She's up the hill. >> My bones feel so weak. >> Do your bones feel weak? >> Yeah. >> Is that one or they're saying that was more critical than this one? >> Yes, she's really bad. >> Is she breathing? >> Yeah, I'm with the 10-month-old boy in the back of this QRA. >> Oh, I've always put my child first. >> Well, not if you're leaving her in a hotel room. >> leave a 10-month-old by themselves. They can't fend for themselves. You can't do it. >> Are you serious? >> I'm 100% serious. >> Some parents make choices that no child should ever have to endure. But what happens when these parents leave their children completely on their own without looking back? >> He's been crying for an >> Hello, it's the Kennewick Police. It's a welfare check. Can you come to the door? >> And you said you left your boy here asleep. Yeah. >> I feel like I got back in the water. >> Okay, well, I'm not going to disagree with you. >> These were the moments when parents abandoned their children permanently. We start with the case of two children [music] who got lost in the woods on a night when temperatures were about to drop below freezing. What happened next was a race to save their lives, while the mother wasn't responding at all. >> I ran code down here. I'm worried to death about them kids. >> I'm trying to get him to wake up. >> You're okay. You're okay. >> I honestly felt when I got here, honestly, she Her eyes were wide open. She wasn't moving. >> On January 16th, 2024, officers in Douglas County, Georgia, received two calls reporting that a mother and her two young children had gone missing in the woods of a resort. With temperatures reaching negative numbers, officers rushed to the scene as quickly as possible. >> And let me tell you, I heard her on the phone. She It She sounds terrible. >> KENNEWICK, WE'RE TRYING to get the phone to the person that found her. Can I get back to you in a >> No. >> Well, he thinks she's doing it on purpose. She can't think straight cuz she's >> God damn it, call her for me. >> I ran code down here. I'm worried to death about them kids. >> The situation was far more serious than officers had initially anticipated, and the state of the mother and the two children made it clear that every second counted. >> Where is she at? >> She's right here. >> All right, let's go. >> What's his name? >> No, get the phone. >> What? >> You want to go ahead of her first? >> I can't go ahead of her first. That one soaked, too. >> Yep. >> Hey. Hey. Jake, give me a warm blanket. >> Let me put them in there. >> I've got one left. >> Shut that door, sweetie. Try to keep Try to maintain as much heat as possible, all right? >> She's up the hill. >> What do you need help with? >> I'll pack this. >> Get them in their pits in the crane. Do you know she has any medical problems? >> No. >> I don't have a camera, so >> Hello. >> I got one. Where do you want to melt? >> Can you get bottles on her? >> You want to go under her shirt? >> Yeah, I'm going to get the clothes off her. >> Okay. Jake, you got >> I got two here. >> Hey, two more. Shirt on this one. >> Got one blanket. >> Can I sit him down right here? >> Absolutely. Here, I'll put him over here. >> Okay. >> Regular cross. What's your name? >> Elijah. >> Elijah? What's your sister's name? >> Alina. >> Alia? Okay. Alina? Okay. >> Alina. >> She's going to be fine. >> Do you know Alina has any medical problems there? >> Does Alina have any medical problems? Does she have asthma or anything? >> Yeah, I think >> You think she has asthma? Okay. >> Okay. Okay. We got a little bit of response. I'll take that. >> You're okay. You're okay. Do your bones feel weak? >> Yeah. >> It's all right. Well, you're safe now. We're not going to let anything happen to you, okay? >> Seeing two young children in that condition was deeply unsettling. But, as the officers worked to help Elijah and Alina, one of the resort employees had some information to share. >> A boy and a girl. They're very small. They came in yesterday morning. I saw them. They were sitting in the lounge area for a little bit and they spent some time in here and then they left. They went to leave out through the back but then changed their minds and came through the front. I never saw them again after that. So, this morning in my usual routine check, I like to reach out to the guests and just check on them and make sure they're okay. And I sent her a message but she never replied. I sent her an email, she never replied. And then our housekeeping manager, her name is Eva, she came in and she said, "I just took a picture of room 313, which is where the woman with the two young children were staying. The room seems like it has things in it, belongings of them, and then the door was open." So, at that point we were a little bit alarmed and then I let our front desk manager know and I guess she must have called you guys. >> According to the front desk, the family had already been acting strangely before going to the woods, but the officers needed more information to understand how that mother and her children ended up in that disturbing condition. >> Where did you say you found her face down at? >> She was face down I think right here. >> Okay. All right, just back up just a little bit. No, you're fine. >> Yeah. I thought she was gone when I got here. I don't know if she was sure eyes were wide open, she wasn't moving. >> Okay. >> The mom was curled up fetal position right here by her phone. Kind of sitting up but >> Okay. >> knees to her chest on the side of the bed. The son was standing right here by that stuff with his hands in his pockets. >> Everybody else is with the kids and the mom right now getting them warmed up. But I'm at I'm at the site where the maintenance guy found them down here on the trails. I see a cell phone on the ground, a tablet, a a and two black Nike tennis shoes, and a small large smart water bottle laying by a tree. When the maintenance guy pulled up and found them, the little girl was face down in the mud. She wasn't moving. She's currently in hypothermic shock and the cop was trying to heat her up with what we got and I jumped in the UTV with the maintenance guy to go find out where he found them. >> There were still too many missing pieces about that story, but in the middle of all that confusion, one thing stood out. The children were trying to fight for their lives. >> All right, hold on. Don't let you down, okay? Hot. Lay back for me. >> So, is mom still up in the woods? >> Uh, yeah. Is she going to be able to walk out? I don't I don't know. No, more than likely no. >> Is that one or they saying that one was more critical than this one? >> Yes, she's really bad. >> Is she bad? How old is that one? >> Seven. Hey, buddy. You doing okay? >> Yeah. >> He's seven, she's three. >> What happened? >> They got lost. And it started raining on them. They've been lost They've been lost for hours. >> Where is their They are Were they staying on property or something? >> Yep. You getting warmer? Okay. You got any kind of medical problems, little buddy? >> Uh-huh. >> Got you diabetic or anything? >> No, it's just that my bones feel weak. >> His bones feel weak. He was having a hard time walking. >> And also I have a sore throat and runny nose. >> Seeing Elijah showing signs of recovery was a relief, but Alina's condition was still deeply worrying. But the officers still had to solve that mysterious case and getting to the mother was the next step. >> Where am I going to go? >> Are you guys transporting the 3-year-old? >> Hello. >> Med 4 has a >> negative >> to Grand Isle. She ought to be transported um with the 7-year-old boy in the back of this Q R V. >> Med 4 has a 3-year-old. >> I pulled up, she was laid out with her hands at her side and her face was covered in mud up to here, covered in leaves, like maybe they tried to cover her with leaves. And her eyes were I mean as big and wide open as I've ever seen. And and and bubbles coming out of her mouth and she was Like I think around where that that impression is right here. She was laid like that. And the mom was sitting kind of far away from her there. >> And no, once you drop me off I stay here and make sure nobody There was a uh >> Was the mom talking? >> The other maintenance guy that came up, he come walking up through here. >> I I told I told him all, I said, "I want to get these wet clothes off of you." And I was shedding stuff to put on them. And I kept telling her and she said, "Okay, okay." But she wouldn't do nothing. I She was in shock, so I picked up that little girl first and put her in that red coat and sat her down. And then I got the little boy to stand over by the exhaust thinking maybe it would help warm him up a little bit. >> What was he wearing? >> A gray hoodie. I don't know if those gloves were his or if they came from my guy. I didn't see that. >> Connor, which is one of those yellow gloves you found. >> Right. >> Um and then uh she couldn't stand up. She had her shoes off and her feet out um the mom, and I picked her up and put her in the back seat. Uh and then I had to mess with the little girl for a while. She was in the front and I didn't want her to fall, so I just kind of burritoed her in that coat and put it over her face. But when I when I looked at her in there, when I put her down and then came back out here to get with them, when I came back again, I thought she was She just wasn't doing nothing. I mean and her skin was ice cold and her eyes were looking up. And then she groaned a little bit and some more bubbles came out. >> how long they've been staying here? >> I no idea. >> Who would know that information? >> Amanda, that desk manager. >> the phone? >> Yes. >> Cuz we don't need that food. >> to You know, she's pulling that. I asked her to get that for you, but I had a grabbed a red coat out of my car and it's like a weatherman jacket, a big fluffy jacket. And I had it on, I took it off and I laid it down and like picked the little girl up and tried to roll her onto that and I wrapped her up in it. And she didn't she didn't blink. She didn't do anything. She just had bubbles sitting out of her mouth, eyes as wide as possible looking up at the sky. Um I put her up on my shoulder and I kissed her forehead and I said it's going to be okay and I tried to like rub her warm her back. >> She was freezing at that point? >> I I I mean frozen. I mean she was ice. She didn't move. >> So did you think she was gone at that point? >> I I thought she was gone when we pulled up. Like I said, because the mom was sitting so far away and the and the sun it to me my gut reaction was like they're staying away because she is But one more thing, when I put the little girl in the car, I actually put her in the driver's seat first. Got the little boy to the exhaust, picked up the mom and put her cuz she wasn't moving and when she stood up she acted like she couldn't stand on her feet. So I had her my arms around her waist and her feet were on the ground and then I put her hips up on my hips and put her in the seat. >> you she was struggling with you. >> around me. >> Yeah, and you was carrying her to the SUV. >> Yeah, and struggled to get her in that way those doors open. >> What the witnesses described about how the family was found was already something hard to process, but then came the news that no one wanted to hear. >> We found them. >> You did? >> Yeah, the kids are not It's not good, sir. We're dealing with it now. I need to get some information from you, please. >> No problem. >> The last time you saw her she was in here? >> Yes, she was in here. Um she walked in with her two children. They went to the lounge area. Um one of the kids >> or anything? >> I didn't see her doing any drinking. I know one of the kids fell asleep on her lap. The other one was like there just, you know, playing around and stuff. And um and they got up about They were here They They were here for about I want to say like 2 hours. >> You have cameras in here? >> Yes. Yes, some cameras. >> Where are they at? How many in? >> This is the Uber here. >> The Uber dropped them off here? >> No, this is when they got in. I don't have video of them getting of them coming back. >> It's kind of strange. >> Because we never saw them come back. >> It's strange how she got so mixed up. All right, buddy. They're going to take care of you, okay? They're going to take care of you, okay? >> What were the What did you say about tonight? >> So, they got picked up at his mom's work somewhere not in Douglas County. She was supposed to get off 4:30. She was getting off around 11:00. Um a male picked them up in an Explorer, brought them to the end of a road, and then they got out, and they didn't know where they were at. And they've been walking around ever since. >> Okay. Um do you have anything that's called Nathan and tell him that? >> Yeah, I can. >> Okay. Um and then this is all your stuff. >> That is That's the street. >> Alina got stole too. >> She what? >> Alina. >> That's Al. Whatever. >> Oh, I thought you said Al. Okay. Where is she at? >> Maybe in the seat down there. She's >> In the end, Alina did not survive. The investigation revealed the mother had used two different substances before taking her children into the woods that night. She was arrested and charged with felony murder and two counts each of first and second-degree [music] cruelty. She later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life with parole. Next up, a baby was left completely alone in a hotel room. But what shocked the officers was the reason for the mother to abandon her own child. >> Who would do that right now? There's a baby in the hotel room by herself. >> I put her to bed at 9:00, 10:00. >> And then where did you go at 9:00 or 10:00? >> I was just hanging out. And I proceeded to have an alcoholic beverage as an adult after she fell asleep. >> And then leave her in a room by herself. >> For at least an hour. >> On August 21st, 2022 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, officers were called to a hotel after reports that a baby had been left alone inside a room. Upon arriving, they were met by a visibly distressed guest who had witnessed the situation first-hand. >> Okay. This woman has been We are at that hotel, the Quality Inn and Suites. She's been walking back and forth between our hotel room for at least probably 30, 40 minutes, okay? She's obviously messed up on something. She asked us to plug her her phone up in our hotel room. We plugged her phone up in our hotel hotel room, then she started to tell us she had a kid over here. We asked her for details. She's at the Country Inn and Suites, so we came over here. He helped us get her to her her her Sorry. >> You're doing fine. >> I'm really messed up. >> Take take a breath. >> Who wants to sit right now? There's a baby in the hotel room by herself. >> Let me take a deep breath. Deep breath in and deep breath out. It's going to calm you down. It's going to help you relax so you can tell us the rest of the story. Breathe. >> Shoot. >> Take a breath. Is she in there right now? >> Yes. She's in there right now. Him and my boyfriend and the and the doorway. >> The guest's account was already concerning enough, but when the officers found the mother, it took only seconds for them to realize that something was seriously off. >> Hey, ma'am. How are you doing? >> What are you doing? >> We got a call from the Quality Inn in Hot Springs. >> What's going on? >> Well, this lady here, she got here and we were sitting outside of our our room next door and she came out and she's obviously under the influence of something and she asked which waited around about 15 or 20 minutes and and finally she I was like, "Hey, what's your name?" You know, and she told me she needed to charge her phone and uh after she was charging her phone, I was like, "You know, what are you doing here?" And she was like, "Well, something about her baby." And I'm like, "Where's your baby?" >> Oh, can you sit down with her? All right. >> So, what's going on tonight? >> Truly, nothing is going on. >> Huh? >> There's really nothing going on. I'm being a little bit dramatic. >> So, why was your baby left in the room? >> Uh literally for like 10 minutes. I went downstairs. I'm not getting any service. I went downstairs to make a phone call. >> So, what are you on right now? >> What's that? >> What are you on right now? >> What am I on? >> Mhm. >> Nothing. I have no service. Um absolutely no way to contact anybody. >> So, >> I went downstairs to try to get cell phone service. I mentioned that she she was asleep. >> So, where are you from? >> We're from Colorado. We're driving to Virginia. Would you mind holding him? >> Why weren't you concerned about her earlier? >> Oh, I'm always concerned about my child. >> Well, not if you're leaving her in a hotel room. >> I'm not. >> Get your ID. >> He's literally asleep. >> Get your ID. How old's your baby? >> He's 10 months. >> 10 months? >> 10 months. He was asleep, by the way. >> As the officers heard what the mother had to say, they noticed some points hard to ignore. >> So, who you here with? >> It's just me and her. What I'd like to add is like 2:00 in the morning >> 2:00 what? >> 2:00 in the 2:00 in the morning and she was asleep. >> All right, when was the last time you changed her diaper? >> I change her diaper all the time. Like >> Well, >> quite literally >> quite literally it's pretty full. >> Yeah, she peed. It's 2:00 in the morning. I put her to bed at 9:00 or 10:00. >> And then where did you go at 9:00 or 10:00? >> I was just hanging out. >> So, let me get this straight. >> I was chilling with my kid and then I went downstairs. Yeah, that's what happened. >> So, you were chilling downstairs while your kid was asleep. >> downstairs. I went downstairs. This is what I was doing. I don't normally even smoke. I I went over to get some Tic Tacs. >> Instead of doing that with your kid in the room. >> Um normally at 3:00 a.m. I don't like to like drag her downstairs, you know, cuz that would be pretty aggressive. >> At that point it wasn't difficult for officers to put the pieces together. So, they asked the mother an important question that could change the direction of that investigation. >> How much have you had to drink? >> A margarita, perhaps. Not much. >> So, you're supposed to be being responsible for your kid and you're leaving her up here and you're drinking while you're supposed to be taking care of her. >> That sounds really like ridiculous to be put in that context. It was more like I was a super responsible human being. My child fell asleep around 10:00 or 11:00. And then I proceeded to have an alcoholic beverage as an adult after she fell asleep. >> And then labor in a room by herself. >> For at least an hour. We got multiple witnesses to like testify that. At least an hour. >> It was not an hour. Also, I went downstairs and came back up. I went downstairs and I came back upstairs. >> Well, I mean we can also go pull video footage if you like cuz it's a heavily videoed area. >> Pull? >> You know what? I'm I'm not worried about that. Because I didn't do anything wrong. Like She The girl didn't even know I had a kid until I said, "I have to go back upstairs because my child is upstairs." That's how she knew. But I had a kid up here. >> If you've only had one drink, why are you so unsteady on your feet? >> Um actually, I hurt my tailbone. So, that hurts. >> Being in the condition of her diaper, you might change her might help. >> change her diaper. >> How many kids do you have? >> That's none of your business. >> Oh, you have none, huh? >> So, go ahead and change her. Being her diaper's full. I mean, common sense would tell you that if it's full, it needs to be changed, correct? >> Actually, I could tell you I have no kids because yes, I'm going to change her diaper. But you're actually not supposed to change her diaper. >> Oh, so you're not supposed to change her diaper when her diaper is full? >> No, not not right after that. You're supposed to. >> You said you've had one drink? >> Yes. >> So, what about the one beside the bed and the one in here by the the sink? >> What about it? >> That's more than one drink, correct? That's two. And being they're like 40 oz serving. >> Is it illegal, officer, >> When it endangers a child, yes, ma'am, it is. >> I see no danger to my child. >> You are when you leave her unattended while you're intoxicated. >> There was no longer any doubt about what had happened, but the most alarming part of all was the fact that the mother didn't seem to think she had done anything wrong. >> So, step off the bed. >> Yep. Just need to hop off the bed for me. >> I can't do it because she could fall off if >> Hop off the bed. >> Please. >> You're okay. Put your hands on that wall. >> Why? >> Do it now. >> You're under arrest. >> Put your hands on the >> Put your hands on the wall. >> I'm not doing it. >> Both hands on the wall right now. It's exactly what you correct, you aren't doing anything. >> Why am I under arrest? >> You're under arrest for child endangerment. We have more than enough probable cause to believe that you left a 10-month-old child, your 10-month-old child, in a room by itself for at least 30 minutes while you're intoxicated. That's called child endangerment. You're not taking care of your child properly. You can't leave a 10-month-old by themselves. They can't fend for themselves. It's not You can't do it. >> Are you serious? >> I'm 100% serious. >> Are you serious? >> 100% serious. >> I haven't done anything, though. >> Yeah, exactly. You haven't done anything. I You haven't taken care of your child properly by not doing anything. Okay. >> What did you do? Wait. >> Well, when you have to go to a different hotel to ask for help to find your room and then have to have the front desk give you a key card to get into your room with your 10-month-old child, I consider that child endangerment and so does the court. Yeah. >> That's a little ridiculous. And out of context. >> Which part of it's out of context? >> The entire thing is out of context. >> What's the context? >> The context is that that sounds like a very When you put it like that >> Well, nothing I said was an incorrect fact. You can lean against the car. >> I have a right to look at my child. >> You have the right to lean up against the car. Just step back this way. >> Why does that woman allow like pull my child? >> Get in the car. >> Are you serious? >> 10-15 Have a DCF supervisor call my cell, please. Uh here you go. American >> I did. >> Yeah. In the end, the mother was arrested for first-degree endangerment with a potential sentence of up to 6 years in prison. She was taken into custody and held on a $2,500 bond. Next case, a child was left alone in an apartment crying for over an hour with no one coming. What officers heard when they arrived on scene raised serious questions about where his mother actually was. >> Well, also I think he's over one. >> Hi, buddy. Come here. >> Where's mama? She went bye-bye? Where's mama? >> What's on your mind right now? >> Scared. >> You're scared? What are you scared of? >> Losing things. >> On July 24th, 2024, officers received a call from concerned neighbors who had been hearing a young child cry for over an hour with no sign of anyone inside the apartment. When officers arrived, the mother was nowhere to be found, but what the neighbors had to share was concerning. Hello. >> Hi. >> How are you doing? >> Good. >> Is this your apartment? >> No. >> Okay. >> Do you hear him? >> Oh, yeah. I can see him as well. >> Yeah. That's my friend. >> Oh, I thought I just thought you were asking me. >> And you know where is she? Is he in there? Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Do you know if she left? >> Do you know what car she drives? >> She don't drive. >> Okay. >> He's been crying for like over an hour. >> Do you know what her name is? >> Tiara. >> Tiara? >> I don't think I'm supposed to be saying that, but he's been crying for over an I just talked to her. >> Hi. Can you open the door? >> How old is he? No, he's like one. Hello. No, he's too little. >> Well, also I think he's over one. Can you open the door for me? >> I don't think he can reach the lock. Oh, it's a small lock. He might Do you want us to We know him. We want us to try and get him to >> Huh? >> Her All of her kids play together. Come on, baby. Open the door. >> Open it. >> Can you get it open? Come on. >> When was the last time you all saw Tiara? >> I saw her I came home around like 10:30. >> Mhm. >> I saw her at 3:30. >> She was here. >> Open it. >> Open it. >> But she was acting super weird. >> Okay. >> Like 7:30 in the morning? >> No. Tonight. I got like 10:30. >> Is this out of the norm for her? >> I think she has a like mental disability. >> Okay. >> She was acting super weird. >> What do you mean? >> Like super hyper. >> Kennewick Police. Do you have Tiara's phone number? >> Yeah, we do. We do. We have her sister's phone number. >> And her mom called us. >> I'll go get her sister. >> My sister's best friend. >> Okay. >> She has to be asleep cuz her phone is on do not disturb. >> Okay. >> And you have her sister's phone number? >> I'm trying to call her sister, yeah. >> Do you guys have contact for a landlord or like maintenance? >> Um maintenance I think is there's one guy that has keys. >> Okay. What's this home number? >> D They have packages delivered to D101 >> Okay. >> corner. I think she might be able to help. I don't know if she >> Okay. >> Check that out. >> Is he okay? >> No, I think he's in the room. >> Where's his roommate? >> He's right here. >> Okay. >> Kennewick Police. Welfare check. >> With the mother still nowhere in sight after long minutes waiting for her to come back, the officers decided to take action. >> Hello, it's the Kennewick Police. It's a welfare check. Can you come to the door? Hey Carter, how are you? >> Mhm. >> Yeah, I like your doggie. Where's mom at? >> Like this? >> Yeah. I'll be right with you, okay kiddo? I have a friend of mine >> Hi. Hi buddy. Come here. Where's mama? >> She went bye-bye? Where's mama? >> Are you the one who called? >> Yeah. >> Okay. And you've attempted calling her yourself. >> Yeah. >> And your sister >> My sister and her sister are best friends. >> Okay. No answer from anybody. >> No. My sister answered but she's trying to contact her sister. >> Her So the mom to him is >> My sister's best friend. So her His mom's name is Tiara. >> Um his diaper okay? >> Yeah. >> Do you babysit him sometimes? >> No. >> No? >> No. Like all of our kids just play together. I have a 7-year-old and 4-year-old. >> What led you to call today? >> Uh he was screaming for like over an hour. She's not there. He's by himself. >> They She wants to talk to you guys. >> Hello, this is Officer Contreras with Kennewick PD. How can I help you? >> Hi, this is Donna from the apartment. >> Hey Donna, don't you worry. I didn't cause any damage to your doors or anything like that. It was just unlocked. Yep. All righty. >> Okay, perfect. >> All right. Thank you, ma'am. Thank you, ma'am. I appreciate all your help. Ciara is your sis Ciara Ciara? >> Her twin So, Ciara lives here and her sister Sierra. That's >> Do you know where she lives? That's okay. Can you call your sister and maybe find out? >> Yeah. >> Please leave your message. >> I felt bad. I'm like, I know she she works early, I work early. >> Let me see if I can find her husband. >> Have you seen Ciara or heard her? >> seen her like around 3:00. I went for a run earlier after work and it was like 3:30. >> Mhm. >> And then I seen her She didn't have him yet. He goes to same daycare as my kids. >> Okay. Did you hear Ciara anytime in the apartment? Like were you able to hear her voice, TV, anything like that? >> No. >> No. Finally, the little boy was getting the help he had been desperately crying out for. In the meantime, officers kept trying to reach Ciara and every unanswered call only made things worse. Your name? >> Ciara. >> Ciara, can I talk to you right out here? >> Sure. >> What's going on today? >> Oh, I was at a friend's house. He was asleep. >> Okay. How long were you at a friend's house? >> Mommy. Um just for a couple of hours. >> A couple hours? Okay. What friend's house were you at? >> Up there. >> Up where? >> That building over there. >> What time did you leave at? >> 10:00. >> At 10:00? Okay. Do you know what time it is right now? If you had to guess without looking >> it was 11:00. Sorry. >> What's that? >> It was 11:00 actually that I left. >> Without looking at a clock right now, could you guess what time it is? >> 12:00. >> Around 12:00. Okay. What had you come back here? >> My neighbor came from there to the door and said that my son was crying. >> Okay. And you said you left your boy here asleep? >> Yeah. >> Yeah? Is that normal for you to once he falls asleep to go visit a a friend for a little bit? >> No, asleep. >> No? Today was just an outlier day? >> I just thought he would be okay. >> Okay, I get you. Did you have a way to check on him like maybe like a a camera? No way to check on him or know if he needed anything? No? Okay. What's What's your mind right now? >> Scared. >> You're scared? What are you scared of? >> Losing him. >> Okay, why would you think that? >> I don't know. Cuz I feel like I'm a bad mom. >> Okay, well, I'm not going to disagree with you. Give me 1 second. I'll be right back with you, okay? >> Kierra was acting upset the whole time while talking with the police, but given everything that had already unfolded that day, her behavior was making officers suspicious. >> It's really just so sorry. I wish someone would have called me. I wish someone would have left the situation. >> So, what do you What It's okay. Everything's okay right now, but what do you know of this situation? >> I don't know. Maybe assume Maybe she he fell asleep and she went over just to hang out for maybe 20 minutes and then extended the time. I don't know. >> Okay. >> Um I really don't I know she doesn't leave him like that a lot. >> Okay, but she does. >> I don't know that. I'm sorry. [clears throat] You know, I I that could be the issue the you know, scenario, but I don't I'm not aware of that. >> Okay. >> But I will say what I can tell you is that I can I can try to be there in the next 20 minutes to get him. I don't take him. >> It's okay. >> I don't know the extent of the issue. I don't want him to go to CPS. I want I want I would prefer him to come with me if that's an option. >> We'll see. >> Um I don't mean no disrespect, but how long has your sister been battling what she's battling right now? >> I don't know. What is What She is not fully mentally there. >> Okay, what do you mean by that? >> She is mentally if that makes sense. >> Okay. >> So, she does things that she makes [laughter] it make sense to her. >> Mhm. >> That's not completely okay at all completely at all. >> Okay, in reference to the child, but have you seen her do that you don't find to be normal or find to be out of the ordinary? >> To be honest, nothing really. The only thing that really concerns me is sometimes, you know, when she gets over stressed, you know, she just be >> like overly loud with him, like she'll yell at him. >> Okay. >> Not like just because she has a hard time like like getting rid of her frustration. Like she's never hit him or she doesn't hurt him. She's a really good mother. I just >> You're all done with them? >> don't understand. >> Can you help me by calling CPS and finding out if she has any history? >> okay. >> Okay. >> And I've told her, like dude, if you need help, reach out to me. >> Right. >> We have older sister. She knows that if she's struggling, she can ask for help. >> Right. >> I don't want to say why she would do this. And it's so upsetting. I already have I have my own situation, you know? I have four kids. I have one who has special needs. >> Mhm. >> I [snorts and clears throat] don't know. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I just >> Sorry. Sierra, do you know if your sister has ever struggled with um drugs or anything or anything along those lines? >> I don't know. I don't know. >> Okay. All right. So, give me a couple here and then I'll give you a call back and give you an update as to what we're doing, okay? >> Okay. >> I won't keep you out the loop, though. >> Please. Just >> Okay. >> [laughter] >> I mean, even if you guys are able to bring him to me, >> Okay. >> then I can send I can give you the address. I'm just >> I know. All right. I'll let you know, okay? >> Sierra's explanation added a layer to the situation that officers hadn't anticipated, but regardless of Tiara's mental issues, there was still a lot to access in that case. >> Tiara, what time did you sleep at today? >> I fell asleep at 10:00. >> 10:02? >> And we were in here for at least an hour. >> Who's we? >> Me and two other people. >> Okay. >> Two of them are adults. >> So, it wasn't till 11:00 that you left then? >> Yeah. >> What was your thought behind that? >> I didn't think I was going to be there very long. >> Okay. >> I didn't realize it was longer than it was. >> What were y'all doing? >> Just chatting. >> Okay, what was the reason for leaving then? >> Just to hang out over there, I guess. >> Whose neighbor's home did you go to? >> Um his name's Kelly and Brandy. >> And what time was that at that you went over there at? >> Shortly after I It was like 3:00, maybe 3:30. >> 3:30? >> quite sure. >> Yeah, no problem. So, then y'all stayed there until when? >> Uh until about 4:29 or something. I looked out their window cuz I was waiting for somebody to pick me up. >> Yeah. >> And then when they I saw them, I left and said, "I got to go." They're like, "Okay, see you later." >> Where'd you go to? >> Celebrate Recovery. >> Oh, yeah. Celebrate Recovery? >> Yes. >> What time did you get there at? >> I would say like 5:00 something. >> 5:00? 5:00-ish? >> Yeah. >> And you went to Celebrate Recovery, you said. May I ask why you're attending those classes? >> Oh, for hurts, hang-ups, and habits. >> What were your habits? >> Um stuff that I have in my life. >> Okay. Were you using at one point? >> No. >> Okay. Were you using any now? >> No. >> Anything that would impair your decision-making? Nothing like that? >> I don't do any of that. I saw my friend um named Kelly and Brandy. They came over to help me put Carter to sleep. And so, we just hang out here in the house. >> How old is he? >> Just for a little bit. And then I thought it would be okay if I went up there just for I think I wasn't really wanting to be there. I didn't realize I was there longer than I should have been. I should have been there just for like 20 minutes and then went back home. >> Okay. >> But like I did not >> Tiara wasn't being difficult with the police. However, her answers revealed that this wasn't just a case of a mother making a one-time mistake. >> So, then you decided to go over to their house across the way. >> Yeah. >> Were you able to hear or do anything? No? How old? >> 2 and 1/2. >> So, being that he's 2 and 1/2, does he have like a phone here at home to where if you needed something you could call or call 911, or anything like that? >> No. >> No. Even if there is a phone in that here at home, is he able to use that phone to call for help, not to play a game? >> He might. I'm not sure. He probably would call my mom or my sister or something. >> You think he has the ability to actually call someone, and he knows how to use the phone? >> Probably not. >> No. Okay. >> No. I mean, he's done it on accident, but I mean, I was right there with him, so >> Right. Accidentally, yeah, but purposefully, could he? >> Probably not. >> Okay. Well, what about food? Is he able to feed himself if he if he's hungry? >> Yeah, he probably could. >> Probably could or can? >> Yes. >> Yeah. What do you think he would have been able to feed himself? >> Probably would have been able to get some yogurt that's in the fridge. >> Can you show me? >> The yogurt. >> Yogurt that's the brand new yogurt that has a aluminum on it? >> That is a peach, yeah. >> Yeah. Do you think he would have been able to remove the lid and remove the plastic from it, and know to grab a >> He knows how to get a spoon, yeah. >> Yeah. Okay. >> But then, he probably would cuz he grabbed that earlier when we were out there with the dogs. >> Did he open it though, or did he just grab it and bring it to you, like saying, "I'm hungry, can you open this?" >> He told me he wanted it. >> Right. So, there's there's a difference, right? >> Yeah. >> In a child. Are you You can disagree with me. I've been around children myself, and I know that sometimes when a child wants something, such as a drink of water, peanut butter, yogurt, whatever it may be, they bring it to you, and then you assist them in opening it, right? And making it easier for them. Is that at the point Is that that he brings you product, and needs assistance in getting it? So, do you think that he could have grabbed it and helped himself to it, or fed himself that product with what you just said? >> Not exactly, I don't think. >> Does he have access to water? >> No, this is There's water right there. >> And can he bite it off? >> Yeah, he bites it off to drink some. But, there's also some in >> What about if something happened inside the home? We'll We'll make it something minimal that it it would have been crummy, but really no danger to for the most part to him. What if the toilet started overflowing? And he and he wanted to leave. Could he have been able to leave the apartment? >> No, cuz he would have struggled a little bit. >> Can you speak and ask for help? Like let them know who you are. Let them know who he is. >> Can you say your name? >> Probably not. >> No. >> But he would know who I am. >> He could point you out. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, I'm being very frank with you, okay? You're going to be placed under arrest for failing to [clears throat] supervise your child. Okay? >> Why? >> For failing to supervise your child. My question to you is is are you okay with Sierra taking custody of your child? Yes. Okay. Do you have questions for me? No. Placing in custody. Let's walk over here. You're okay. You don't need to walk away from me. Can you take a seat in here? >> In the end, Tiara was charged with failing to supervise. In the next case, a young child was left alone inside a car overnight. When officers went searching for the parents, they were nowhere to be found. >> She's probably been out here for a while. Certainly. >> They're what? >> Drugs. >> Yeah. You said she was what? >> Can you imagine if they somebody didn't see this? This car's going to heat up. >> Child fully buckled in. No way she could have got out. >> It was around midnight, and then you guys just got kids out of the car one at a time. >> Yeah. >> And left one. >> Yeah. >> It's like don't play liar, bro. >> We got kids. >> At this point it's just your honesty is what's going to help you. >> Honesty's going to go a long way with everything and how this goes. >> On June 30th, 2024, officers were called after someone reported a young child locked inside a car crying. When they arrived, their priority was figuring out who the car belonged to. >> I'm going to knock on this the house and see. >> Good morning. Do you know whose vehicle this is parked outside your house? No. Is there any other families that stay here? No. Okay. All right. We're trying to There's a little girl in the vehicle we're trying to figure out who who she belongs to. So, no idea? All right. Thank you. >> I can go over there. He's just Whole family's anti-police. >> What? >> Family's anti-police. >> Oh, well. >> They're They're 100% >> We're taking this child today. >> 100%. Sorry, buddy. Step back. Hey, DCFS >> has been involved. >> She's probably been out here for a while. For what? You said >> Can you imagine if they somebody didn't see this? This car's going to heat up. >> Are you okay? You want a sticker? >> Yeah. >> With no one responsible for the car showing up, officers had no choice but to start looking further. But whether that would actually get them any closer to answers remained to be seen. >> How long have the kids been out there? >> Yeah. That's why I went to get >> 44 myself and the I'm sorry. Myself >> I want to see if how long they're going to >> I'm sure there was green cameras somewhere around here. >> Yeah. It is a ring ring camera, right? >> Across the street. Hi. Uh are you the mom? >> The kid. >> Sylvester Sweekle? >> See. >> Okay. So they sola Blonde? >> No, that's Peter Car Seat. Renaldo Come on. Don't take Okay. Don't worry. Don't worry. Yeah. No. >> The kid. >> The kid was out there alone. It's out in the pool. Okay. What happened? We're going to take the little girl to the station. We're going to call CFS. >> Oh my god. >> Call my MRT CFS on the phone right now. Okay. L 80. >> I'm in Wisconsin. >> So they live in that area over there. >> Okay. Do we know where? >> She said North Massena. >> What's that? >> She said around North Massena. She doesn't have the address. But she said last she knew of them was they were at Six Flags yesterday. >> So it's in the area. You could hear them head back to Shepherd in case they come outside. >> Yeah. I'll go ahead. Yes. I'm going to We're going to take the kids to the station. >> Yeah. I was going to Shepherd's call. I don't try to jump all I mean I I get really pissed off. >> 100% especially cuz I know them and they don't care about the kids too much. >> Well we're taking I mean >> Cuz she said she will obviously DCFS if we do take her they'll probably want her in court to give her protective custody to her, right? >> Yeah. We definitely got to involve DCFS and see what they say. >> The grandmother didn't have the answers officers were hoping for and that said a lot on its own. At that point tracking down the parents was proving harder than it should. >> Mom is at the house. She lives in this area though. She's uh >> Her mother >> Okay. >> was there and said she lives in near North Massena unknown where. Curtains trying to figure it out so I can back here in case they come outside. >> What about dad? >> I think both of them live there. >> Oh okay. >> I guess supposedly both of them live here. They're at Six Flags yesterday. That's the last that the that >> So I assume that Joshua which is the brother wandering around cuz the DCFS records show her 2019 and her brother a little bit older 2017. >> The address way up there. >> Well we already checked. So the address that all that I found DCFS paperwork in there comes to mom's house or grandmother's house up here. She says that her daughter lives somewhere in this area North Massena but she's not entirely certain where. >> I already checked this house. She has no idea who >> I'm I'm guessing it's this apartment complex. >> Yeah. And what's her name supposed to be? >> Is it >> Kids speak? >> If she does I think it's Spanish only. >> She's What is five? >> We're going to park on one when you're ready to make contact. Yeah. We have everything we need. >> 30 Police. >> I might be Police. Sounded like something from inside. I don't know if it was the upper level or the lower. >> They've got They got He found mail with her name. >> No, I know. I'm just looking at I'm going to look at the camera and see how long she's been out here. Cuz her grandma was like, "Last I knew we were at Six Flags yesterday after they were there last night." And no one then this girl going to come for her. I told her she Yeah, she's good to come. >> However, it's That's what they want to do. They don't want to take custody of her. DCFS after an hour or two. >> Got you. >> Make sure in case she comes. >> The mom will The grandma will come. >> Okay. >> So, she's old. >> Child fully buckled in. >> Yes. >> No way she could have got out. >> After everything officers had been through trying to locate the parents, they finally had an address to make the first real break in the case. When they tried to talk with someone from inside the house, it took some time until a person came to the door to talk to them. >> Hey, come outside. Hey, hey, hey, hey. What's What's your name? >> Sylvester. >> Sylvester? What? How long you been here? >> How long I've been living here? >> No, how long What time What time did you get home last night? >> Uh I got home last night like around I'd say like around 11:00. >> 11:00 at night. And you haven't left this house since then, right? >> Not at all. >> When's the last time you drove your Yukon? >> It's not a Yukon. >> Or whatever it is. Your SUV. Your black Tahoe. >> She My girl What? >> He riding? >> What riding? >> When's the last time you drove the the Tahoe? >> Hey, Enrique. Come here. I want to know what they're saying. You know, but it's it's just uh it's it's uh Spanish on the phone. I want to know what's going on. You want to hang up the phone now? Yeah. Mom's coming. I'm sorry I cut them off. I was trying to figure out what he said he got here at 11:00 last night. I said did What's your daughter's name? >> Amelia. >> Amelia? You want to question her some more? >> Yeah, I mean I just want to know who was driving. >> we do before we do this constant thing, question >> [laughter] >> This is going to depend on who's driving cuz it might be both going or it might be just >> both at Six Flags >> [laughter] >> You guys were just probably exhausted from yesterday, right? Six Flags? >> Uh-huh. >> You were at Six Flags and exhausted? >> Yeah, we were at Six Flags. >> You guys want to eat after? >> Probably she probably fell asleep on the way here so you guys probably just >> So if we just kind of ask like, you know, if they would remember like what anything about this or if they used the vehicle since this morning at 11:00 last night was the last time they used the vehicle. >> from Six Flags last night, right? >> Yeah, well, like You went to the gym in the morning? >> He was driving? >> Uh like don't play lying, bro. >> We got We got two kids for less >> Huh? >> We got two kids. >> At this point it's just your honesty is what's going to help you out. >> Honesty's going to go a long way with everything and how this goes. >> You just You guys got home last night and just forgot. She was sleeping with someone you guys have to get up. You have more kids, right? >> We have eight We have In total we have eight kids. And everybody like we had just had We got home like around almost 12:00 from Six Flags. Cuz we still had to find out some food. But yeah, everybody out but I mean everybody just started getting >> Yeah. >> I got out first and I got some of the kids out and he got out and he got some of the kids out. So usually we like we work as a team but I mean I guess yesterday we must have been super tired >> Okay, you know, at this point it is what it is. The best thing is that she's good, right? >> Finding the parents was one thing but their reaction when facing the officers didn't sit right at all. >> Kids in that apartment, I kind of think we should just take her and screen her. Do you want to take her or do you want to take both? Cuz if we take both then we got to >> You're right. We got to take care of She's 99 and she's got to go in there. >> I mean we both >> Around 12. >> At night? >> Yeah. >> Okay, so around midnight and then you guys just got kids out of the car one at a time. >> Yeah. It's >> and left one. >> Yeah. >> So you said you had eight kids. All eight fit in that car? Oh, no. >> They They won't. >> Okay, but that's how they were transported. They all came You guys got here and and just left the little one in the car, correct? >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. >> We have pictures and videos of all night being there and also like when we stopped I think you guys had some tacos. I also recorded that like you know like at the time that you know we did stop at the park. >> Well, okay. This isn't pertinent but I'm just asking. Were Were you guys drinking at all? I'm just trying [clears throat] I'm just trying to figure out how you guys would have left the >> No, no, no, no, we were not drinking. We didn't drink but yesterday we were not drinking at all. We just dedicated our whole day to the kids from the morning to the like to the night time. >> Okay. >> people that were with us too at the flags. >> Okay. All right, then what I'm going to have you do is I'm going to have you step out real quick just to confirm that this is in fact your daughter. I'm going to turn custody over to him. So you're good to come We're just going to make sure that this is in fact your child. Okay. >> We're going to leave the child where she is right now. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> She's okay. >> She's okay. >> She's okay. All right, can we put her back on the grass, please? Yeah. Go back on the grass. Okay. Yeah, just stand right here for right now. Yeah. [laughter] >> We're trying to figure out what's going on, Chris. What what our >> [laughter] >> what our next step is, okay? Have you ever had any DCFS involvement before? >> I did. >> What What did that entail? >> I'm sorry. >> What happened with that? >> They closed the case. >> Okay, so it's closed. >> Okay. >> I did what I had to and they they closed it so you know we've been doing good lately. This I never thought this has never happened to me, like never have I ever forgotten one of my kids in the car. >> Claiming it was an accident was the way the parents were trying to make the situation seem less dangerous than it was, but what happened to their child wasn't the kind of thing that happens by mistake and officers knew it was time to act on it. >> Oh, she's 28, so she has a criminal record. This one girl has had eight kids and the oldest is 28. Seven different dads though. >> You're currently under arrest, okay? Just relax. >> For what? I don't want to give up. Wait, why are we under arrest though? What was it I do? What did I do? What did I do? What is the reason for the arrest though? Y'all can't just arrest us. Maybe we can talk here. We just want to know why. >> We're going [laughter] to talk in a second. We're going to be bringing both parents down. And all eight children are being brought over to the grandmother. >> We're documenting that she's fully buckled in. >> Fully buckled in. Snot on her face from crying all night. >> Yep, I got I got a video of >> It's got to be awful, bro. >> Yeah, dude, I get this >> This bothers me a lot. >> Mhm. >> Her diaper's completely soiled. She's She's peed through the seat. >> Yep. >> How do you give kids back to these type of people, dude? >> Oh, man. >> You can see how what what state she's in. >> All wet. >> She's fully buckled in. It's not >> And I have I have all of it on my body cam. >> You got that crazy These suspects need to take all of it. It's a wake up. Dude, how you got to notice your 4-year-old, your baby. You should notice your baby. >> And and You know, you got to put her to bed. Like, you know, at some point in the night you're like, "What I'm forgetting to do something." >> I'm guessing they were not in the right state of mind. >> It was just >> I gave him the details that day she was in the car. >> Left in the car overnight. That's all you guys did? >> Yes, so we just want to make sure she's good to go. >> Okay. Our parents Both parents are with us. >> She has a sister. Grandma should be inside, right? >> Yep. >> Okay. Um both parents weren't with you guys? >> Yes. >> Okay. Are you taking custody >> Grandma's taking custody right now. >> Yeah. >> Grandma is? >> Yeah, she's in the restroom. >> Did she want her transported to the hospital? >> Well, if she's a fine, then no. I would say more so our concern is that she's she seems okay. I tried to give her some water right now cuz I assume she might be dehydrated, but she doesn't want to. >> Is she >> But that's just cuz she's picky. >> Yeah. Is she acting normal for herself? >> Yeah, she is. >> normal for herself. Okay. >> All right. Well, we can check her on the ambulance. >> In the end, the parents were taken into custody and charged with endangering a child and causing circumstances to injure a child. In this next case, how does a 2-year-old end up locked in a disgusting room while his parents are right there in the same house? That's what the officers were about to find out, but what they discovered was beyond anything they had ever seen. >> The amount of flies in this room in this window is ridic- makes you think there's a body in this house. He's covered in either bites or burns. >> So, why didn't you want to take him out with you? >> Because he gets to be really fussy. And I know he was going to be crying. >> Did you lock him in before you left? >> We did. I mean, you have to make a decision on leaving him alone. >> [music] >> On April 22nd, 2023, officers from Fort Walton, Florida received a call from neighbors who noticed something unusual inside at a home. They alleged that a small child, dirty and covered in insects, was desperately banging on the front window trying to get someone's attention. >> A 47. He's got a plate of food in front of him. The amount of flies in this room in this window is ridic- makes you think there's a body in this house. Where's the child? >> He's in my front passenger right now. Doors are locked. We were able to push the window open, and he's just sitting there, so we scooped him up real quick. We're cleaning him. He's He's covered in either bites or burns. >> Did you take pictures? >> I did. >> Okay. >> Um we have EMS coming to check him out right now. He's got like either a burn on his leg or really bad infected bite or or something. He's super dirty. Super super dirty. >> He's got like ant bites in between his fingers like in the webbings. >> We are 10-15ing these parents the moment they get here. >> You need to get all the facts before you decide what you're going to do. >> We need to clear the house. So, I'm going to go through the window, and then I'll go through the window and come through the door. How many people live live here, guys? Just two? >> Say what? >> Just two people here? >> Yes. >> How big is this dog? >> Uh it's a pretty good sized boxer. >> Is he mean? >> Uh let me tell you about I I don't know. I don't interact with him at all. >> I don't think the dog is >> Let me Let me cut you off. >> I've come out here a few times when he was out here, but >> This is the >> I mean, I don't really can't say for sure. >> This is the food. >> He was outside, though. I think >> He's not outside. I just want to help out. >> Okay. >> For Long Beach Police Department, if you're inside, make yourself known. Yeah. Yeah. >> Grab my axe. >> Why? >> The door's locked. >> What do you mean the door's locked? The interior he's The kid was locked inside his room. Yeah. Can you grab my axe, please? >> Upon arrival, officers were met with a horrific scene involving a young child covered in dirt and insects inside his room. As they searched the house, they made a disturbing discovery. The door was locked from the outside, meaning the child had been deliberately shut inside. The brutal conditions in which the child was found left officers in shock. >> Neighbors called in, said their mom and dad left the kid at home alone. >> Hey, baby. >> So, we show up, and he's like literally just chilling in the window. 100 flies all over him. Just disgusting. Uh he's got some like some It looks like maybe some bites or something on his legs. His leg's pretty swollen up. Uh he's got like some ant bites and [ __ ] in between his fingers. >> Do you know where his parents are? >> They're not home. We can't So, we're having transported him to the children's good. Look at he he's smiling. Yeah, he's good. Yeah, I know. WE DON'T KNOW HOW YEAH, AT LEAST I DID. NO, SO THE neighbor >> said they've been gone for maybe 20 30 minutes now. >> Okay. >> But they said THIS IS LIKE A common occurrence for them. >> Uh uh you got a You got a Halligan? >> Yeah, you want to get in the house? >> I'm about to get in this house. >> Oh, yeah? >> Yeah. >> You want to just go through the window and then I'm hopping? >> I can't. The freaking kid was locked inside the room. Hang on, let's Let me make sure that Sarge is okay with it. >> No, we're not going in right yet. >> Okay. >> There's no suspects. We don't suspect right now that there's >> Is there anybody else inside? >> Dude, the amount of insect activity I definitely could There could be. >> All right. We're going to hold it so something's going on in there. >> Where's the dog? >> Yeah, we haven't heard the dog. >> Uh do we know their names? >> No, we don't. >> Do they Do they know their names? >> They left. They They just Apparently they left in a blue car. >> Locked the deadbolt. >> And bolted it back up. >> We're going to take it to the animals, get them cleaned up, and bring them back. >> Okay, I need somebody to stay with >> Okay. >> Okay. And if they start taking clothes off and you see injuries or anything suspicious, we need to photograph it. >> You want me to stay with with them? >> All right. >> All right, let's go over here. Hey George. We're going to go change them. I'll be riding with EMS. We're going to be transporting the child to Long Beach Medical Center. >> So there was a bowl. It had old old stale cold french fries, uh and chicken tenders, like a um an old McDonald's chicken nugget on top of some gummy bears, and then there was uh like rice on top of all of it, and then bacon. Like a strip of bacon. Covered in in flies. And he's just sitting there just eating out of it, banging on the window, locked in his bedroom. >> At this point, officers faced difficulty entering the house. When they finally gained access, they found the interior filled with clutter and scattered boxes, as if the place had been abandoned. Just when it seemed like there were no leads, officers discovered an important clue. Through a piece of mail, They were able to identify the first names of the suspects, 21-year-old Tyler Piringer and Diamond Atkinson. >> Where did that food go? >> Down here. >> Okay. >> That window. >> I will go and unlock it and then put it back. >> Police Department, IF YOU'RE IN HERE, MAKE YOURSELF KNOWN. Police Department. >> Mhm. Not better inside. Do you have a wallet or an ID or purse later on? >> Last name Piringer, Papa India Romeo India November Golf Echo Romeo. First name Tyler, T Y L E R. I do not have a date of birth yet. >> Oh, we got a little puppy in here. Hi. Oh, we got a bunch of little puppies in here. >> 124 on copy another name. Last name Atkinson, A T K A I N S O N. First name Diamond, D I A M O N D. Do not have a date of birth for you yet. >> As investigation progressed, officers moved through the rest of the home. What they found would confirm their worst fears. Rooms in extreme disorder, also garbage piled all throughout. The situation assigned to long-term mistreatment. >> There's a dead bird right here. >> Yeah, that's the food that was in that food left out. 31? >> Yeah, I'm on. >> one. >> I'm going to have to move these. There's some puppies right here. >> Oh. >> see those first time I came >> Hi. >> They look better taken care of than the child. >> Oh, you guys are so cute. Look at baby. One's stuck underneath the blanket. >> Yeah, the white one. The white one. >> Aw. Oh, they're so cute. They're little. >> Um there's just general uncleanliness. >> Yeah. >> Nastiness. The you can tell that kid's been sitting there with dirty nasty diapers or diarrhea pull-up diapers. Little puppy in here. Looks like he's obviously living in the room. >> Hi papa. >> Looks like food and stuff stacked up in the corner. >> Hi papa. >> The door in which the kid was in so it's just the doorknob. >> Was locked on from the outside? >> Yeah, doorknob. >> So they had to >> So feces on the inside of the door. Feces. >> So but they changed they put the lock on the outside of the door. >> Yeah, they would have to reverse it. >> Okay. >> Uh you have that and then another one just sitting down there. >> Oh my gosh. >> And then this is where he was and feces all over the wall or the curtains. More diapers under there. Those might not be dirty. I can't tell what kind of poop it was. Um I don't know what this is about. I tried to open this but I feel like it's all going to fly out on me. So there could be a dead body in there. >> Upon closer inspection, officers discovered numerous psychiatric medications. This discovery led investigators to consider the possibility that one of the caregivers may have been dealing with untreated mental health conditions. >> So that's the only one that's open on this side. That's not open. >> Okay. This one might be open. This one I don't even think has been opened. Yeah, it has. But, this is supposed to be two a day. So, from January 23rd there's no way that you know, he's taking that the way he's supposed to. This was February 15th. He's supposed to take two capsules three times a day. >> Wow. >> Um and he's supposed to be two capsules by mouth with meals and one with snacks. For whatever he's got going on. So, obviously not taking his medication the way he's supposed to. I don't know how you're going to get a 2-year-old to take pills, but >> Oh, well, that's what That was going to be my next question is >> I don't know. >> How is Usually it's a liquid that they prescribe. >> At this point, the mail found inside the house became crucial in helping officers locate the parents. With numerous signs of an unstable environment and abandoned psychiatric treatments, it became clear that the situation was far more alarming. The young baby was growing up in a dangerously unstable home. >> Hey, Diamond. Who's that? Diamond and Tyler. Tyler. All right, Diamond, go ahead and put your hands behind your back. >> I'm I'm Diamond. >> You're Diamond? Oh, Diamond, go ahead and put your hands behind your back. Put Drop that. You and Tyler both are under arrest for aggravated child aggravated [music] child neglect and multiple other charges forthcoming. Do you have any questions? Your child is going to be remanded into the custody of DFS pending a investigation and a family member to go and uh ta- check them out. We got to go out the back. Our is there Outback? >> Okay. >> Do you mind if we walk them through to our cars or do you want us to bring the car around? We can go that way, right there. Straight out straight out that way. Let's go. We get positive IDs. I don't know if he's got a wallet on him. >> I do. I do. >> Yeah, get it over here, man. Who are you guys with up there? >> Uh that's her sister. >> Okay. So, who's got the keys to the car? >> Uh I should >> You want me to give those to your sister or her sister or you want to take them with you? >> Uh I'd prefer to take them >> You just want to leave her standing here? >> Uh no, her dad's coming. >> Okay. >> Why didn't you want to take him out? I mean, I have I have a kid of my own, so I understand that toddlers are a lot to handle. But but why didn't you want to take him out with you? >> Because he was being really fussy. And I knew he was going to keep crying the whole time. Yeah. And he was really LOUD OUTSIDE. IT'S LAST TIME WE TOOK HIM. He was screaming. He got hot. We had to leave early and he was crying and screaming and he got tired and it just became doing anything and nobody was willing to take him. >> Okay. >> So, we thought we could leave him for a bit. And it was it was my FAULT THAT WE LEFT him because I You know, I said that that we did. Like that. And we were originally going to take him and then he was just crying the whole morning. I was just like I can't We can't bring him. >> Diamond's interrogation continued. According to the suspect, the pressure of her daily routine had convinced her that leaving the house for a few hours without her baby would be a good option. She also admitted that the way her son behaved often irritated her and described him as an obstacle in her life. >> I know the same thing is going to happen. And Tyler tried to turn around twice. He did. It was my fault. He tried He tried to turn around twice and he was like no, let's just go back home. Like this is stupid. And I said I know, but we're not we're not going to get another day out. We haven't been out in weeks. We haven't been able to enjoy ourselves. And my dog just had 13 puppies and 10 of them died because she worked with them. And we were really stressed out. So, I was like no, we're going to have a day out. We're going to have one day where we can just enjoy ourselves. And that was Um was my phone. Um We noticed a lot of like amount of diapers on top of his junior temple. And we see his covered diaper that was on the couple of bookshelf. >> I mean, if there was one there, then it should have been there. I mean it definitely should have been there, but I just don't remember putting anything on the ground besides his briefs or anything. He must have dropped it but the diapers that should have been taken care of. We just changed him and then put it there and then he take him in the other room and he just plays and he just gets to play all day. >> At this point, the suspects' lack of recognition of the child's suffering deeply troubled investigators. It became clear that the neglect had not occurred in just one day, but was the result [music] of months of ongoing mistreatment inside the home. These statements became crucial in helping investigators understand that the child's well-being had never truly been a priority. >> Where do you currently work at? >> Car battery. >> Okay. So, do you know why you're here right now? >> I do. >> Can you tell me why you're here? >> Uh I mean everything that got a decision on the they didn't know I signed at home for about 3 hours. >> Can you tell me why you guys left him at home? >> Um my dog within the past 2 weeks gave birth to 13 puppies and uh you know we were I grew up in a poor area since we had our son it was kind of be close but it was she ate one and then and then we were so [music] stressed about it like we can't we can't leave her alone. We have to give her a routine and so for about 3 weeks now and she's on site all day every day. When you know I'm on my work I come home I take over so she can pass out. We're just back and forth, so we you know, like we need to get out. And they talked to some people like, "Can you come get No, my step father or ex, he's you know, a father figure. He went to uh Talladega NASCAR and my mother's home isn't in like uh uh the spot where he can go and hang out for a day. Um and her father isn't you know, he he had stuff to do today, so he couldn't Well, we're going to pick up her sister, might as well just you know, get him his medicine, get him his nap, >> [music] >> get him fed. I mean, we were up since 6:00 in the morning getting ready and I thought, "He could just travel with me taking a nap on the plane." It would be well, technically, an hour away. And uh I mean, we just thought it sounded reasonable being desperate, I guess. But, you know, >> When the baby's father confirmed that they were more than an hour away from home, it revealed an even greater level of irresponsibility to officers. It also raised the possibility that the baby could have been left in those conditions for days. >> I mean, we were driving and we were waiting in traffic and we debated. We sat there talking to each other, you know, maybe I wish we had another weekend, but we have stuff to do every other weekend. It just felt like that was It's just easier to curse at yourself, you know, for what you already did, but yeah, it was just I had to call. >> I did notice that the door handle on the door was locked from the outside. In his bedroom? >> Yes. >> You Did you lock him in before you left? >> We did. Yeah, he comes out in the middle of the night and we had to switch it uh I was having a hard time before, but cuz at first we would just put that baby gate, we had one in the kitchen, uh wooden one, but he just ended up taking it down at like 2:00 in the morning, so we ended up just switching around. Uh I didn't think it was bad considering it's either that or fighting him in the kitchen, you know, all night, so. >> In his statement, Tyler admitted that the locks on the doors were not accidental, but intentional, a way to prevent his son from accessing other areas of the house. The situation only worsened as the investigation continued, especially as the visible marks on the baby's body pointed to clear mistreatment. >> he has like some some bites on him. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, actually they were outside. Uh there's lots of mosquitoes. I I got a weed on the front from my coworker um cuz there's just bugs everywhere. And there's a little lot of pricklies, so he he he just gets cut up sometimes over one time he he ended up falling over outside on the concrete and busted up in the his face, and so it's just stuff that happens all the time. >> Okay. Why did you guys make the decision to leave him instead of taking him? >> Well, when we take him, you know, when we go places, he can't you know, just touching anything, and it it's easier to take him to like Walmart when we go out cuz we have to go every other day. It's just not not too constant. It's usually a couple times a week. But uh it was just seemed easier, you know, cuz he didn't want to I'm not going to say like participate in getting ready, but he he he was just being, you [music] know, very upset, and he didn't want to go anywhere, and I we're out front working on cleaning the car. She's going back and forth taking my Tupperware for lunches back inside, and he just didn't want to he didn't want to go. >> [music] >> And then this I cleaned his seat out, and I was like, "Okay, we can get ready to go." And we waited a whole hour, but when we left him alone at 1:20 because of you know, we weren't going to wait any longer, and >> Is he Is he diagnosed with anything? >> Uh yes, yeah. autism. Um like in the second month of life he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. >> When's the last time he had his medicine? >> This morning. >> Okay. >> Yeah, we do it every morning and then she does it. When [clears throat] I'm at work I'm gone before she even gets up. >> Okay. What did you guys do while you're away from the house? >> Uh we went to the store, you know, just to hang out. We were a walk away, you know, we walked, we ate, and then we were heading on our way back when we got a phone call from her father saying we need to go, you know, talk to some cops and go see our son. You know, he didn't give us too much information. He just said, you know, you you guys you guys got to explain to me why we told him and he was like, yeah, you should have just waited it out. And I mean it's easier for just to say that. >> In the end, 21-year-old Tyler Pieringer and Diamond Atkinson both were arrested and charged with aggravated Their sentences [music] could carry up to 15 years in prison. Next case, two babies were found alone and shivering on wet grass in the middle of the night. But what made the situation even more alarming was the mother's explanation for abandoning her children in that terrifying way. >> Unbelievable. Are you their mother? >> Yes, ma'am. Yes, I do. >> This kid was is soaking wet >> So I apologize. >> and freezing. Your kids were spending the night in the wet grass at 3:00 a.m. That's That's what was happening. >> On August 25th, 2024, Middletown police officers on patrol made a heartbreaking discovery. A 4-month-old and a 16-month-old were left shivering in the wet grass at nearly 5:00 a.m. The babies were crying, abandoned on the sidewalk. >> Hey. Oh, we're all alone. Hey. Hey. Hello. Are you okay? Oh, she's shaking. >> [screaming] >> Hey, you're okay, honey. Hello, where are you? >> I couldn't find the officer. >> Yeah? Can you get down here? >> I don't have I [laughter] I don't I asked the officer to you um watch the baby while I went to the bathroom with my soiled and um I was changing them really quick. I don't have shoes on. >> Okay, why are they Why are they down here? Alone? >> I got I talked to the officer >> Um Why don't you come down here? >> I'm coming right now, honey. >> Yeah, you should probably should do that. Unbelievable. Are you their mother? >> Yes, ma'am. Yes, I excuse me. We were in a car. The car is stuck up here. So, I brought the babies with the car seat to leave in the car seat and it's still really down here for help. That's what we did. >> Hidden in the bushes, the mother tried to justify herself, but one officer quickly lost patience and ordered her out. Only then did she begin explaining why the babies had been left alone. >> When I came >> Well, they're not article. >> I didn't have I was wearing my pants and um I went up the stairs. It was a lady with a gentleman. So, I was looking all over for the article. My best bet was to go back to the car where I thought you guys would be. >> Us guys? What? >> The officer. >> You were out here with the police? >> Not a police, it was I'm not from around here, excuse me. So, I thought this was Wesleyan. >> Okay. Yes. >> Okay, so I was talking to somebody from the school. >> Okay. >> And they said that somebody would come to me Monday or something, but they had My babies I went up to go get Like I said, I soiled myself. When I came back, everybody was gone. I'm not from around here. >> So, you So, you thought the best option was to leave How old is this child? Stop. How old is this child? >> Um 16 months. >> 16 months and how old is that child? >> 39 >> So, you thought Stop. So, you thought leaving a 4-month-old and a 16-month-old on the sidewalk at 3:00 in the morning was the best option? I don't buy that for a second. >> No, you're absolutely >> So, you need to find a way to get down here. Do not do it that way, please. I don't need you getting injured. Can you walk down? >> I thought [clears throat] this is where I came down earlier. >> Unbelievable. We're riding by. I thought it was a baby doll. This kid's folded over in the grass. She's nowhere to be found. And Oh, god. With a a 4-month-old in the carrier. >> And No, excuse me. I talked to someone from the school and they were with the I fell with my kid. And when I went back, they said that they were calling the cops cuz they said uh cops were fighting. I said not not a problem. My vehicle is stuck up there. Everything is registered and insured. I'm not from around here. What he said to me absolutely correct. >> Where'd you go? >> From New Haven, Connecticut. >> But where'd you go? >> No, we were we're in the school in the circle thing and I I might have I might have dozed off and my friend was with her son and I got up. I didn't know where I was, so I just started driving. And now I'm stuck up on the um up on the ledge. Nothing's broken or anything. I didn't damage anything. So, like I said, it was older. They have not been with them. So, I did not I wouldn't do that. >> Well, you said there was someone with the kids. >> Correct. >> Where'd you go when you left the kids? >> Right where the stairs were. >> The unfit mother claimed she hadn't abandoned them, saying she asked someone from the school to watch the children while she went to the car for clean clothes. But when she returned, that person was gone. She quickly checked on the youngest before turning back to the officers. >> She said that But there was a um gentleman >> What are you doing here in Middletown? >> Um my friend was just on her way through here. And I went to talk to her. I live high, so I So, I kind of >> Yeah. >> But I live here. >> Did your other kid fall off the wall? >> No, no. I had her. >> Oh. >> I came first, just like I did then. And then I carried then I then I held her in my arms and then I brought her down with me. That's why I said I did a lot of work to get down here. I didn't just randomly blah blah >> Where'd you come from? >> My car is somewhere up there and I I >> Well, how'd you end up up there on the wall? >> When I went back up this way through the stairs, there's like a little U. >> Yeah. >> So, as that U went, I just took that. Yeah, but I did. >> Let's work on that. This kid was is soaking wet. >> So, I apologize. >> And freezing. >> So, so am I. And I have proof. I promise you everything is with me. The um her things if you look in my car, I have diapers, wipes, all of that with extra pair of clothes. We were spending the night. But everything is up in the car. >> No, your your kids were spending the night in the wet grass at 3:00 a.m. That's that's what was happening. >> Hey. >> Hey. Um I was driving by and I saw these two 4-month and 16-month unattended laying in the grass. She's wet, shivering. I don't know how long they've been out here. >> Is her phone bleeding? >> Yeah. So, I just wanted to get >> Nobody else around? >> Oh, mom was uh up in the woods doing something. So, not really sure. But we're warming up now, right? Where's your friend visiting someone at? >> I don't even know. Her phone is not on here right now. Crystal. >> So, you came from New Haven here? >> My phone is I just found my phone's in the woods in the wet woods up there by that. >> How's your phone in the woods? >> I was coming down in not the woods, but right here in the marsh. >> I don't know. I'm trying to figure out how you ended up there in Middletown on Resnick's property. Your kids are out here in the grass. This doesn't make sense. >> No, me and the children were in the car. My friend went to go see her friend and we were near >> Why are you Okay, they're not in your car now is what I'm saying. How did you end up here? >> Because my car is stuck so up there. >> Stuck? >> Okay, there's a gate so you can't I just you can't come down here when you the circle there. >> Paramedics arrived to examine the children, making sure they were stable while police continued questioning the mother. Her story made little sense. She said the car was stuck uphill and that she and the children had gotten out to look for help. >> Why are the kids not in the car with you? Why were the kids How did the kids get out of the car? >> We all I I my children out of the car got them okay so we can get help because the car is stuck up there. >> When I was there >> So I came down here and this didn't look like a main road to me to get help. >> Why is it stuck? >> I was trying to get out of um this little area. >> So you can't drive your car out? >> I should be able to now, but I didn't even have my keys on me. Everything was right here. >> None of this makes sense. >> My This This is my jacket. My keys were just right here with the babies. >> I know you >> to get my car out, but my keys were >> I I could give not a single care less about your vehicle right now. >> That's the last >> We'll figure that part out after, but I need to figure out why your kids were left in the manner that they were. That's what we need to find out. >> I came from my vehicle from up there. My friend exited the vehicle. I dozed off, so I don't remember where who what when and where. When I got up, I got up the car was already on and I'm just looking around like, where am I supposed to go? I put the um the key the thing in the ignition and I go out this little side gate thing, but it's leading to the back of the building and I just keep going till I can't go no more. >> So you came out here with a friend. >> No, she she's not with me anymore. I don't know where she went. >> You originally came out here with a friend. >> yes. >> To Middletown with a friend. >> Mhm. >> Somehow ended up in the back of this building, got your vehicle stuck, your friend left, and then what happened? >> From there with the vehicle stuck, couldn't find my phones or anything. I'm coming No, I'm gathering up my stuff but my phones I I got the baby stroller, the blanket, bottles, and I have one baby in my hip. We're pushing it all the way to here. I jumped down. There's a man uh like security He said the school I want to say. >> They're security for the school, this gentleman here, and they have no idea what you're talking about. They have not had any calls involving any kids, no none of their employees or staff have been out with children at all. So that person, if they exist, was not the police and was not campus security. >> It was a Well, I talked to somebody that was a little bit farther down than my here. All of us, me, that person, and my children traveled from where my butt mark was to down there. And then I like I said, I threw up my pants over so I said, "Hold on a second." And they they were there. I didn't just say, "Oh, I'm gone." and just left my baby's fur. When I came back, they weren't there. Then I went upstairs, didn't think I went as far down as I did. So this is here's over there and I went upstairs and then I found my vehicle. Then when I heard the babies crying and I seen police lights, I came running. >> As officers realized the mother's story didn't add up, they contacted a campus security guard. He confirmed no one on staff knew about the children. If she had left them with someone, it was a stranger. [music] And by now, police suspected she wasn't sober. >> Have you consumed any today or taken any or anything like that? Are you on any medications? >> Um no, but I just want >> Have you smoked >> No. >> recently? So like your your your balance is all off, you're slurring your words, whatever. I'm just trying to figure out if you drank >> I promise I'm just nervous about everything that has has happened. I woke up and it's and it's stupid getting in the car and stuff. I come down here. I I know what it look like over there. I saw all the stuff with the babies to come down here to get help. My phone is I don't know nobody's number by heart anymore. >> Like something up there got the car stolen. >> Oh, definitely. I'm sure I'm sure there's a lovely sight already waiting for us when we get up there. >> All right. I'm going to be honest with you, you're going to jail. >> For what? >> Risk of injury, times two, leaving two children under the age of 12 unsupervised. >> Is it possible my husband they're the father? >> Um no, I'm going to let DCF make the determination of where these children go, okay? Because you're going to jail. Simple as that. And I have no idea who to get in contact with and even if I were to and I make this DCF notification about what just happened and DCF knows that I let those kids go with somebody other than who they deem as fit, I'll probably lose my job. >> No, I get >> This is probably one of the most insane things I've ever seen in my life. >> No, it didn't it does sound crazy. I'm not arguing with you guys at all. You can't bring my stuff to you. >> Just leave it there for now. I found her car. I'm not sure how we're going to get it out of here to be honest. Yeah, she went off-roading a little bit. >> I don't even know how to get back there. >> So where I went in on the other side That's where she came in cuz I saw tire tracks down the beginning. So she came behind all these buildings. Walk over here with me. Don't get in the car yet, okay? I'm just opening the door. Go ahead and take a seat in there for me. You got it? Good? Are they going to be able to get that thing out of there with a tow truck? Can somebody do that like safely you think? Like it's not going to slide down the hill? >> Yeah, he said he could do it. >> Okay. Is it possible to um get [snorts] an extra pair of clothes I do have on me cuz I I stink. I didn't mean to put use the bathroom on myself. I'll pop out. >> Good. In the end, the mother was taken into custody and charged with two counts of risk of injury to a child. Her bond was set at $1 million.