter. You can actually help help. You're going to continue in your future to raise your daughter or the decisions you make are going to make make choices that you're not going to raise your daughter. Absolutely. >> That ball is in both of the parents court right now. These ladies cannot help you if you don't ask for help. If you want advice, you can call and talk to them. They gave you a business card. You can say, "Hey, I've been really cleaning the house." And I'm sure if you're serious about it, they would come out and go, "You know what? He did a a really good job. >> The father and mother were charged with child. Under West Virginia law, each could face up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000. A filthy, insectinfested orctlected environment can directly a child's health and life. Parents must therefore prioritize their children, improve the home, and manage pets to ensure the children's safety. You just witnessed West Virginia, where children live amid piles of trash. But in Florida, the reality is even worse. children having to run away right inside their own home. >> I just always have to go back home and I don't like it. >> On January 22nd, 2022, West Palm Beach police got a report that Luna had run away from home. They immediately went to the girl's home to investigate and happened to uncover serious issues within her family. >> Can you tell me a little more of what happened cuz I'm just getting here. >> Um, it was actually about 8:15 this morning. >> Okay. >> She got up out of her bed like she just woke up for the day. She was like, "I'm I have to go to the bathroom." I saw her walk into the restroom and then I started changing her sister's diaper. So, I wasn't like paying too much attention. I heard her not in the bathroom anymore. So, I looked and I was like, "Luna, she wasn't in her room." And that's when I heard her by the back door and then I was like, "Luna." And then I walked over to see her and then as I was walking over there, she was opening the back door to an emotional processing disorder and she's had it like basically since she was about this size. >> Okay. She's always had a thing with like running away or like hoarding things. >> Where does she usually go to? >> That's where why we're baffled right now because like she always goes to the same places like always. Which is the neighbor's house right here? >> Which one? Which neighbor's house? >> This. Did you tell any officer this? >> We've shown all the offices. Every single one. >> That house right there with the pink tree in the middle. >> Okay. Have you talked to them? >> Well, normally I see the neighbor in the front yard this morning since this happened, >> but I don't think they're home today. I didn't see the truck in the yard of the husband that I know he usually has a truck. >> So, where did you last see her? >> Down here on Flagler. Like cuz when she ran back street and like you know the baby and stuff. I followed her as far as I could and I saw her. She not this light. She went to like the next street usually comes back around and she'll like hang out in this neighbor's yard. Hide >> in the trees. the one with the >> I'll take 26. >> While waiting for the mother to open the door, the police happened to talk with a neighbor. From there, an astonishing truth gradually emerged. >> I'm going to check your house again. Is that okay? >> Are you okay? >> Hi, buddy. You okay if I go take a look for your [ __ ] >> Thanks. >> Actually, >> are you locked out now? >> Alvis, did you lock the door, sweetie? >> No, I didn't. >> River, you locked the door. Okay. Um, I'm going to go take a a walk. Okay. Hi there. I'm looking for a little girl, Luna. I was told she likes to hang out over here. >> She's gone again. >> Have you seen her this morning? >> No, I haven't. >> Well, if you do, can you call 911? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Where did she Does she usually come right inside your house? No. >> Oh, you did. Okay. Mom said she hangs out here. So, >> no, she don't hang out here. >> Okay. >> That's the first time I call 911 when she came here. >> Did she knock on the door last time or just come in? >> No, she she was right there. I was on the um porch. >> So, she was just standing outside. I'm going to just walk. Hi there. >> They let her run around too much. >> All right. All right. Well, we're going to try and find her. We got a lot of people out now. If you see her, call 911. Okay. >> I sure will. Oh my god. >> Okay. Hold on. We got her. Uh, if you come east towards point. >> Probably this one. Excellent. Nice job, guys. >> The police also found Luna, but she clearly didn't want to go home. What had frightened her so much? >> You okay, sweetheart? >> What grade are you in, honey? >> Third grade. >> Third grade. >> Such a pretty girl. >> You are. Why were you hiding from us? cuz I just always have to go back home and I don't like it. >> You don't like it at home? Okay. >> Want to be with grandma? >> Where does your grandparents live? >> My grandma lives in Connecticut. But mommy and daddy say she's just mean when she's not and they and they never let us go there. >> How are your mom and dad mean to you? What do they do that's mean? >> They do smile on food and do too much and and hard math. Okay, >> here's some water, baby. Drink drink a little bit. Okay. >> They say it's too hard. They just say do it or you don't get your meals. And then they lock me in my room at night and they lock the door. >> Okay. >> You don't like it over there where you live? >> Why not? >> Mommy's always being bossy and telling me to brush my teeth again and again. And they make me do that. And the doors always locked and closed. They put me in the shower with my clothes on. >> They put you in the shower with your clothes on? >> Yes. >> Oh, no. Why? >> I don't know why. >> When was the last time you ate? When was the last time you had dinner or breakfast? >> I didn't have breakfast. >> You didn't have breakfast today? No. So, the last time you you ate was dinner last night. And your belly is still hungry, huh? We're going to get you some food. And how many nuggets do you think you're going to eat? Do you think you're going to eat like five? >> No, I think she can eat like 10. >> What? How about 15? Could you eat 15 nuggets? >> Yeah, but I Well, we stop at that. But then you wouldn't be you wouldn't have room for cookies. You got to save room for cookies, you know. >> Can you eat 15 nuggets and a cookie? >> Oh, your belly would have hurt. >> Well, 14 nuggets and a cookie. >> The child's testimony forced the police to search the house. >> I don't know if they already came and talked to you yet. >> No, >> nobody. Yeah, they they already found her. >> Yeah. Where >> they did? Uh down there 36th Street. >> Okay. >> Not too far from here. Down the street. This is automatically like a DCF call. So, under our policy, is it okay if I look through the house real quick? >> What are you looking for? >> No, we just got to look just make sure everything's okay with the other kids. >> Well, that's what I'm saying. Like, do you need to look to see if they have like a bed? Do you need to specific food? >> That's it. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Regarding the lack of food, the mother gave a series of explanations, but all blamed Luna. >> Luna said she was hungry, so we got an officer going to get her some uh food. >> No, we have food at home. That's a symptom of her disorder. She will lie and say we have not fed her. She will say she's hungry. We have food. And like the thing is she has food allergies. Like she's severely allergic to dairy. Like she cannot eat any kind of goat or cow or like any kind of >> she nuggets. >> No, she cannot. She cannot. Absolutely not. She cannot because there are ingredients into them. Like number one, number one, we're vegan. And we're vegan because she is allergic to dairy. And even if we weren't vegan, like those chicken nuggets have milk powder. Okay. >> Like So what does she eat normally? >> Everything. Like literally we give her nuggets. They're just like glutenfree vegan nuggets. Like we had like we literally she ran away before she could have her breakfast this morning. We were literally in the middle of making her an oatmeal. >> So what's up with Elelliana? What? Like >> I guess she told everybody that she was hungry and like they're trying to give her chicken nuggets or something. >> No, we won't give her chicken nuggets. If she's allergic to it, we're not going to do that. >> Yeah. And like the McDonald's French fries have like literal like milk and like meat powder in them. Wendy's fries are like literally the only thing. like she doesn't need fries because like she has wholesome food at home. Like >> Luna is allergic to dairy and vegan so she can't have any type of chicken nuggets or fries. >> Gotcha. She's good with orange juice though. >> With orange juice. Yeah. But like we literally have like she has a smoothie at home with orange juice in it. Like we have like the other officer saw we have like a literal fridge overflowing with food. We have like mashed potatoes already made for dinner. Like we literally have food. >> Well, we've got DCF coming out. That's our protocol with everything going on. If you want to walk back with the officer, >> I would much rather be where I can see her. >> Okay, you can stay here right now. >> Your husband is a chef, right? >> Yeah, exactly. We have food. He's a professional chef. We have food. >> Where does he work? >> He's working right now out of town. That's why this is going on probably. I think she's upset that her dad went out of town. She's This is his first time happening. >> Meanwhile, the father called encouraging Luna to tell the truth to the police. >> I am very old. I'm older than your mom and dad. Bro, would you like eat it, man? on your own. >> Here you go, Luna. >> Jeez, bro. >> I don't know. They just said I can go see Luna, but I can't bring the baby over here. And like they wanted to hold the baby, but I said no. Like, I'm not comfortable anybody holding the baby. >> She just wants to see her real quick. >> Anna, are you okay? Where are your shoes? You weren't wearing shoes. >> Would you like a hug? No, thank you. What's been going on? Do you want to talk to Daddy? Daddy's been on the phone. We've been very worried about you. And Anna, we need to make sure you're safe. Mommy has been very, very worried about you. Can you talk to mommy and explain what's been going on? Baby, you've been missing. It's been more than 3 hours since you ran out. You ran out without having breakfast or even saying good morning to mommy. You just went to the bathroom and went out the back door. Daddy, she can hear you and everybody else can hear you, too. >> Listen, it is time to I don't know what you've told the police, but it is time to tell the truth. Okay? It is time to tell the truth because every time that you've told talked to the police before, you've said something other than the truth. And I don't know what you've said so far, but it is time to tell the truth if you haven't already. Okay. >> Say, I think it's trying to make sure that you're safe because dad is >> Mom, can we talk to you for a second over here? Right over here. We're going to just talk to you. >> I don't know what's going on. They're saying you can't talk to her. >> But the truth Luna revealed was if I say I'm hungry, mom will lock me in the room. >> You're not in any trouble, honey. You're not in any trouble. >> I know what will happen if you leave the house. >> What? What happened? >> Mom's just going to lock me in. >> She's going to lock in your room? >> Yes. >> Why will she lock in your room? >> Cuz she doesn't want me to tell people that I'm hungry. >> Okay. >> Shortly after, the police arrested the mother. From that moment, my baby kept echoing. A bitterly ironic testament to maternal love. >> Listen, you're going to be placed on arrest. Okay. >> What? >> No. No. My baby. You're >> okay. >> My baby. My baby. >> Hold on a second, man. The kids. >> My baby. >> The kids are okay. >> My baby. >> Don't scream. Don't scream. That's going to make it worse for them. Okay. >> Don't scream. >> You don't want to upset them. >> My baby. >> Have a seat in the car. >> Please wait until their dad gets here, please. >> They're okay, ma'am. >> They're okay. My baby. >> Slide Slide your legs in, please. >> My baby. >> Slide your legs in, please. >> No. She needs her They're >> They're okay. They're baby. They're okay, ma'am. >> No, she's not okay. >> They're with us. They're okay. >> Meanwhile, Luna continued exposing the truth. She doesn't act like a great mother. >> In the house, she's bossy and and doesn't act like a great mother. >> And I think she just thinks I'm allergic because at grandma's house, grandma feeds us good. And once in a while, she gives us some nonvegan stuff. But I never none of us ever get sick. She just thinks that because once when I was a baby, I got sick. But I was a baby then. >> My baby. >> All right, we'll bring him up to the station. Thank you. >> Well, all we want is for you to be happy and your brothers and sisters to be happy and for you guys to be taken care of and have food and everything you need. >> The scene grew increasingly chaotic. On one side, the mother was completely uncooperative. On the other, brave Luna continued revealing everything. >> Take a deep breath. I know you're stressed out. Obviously, this is a stressful situation. >> What is it exactly that the baby needs from the house? >> Everything. She's frightened. >> Everything that doesn't answer my question. So, we're either going to go to the station or if there's a specific item, you just mentioned formula. >> Yeah, she doesn't have formula or diapers or anything like >> And you have all that inside the house? >> Yes. >> And you're willing to allow us to go inside the house and get those things? >> Ma'am, that's a yes or no question. Hold the baby. Ma'am, listen to what I'm saying. >> She doesn't understand. Ma'am, you're willing to allow us to go inside the house and get those items. >> Well, if we go home quickly, there's food in the fridge and I could bring >> What kind of food is in the fridge? >> I don't know, but I know there's stuff in the fridge. Mommy and daddy get food, but they don't give it to us. They eat it themselves. >> H. >> The investigation continued with a father's testimony. >> Hello, sir. I'm Lieutenant Wigs. How can I help you? I'm >> here to pick up my kids. >> Okay. Your kids are upstairs. They're safe. Everybody's good. We will be the officer that's handling the case. We'll be down shortly to talk to you. >> Okay. >> Let you know what's going on. Okay. So, but it may be a little bit cuz they're in an interview right now. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, I just ask if you could have a little patience with us. >> All right. >> Okay. Once they're done talking with who they need to talk to, they'll come down and talk to you as well. All righty. >> I left early this morning, like at 4 4:30 this morning. Around 8 something, Nikki called me and told me that Luna ran away, which she's done before. >> Social worker actually was about to close her, she told me that she was about to close her case on Monday and she had a GPS tracker for us for Huna because she has a habit of running away. And so, you know, we were betting on that and then this happened. I don't know, you know, what >> Yeah. what else happened while I wasn't there. But I know that my daughter has a habit of saying that, you know, she's she's hungry and that she doesn't eat anything. But not you guys in particular, but West Palm Beach Police, DCF has all been to our house. They've seen our fridge. They've gone through our house and see that we have everything our children need. Um, but our children had been in DCF care before when they were 2 years when Elelliana, the one that runs away, she was taken away from us at 2 and 1/2 years old and she was in foster care for 2 years. And so she's got a lot of emotional things going on that she doesn't know how to deal with and we're still learning how to deal with too. >> Sorry for the delay. You're just going to have to hang tight for a few. Thanks. >> The mother was arrested and held on charges of child. Under Florida law, she could face up to 5 years in prison or probation along with a fine of up to $5,000. Luna left a bitter reminder. A fully furnished home, a well stocked kitchen, or a fancy fridge does not guarantee a safe environment for a child. When a child has to run to survive, the concept of a happy family has failed. The journey through these two heartbreaking stories in West Virginia and Florida has shown us the harsh realities of child. Whether it's life amid a sea of trash or meals full of tears, both reveal a painful truth. A happy home is not a sufficient condition for raising a child. If you have any thoughts on today's footage, don't hesitate to leave a comment below. Like and share this video to spread the message and don't forget to subscribe so you won't miss our next meaningful content. Goodbye and see you next time. [Music]