Everyone believes that family is the safest place, but today, let's pull back the curtain and uncover the truth behind those horrifying scenes. >> I want to show you guys her bruises, too. >> Another woman just sitting down there. >> Making it hard for him to digest and produce hands on. >> When I seen the bites on her, that's disgusting. I've never done that before. >> I lied cuz I was scared. >> Go ahead and put your hands behind your back. From a little boy trapped among swarms of flies to children suffering abuse and the agony of being rejected when love turns into. Where will these children end up? Opening in Florida where two 21-year-old parents were raising a kid, a dog, and a swarm of flies in a house no better than a dump. >> The amount of flies in this room in this window is riding in this house. On April 22nd, 2023, a 911 call sent police rushing over. A child was trapped inside, desperately banging on the door for help. But when officers arrived and knocked, there was only silence and a foul smell. They had to break in and rescue the child stuck in a house full of flies. >> I kind of was thinking like maybe they just go to the store, set code, but I mean, even then, it's like, >> how hard is it to take your kid? The >> kids eating. I mean, they're leaving him there. He's probably like one or two and I'm pregnant and I Like I couldn't imagine leaving somebody else's kid. 2 years old of my own. >> Yeah. No kidding. >> Yeah. Just found probably a one-year-old by himself inside of a house. That is horrendously bad. Parents left about 20 minutes ago, locked him inside the house by himself, took off. Neighbor saw him baiting on the window and uh he's in not great shape. The kid's not in good shape. But as soon as we find these parents, they are going to prison. >> I got little patience with this one, dude. >> What? >> Little kid is in the window of 47. He's got a plate of food in front of him. The amount of flies in this room in this window is rid It makes you think there's a dead body in this house. >> Where's the child? >> He's in my front seat right now. Doors are locked. We were able to push the window open and he's just sitting there. So, we scoop him up real quick. We're cleaning him. He's [ __ ] He's covered in either or. Did you take pictures? >> I did. Okay. >> We have EMS coming to check him out right now. He's got like either a on his leg or really bad infected or something. He's super dirty. Super super dirty. Is there anybody? >> We need to 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? There's two. There's two people here. >> Yeah. >> How big is this dog? >> Uh, it's a pretty good size boxer. Does he mean I don't know. I don't interact with them at all. >> I don't think the dog >> Let me Let me tell you. >> I've been out here a few times when he's out here. >> I can't say for sure. >> For Long Beach Police Department, if you're inside, make yourself known. >> Are there usually this many flies around here? >> No, they let their dog [ __ ] over here closer to my front door. So, I stupid. I even >> No, but I mean, is there usually this many flies? Dustin blocked. >> Hey, Dustin. No, Dustin, grab my axe. >> What? >> The door is locked. >> You mean the door is locked? >> The interior. He's The kid was locked inside his room. >> You got it locked from the inside? >> Yeah. Can you grab my axe, please? >> Just come out here. We'll take the front door. >> And how many Is there any other kids here? >> Kid was locked in the room. >> What's up? >> I'm pissed, dude. Uh, talk to him. >> I'm going to grab it just for when you're ready. >> Neighbors called in. Said the mom and dad left the kid at home alone. in 147. >> Yeah. >> There's a a ridiculous amount of insect activity. There's flies everywhere. There's flies all over him. He's got B all over him. >> Anything? >> No. >> Go ahead. >> Okay. I need somebody to stay with him. >> Okay. >> And if they start taking clothes off and you see injuries or anything suspicious, we need to photograph. >> Do you want me to stay with him or I'll get somebody else? >> Hey, George. We're going to go change the back of the truck. >> We're going with you. >> Okay. Hi, baby. >> I need a poop. Feel it. My Are you coming? >> Yeah, I'm coming. I'm coming. >> That's okay. >> The child was taken out, but what was left inside was a nightmare. Trash piled everywhere, flies swarming, and a starving dog. The place was no different from a diseased nest. A toxic environment for any child. Fat guy in a little space here. >> Where' that food go? It's down here. >> Okay. Is there a head on that one? Yeah, >> just uh pull the lock right there. There we go. We can unlock it and then put it back. There you go. >> Police department, if you're in here, make something known. >> Police department. see a [ __ ] wallet or an ID or purse laying around your [ __ ] door there. >> Most cases the parents will probably face some sort of criminal action. >> Yeah. Have they came back yet? Like >> no. >> I didn't know if maybe they got like stopped. >> No. >> Copy a name. Awesome. >> First name Tyler. T Y L E R. Oh, we got a little puppy in here. Hi. Oh, we got a bunch of little puppies in here. >> 12 for one. Copy another name. Police kept investigating and found the baby's room was a stinking trash pit full of dirty diapers and stains. Other rooms were stacked with packaging and pill bottles. Yes, they turned their home into a biohazard, then bought medicine to deal with the disaster they caused. >> Unbeknownst to me, there's some puppies right here. >> I didn't see those the first time. >> Hi. >> They look better taken care of than the child. >> Oh, you guys are so cute. One's stuck underneath the blanket. >> Yeah, little white. Just general uncleanliness. Yeah, >> you can tell that kids been sitting in there with dirty, nasty diaper or diarrhea filled diapers. Obviously, their room >> like food and stuff stack up when they're sitting there. >> This is the room the kid was in. So, it's just the doorork knob >> was locked on from the outside. >> Yeah, the doorork knob. >> So, they had the >> on the inside of the door. Uh yeah, that and then another one just sitting down there. Oh my gosh. >> And then this is where he was. And all over the wall and curtains. Um I don't know what this is about. I tried to open this and I feel like it's all going to fly out. Yeah. They're an hour out. >> Okay. >> Not food. Apparently food. >> Nope. >> Yeah. Look at that. That That is all >> Yeah. >> They've just been sitting them in cuz that's the same color as his diapers. All this medication I took as the pig. So, that's the only one that's open of this side. That's not open. Okay. >> This one might be open. This one I don't even think has been open. I don't know how you're going to get a 2-year-old to take pills. >> That was going to be my next question is >> I don't know. >> How is Usually it's a liquid that they prescribed. >> One of those is a chemical tablet. >> Okay. >> But the rest are all pills. >> Turns out the child was just a daily occurrence in this house. >> I'm just curious when they going to come back. Like, >> so I'll stay here until they do come back or have them. >> I've never seen them gone this long. Like, they do leave quite frequently. But, you know, the mom, they do only have one car, so sometimes it's hard to tell if the mom is there or if she went with him, but if you see them both, you know, >> they left him with the food. Like, what if he choked >> and the food was covered in flies? >> Where are you going that you can't take your kid? Like, and I mean, this is how psychological like things happen. Like, it's bettered like this. You would think it would be common sense. >> As expected, the boy was rushed to the hospital. Test results: double ear infection, respiratory infection, and signs of malnutrition. [Music] >> I mean, he's a little he's a little thick. He's definitely thick. I don't know, but he's definitely not being taken care of. So he's got the bold leg and I mean he looked he's chunky. >> Dude, we used to see. So there was a bowl. It had old old stale cold French fries, a chicken tender, like a um 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 and it was covered in in flies. And he's just sitting there just eating out of it, banging on the window, locked in his bedroom. [Music] >> He went to the death. >> Oh, >> surprisingly, 21-year-old parents Tyler and Diamond calmly turned themselves in at the hospital 5 hours after leaving their child home alone to go out. >> Hey, Diamond. There's a Diamond and Tyler. >> Tyler. Diamond. Go ahead. Put your hands behind your back. >> I'm Diamond. >> You're Diamond? Oh, Diamond. Go ahead. Put your hands behind your back. Drop that. >> You and Tyler both are under arrest for aggravated childish, aggravated child neglect, and multiple other charges forthcoming. Do you have any questions? >> Your child is going to be remanded into the custody of DCF pending a investigation and a family member to go and check him out. He's got a knife. I do. >> Do you have anything in your pockets? Anything that's going to poke me, stick me, hurt? All right. Before either one of you say a word, I'm going to read both of you your rights. Okay. You both have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law. We can go that way. Right there. Straight out. Straight out that way. Let's go. >> You have anything on you? >> No, I don't. >> You have anything in your pockets? >> No, I don't. >> All right. Go in there. Have a seat. >> Hey, can you sit sit right here? I got to go in and grab my laptop and stuff in your pocket. >> You bleeding somewhere or is that paint? That was a pen that broke in my pocket. >> Okay. >> Carpenter. >> Not bleeding. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Bye, buddy. I think your ride is here. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. See you little Come right up in here and go in here and turn to the left. Turn to the left. Stand in the doorway. All right. I'm going to take these cos off of you. I need any kind of jewelry you have on. Your necklaces, your bracelets, your earrings, all of that has to come out. You understand? >> Walk towards that officer. I should stand there. Stand there. >> Uh, you know, a torch when I was at work, I put it down. >> Not ringorm. >> I'm going to take I'm going hold on to it. Okay. >> And during the interrogation, the father gently blamed. It's the dog. >> Tell her, do you know why you're here right now? >> Can you tell me why you're here? >> I'm here because of bad decision. my son at home for about 3 hours. >> Can you tell me why you guys left him at home? >> My dog within the past 2 weeks gave birth to 13 puppies. We were thinking we were ready for it since we had our son. It was close, but it was she ate one and then we were so stressed about it. It was like we can't we can't leave her alone. We have to leave this routine. And so for about 3 weeks now and she's been inside all day, every day, you know, I'm at work. I come home, I take over so she can pass out. We're just back and forth. We, you know, like we need to get out and we talked to some people like, "Can you come get Adrian?" My stepfather ex went to uh Tallaladega NASCAR and my mother's home is in like a spot to where he can go hang out. We're going to pick up her sister. Might as well just, you know, get him his medicine, get him his neb, get him fed. I mean, we were up at 6:00 in the morning getting ready and I thought he could just chill and come take a nap. We were driving and we were waiting in traffic and we debated. We sat there, talked to each other. You know, maybe I should wait another weekend, but we have stuff to do. >> Is he capable of contacting emergency services if he needs it? Does he know how to use a phone or Alexa or some type of device to contact you or emergency services if something happens? >> No. Did you leave something with him like a device to be able to reach you or anybody else if something happens? >> 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 cuz at first we would just put that baby kit. 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. >> Excuses kept piling up and at the same time the boy's cystic fibrosis was also revealed. >> I noticed he had like some some bites on him. Somebody >> Yeah, we were outside. There's lots of mosquitoes and I got a weed ear on the front uh from my coworker cuz there's just bugs everywhere and there's a lot of prickly. So >> why did you guys make the decision to leave him instead of taking it? >> When we take him, you know, when we go places, he can't end up, you know, just touching anything. it it's easier to take him to like Walmart when we go out cuz we have to go every other day but not too constant. It's usually a couple times a week. We're out front cleaning the car. She's coming back and forth taking my tub away from lunches back inside and he just didn't want to he didn't want to go and he just I cleaned his seat out and I was like we can get ready to go. played a whole hour and really left around 120 because, you know, we weren't going to wait any longer. And off chance, my mother and I had to have pieces that made what he's got, which ends up lining most his organs with thick mucus, making it hard for him to digest and produce enzymes to get what he needs from the food. Um, so if he doesn't have those pills, it will just run straight down. It'll it'll come out from diarrhea. You know, he can eat normally. It's just everything he eats, he needs to have that. and the nebulizer depending on which one you get him home or saline solution. I can't it's a long one but there's one in the fridge in the door. >> It's a long name and uh each one has its own purpose to help with either clearing his lungs and then there's the chest uh vibrator or shoot it like pumps air. >> Okay. >> So you put that vessel on and you do them at the same time and it helps get things out. Most of the time loosen it up. >> Yeah. Yeah. Most of the time it won't come out and when he was younger a lot of stuff came out but you know as he got older it usually just follows it. So, >> well, I noticed when we went in there that there was like a there was like a mound of diapers that were like on a changing table and then there was like a diarrhea diaper that was underneath like a bookshelf. >> Yeah. He strips. >> Okay. >> The diaper pile was mainly hurt cuz we used to have this thing. It like compress all the diapers in it and then you cinch them up and it becomes some long thing but it was disgusting and uh I couldn't do it. We had flies and still kind of do actually it produced them. So I just I got angry and toss that thing. So now she just kind of stacks them and then I take them out when it comes too much. But >> you guys have flies in the house. >> Yeah. Yeah. There container wasn't all that great. I'm not going to lie to you then. And it just it ended up being bad when we we we leave windows open. There's flies outside and they come in and you know they started out as one too and it became a lot worse. Okay. >> They'll attract anything that you know you have. >> With a logic of we need time for ourselves too. These parents shamelessly left their child home alone. What did you guys do while you were away from the house? >> We went to the store, you know, just to hang out. We had to walk our way, you know, we walked, we ate. We were heading on our way back when we got a phone call from her father saying, "You need to go talk to some cops and go see your son." You guys [ __ ] up. Explain to me why >> he has an upper respiratory infection and a double ear infection. >> Uh, we know about, you know, his respiratory problem. Uh, that's why he has a one in the fridge that's supposed to be helping with that. >> Okay. >> Now, ear infection. I haven't been using Q-tips on him, so I don't I thought that's what caused infections. You put a Q-tip in, it causes damage to your eardrums infection. >> I'm no doctor, believe me. But, uh, that's what the doctor provided me. The information the doctor provided me was that he had a double ear infection and an upper respiratory infection. >> He's had that for a bit. That's when we went to his he has a monthly appointment. Okay. >> Every month we go and then he has a checkup. They they swab his throat. They check up on him. Just ask how the medication isn't treating him. And we give him a diagnosis of just like this isn't working. And Tyler, the mother, she was terrifyingly indifferent. Not onlying her child, but barely showing any real regret. >> How was your song? And I am aware that that was stupid and I have never done that before. I was going to ask if you've if you've done that before. I've never done that before. >> Okay. He was nobody was wanting to take him. I didn't >> I didn't want to take him out. It was >> Why do you want to take him out? >> Let me ask you. I have Listen, 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? >> It was really hot outside and last time we took him, he got hot. We had to leave early and he was crying and screaming and he got tired, do anything, and nobody was willing to take him. So, we thought we could leave him for a bit and it was my fault that we left him because I, you know, I suggested that we left him. >> She even shed tears out of fear of jail, not out of sorrow for her child. >> Tyler tried to turn around twice. He didn't. It was my fault. He tried turning around twice and said, "No, let's just go back home. Like, this is stupid, but we're we're not going to get another day out." >> What is he diagnosed with? >> It's cystic fibrosis. >> When's the last time he's had a medication? He had his medication this morning when he had breakfast. He has to have him the perks he before every meal. That's what it's called. >> Both the father and the mother were charged with aggravated child abuse and child. Under Florida law, they could face up to 35 years in prison, a $25,000 fine, and up to $120,000 in bond. Yet, according to court records, both only received probation, sentence that left many questioning the leniency of the justice system. Though still young, the parents must be held accountable for their and indifference, especially when the result is illness, malnutrition, and both physical and emotional harm to an innocent child. But that's not all. In another stage, another mother did the same. Only this time, she chose to abandon the truth to save herself. >> I'm telling you the truth. There's nothing else I could tell you. That is the truth. On February 20th, 2023, San Miguel County deputies in Colorado received an emergency call from a woman reporting a domestic violence incident involving her boyfriend and her two children. Officers rushed to the scene where they met two women, Francis, the mother, and Deborah Francis's mother. But from the very beginning, something didn't add up. >> How you guys doing? >> Good, thank you. I'm pretty sheriff's office. What's your name, ma'am? >> I'm Debra Chapia. >> Your mother? >> I'm her mother. Yes. >> Okay. What's your name? >> Deborah. >> Deborah. Tapia >> and your name young lady >> Francis. >> Franc like I said I'm deputy county sheriff's office. This is deputy ball. >> So I called in the domestic violence on them last night or >> you called it in. Who did you call it in? >> I called it in. I just called just call 911. What time did you call? It >> was about 10 9 10 I don't even remember. And then they met with her at the sunshine station. >> Who did? >> The state police. >> Okay. So state police is already handling it. >> Well, no. Well, she kind >> Who did you talk to? >> Who do you look like? >> Remember their names? It was a lady. It was a lady >> Castro. >> I had no idea. >> There was like five and some really tall guy. >> You made a report with them. >> I didn't say anything though. I said nothing happened. >> And but my granddaughter >> I'm just going to throw this out there. You know, you can get in trouble for false finding a police report, right? >> I was afraid. He's still messaging. I'll find you. So I was just scared. I didn't want >> So you called state police between 9 and 10. And from there, what happened? >> I'll help her mountain here. But she had called her friends to come and help her because he had locked the baby in the house. >> Who's he? >> The guy. >> My mom. >> Okay. >> Okay. What's his name? >> Toronto. >> Do you know where he lives or stays or >> Rico Riveretta? I didn't I think in >> Okay. So, let's start from all the way from A. Okay. What time? What happened? >> He was just being rough. He was drunk. >> What time was this at? >> My daughter. >> Approximate time. other daughter had dropped it off between 7 >> 8 or 9 yesterday. So that would be the 19th cuz we're >> 4 and he took my phone. So I just I wasn't even looking at my phone. I hid my phone. >> So eight or nine you guys are fighting. >> Yeah. >> What happened from there? >> And he was annoyed with Emma. So my daughter and so he took her to the bathroom and left her there cuz I've been potty training her but he takes it a little extreme cuz she's three. And so that's how we started fighting. >> So he got upset. I got upset with him because >> No, he got upset. >> Yeah, he got upset and took her to the bathroom and just locked her in there. >> Well, he didn't lock her. She can't get locked in there. But he left her in there and I went to try and get her out. >> Mom, let me let me talk to her real quick. If you could just That way I could get two sides >> and he wasn't letting me. He wouldn't let me pull her out. Like I said, we've been potty training her so it's not like >> So he was in the bathroom with her at the time. >> No. >> So he just put her in the bathroom. >> Yeah, she was on the toilet. >> And she was on the toilet. Was the door closed or open? >> And he pushed me back into the room. >> Was the door closed or open at the time? It was just closed. >> It was closed. You tried to open the door. He pushed you. >> Uh, no. So, >> you just said he pushed you, >> huh? >> You just told me he pushed you, right? >> Yeah, he pushed me back into the room. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. I was like, wait, what? Okay, I'll start over. So, he took her to the bathroom and I followed because I kept telling him to just leave her. She's fine. She was asleep. Like, you don't need to bug her. And he's rough when he grabs her. Like, he's rough. And so, it upset me and I was trying to get her out of the bathroom and he pushed me back into the room. >> How did he push you? Can you show me? Yeah. >> The reason why for I know it's kind of overwhelming, but we got to get facts, okay? You know, this isn't I'm not saying it's it's a game or anything. >> That one was like a like shove. >> Like a shove. And did you >> get back in the room? >> Did you fall on anything or it was just a shove? Like if I pushed you and you kind of like just go back. >> He pushed me in. You know what I mean? >> Did you fall though or anything? >> No, I didn't fall. >> Okay. So, so he pushed you and then what happened from there? >> It was rougher than like just like go back to the room like let her go to the bathroom. It was him being rough, you know. >> Okay. >> The boyfriend still didn't stop. When the mother tried to carry Emma and Novo away, he violently pulled the child from her arms and tried to stop her. >> He started arguing and I started gathering my stuff as I was like, we're not we're not dealing with this, dude. We're not doing this cuz we fought a few nights before. That's whenever he hid my phone and everything. So, >> he hid your phone from me. Okay. >> And so, I was like, I'm just not going to do this no more. I'm not going to do this with you. I know how you're acting because you're drunk. So, I was like, I'm just going to get my kids and I'm going to go. So, I went and started putting their car seats in and loading my stuff up. He locked me out. >> What? He locked you out of the house? >> Yeah. And so, when I got back in, I grabbed >> Whose house is it? >> It's not even his house. He's just renting it. >> Are you boys both on the lease or just him? >> No, just him. I'm I'm not from here. >> Okay. So, he locked you out. And then what happened from there? >> I was able to get back in the house. He let me in. He's like, "Are you going to stop acting crazy?" And I was like, "I'm not acting crazy. I'm just trying to leave. I don't want I don't want this to turn into something else. I didn't want it to turn into this. So, I was just trying to leave the situation, get my kids, and go. Did I say that I brought my daughter back in? Cuz I think I forgot that. >> So, you took your daughter out with you when you went? >> Yeah. Well, no. So, I started loading my stuff up. He locked me out from my kids. He brought her back out from the bathroom. So, I picked up Nova cuz she's only two. She's a little teeny tiny. >> So, you had another kid with you? >> I do. >> Nova. >> Like, you're not leaving. And I was like, I am leaving. So, I had Nova >> in your hand. >> And I picked up Nova cuz she was on the bed watching TV and just munching. And I picked her up and I was going to get Emma and he grabbed Emma and said, "You're not leaving." I was like, "I am leaving." I went and buffed Nova in the car and started the car. And then he walked us out again. He told me, "You can't come back in unless you unless you're bringing Nova. Bring Nova inside, too." And then you guys can stay just stay till the morning. So, I don't want to stay till the morning. So, I just agreed. And I was like, "Yeah, I'll go inside." She took my keys and I was able to get him back, though. So, I hit him under the car. >> Even punched Francis in the face. Yet, strangely, she kept trying to cover it all up because I just don't want anyone to get hurt. >> I don't know. He was just rough with my mom and he hit me a few times. >> How did he hit you? >> Punch you in the face. >> With his left fist, right fist? If you can remember? >> I don't know. >> Where did he punch you? >> Face like face. >> Was that that mark right there that you have on your right side of your chicken? >> That's what they were saying probably. >> So, he punched you. How many times did he punch you? >> Well, he punched me the one time and he slapped you. >> Punched you one time and slapped you one time. Same fa same side of face or different >> probably this side. I really don't know. It was just so much going on. I just wanted to get my kids out >> after after he punched you and snapped you. What happened from there? >> I was able to get outside and call my friend because there that house has so many doors and he was like what was he doing? >> So, how did you get no uh Emma? >> I got Emma. >> How did you get her if he was holding her? >> So, he let her go like he wasn't holding holding her like he let her back in the room and everything after we went back in the room and let her go. So, I was able to hold her, but I don't I don't remember what started it again, but he ended up going outside with Emma. I went to go get my phone, and that's how I was able to call my friends and my mom to come and get us. >> Who's your friend? >> Mariana. >> She here? >> Yeah. >> Mariana, what? >> Of course. >> Oh, this is her. >> Yeah. >> Okay, I I'll talk to you now. >> Waiting on the porch cuz I was like, I know. >> And then she came and picked you up and that's when you guys you left with Emma and Nova. >> Yeah. Well, yeah. He grabbed me a few times. >> Is there markings on you? Can I see if you can move your hair back just a little bit? >> Did he bite you? >> That's what he said, but I don't think it was from your >> cuz there's there's bite marks right there on you. >> I don't think that was from >> right here. >> On your other side of your cheek? Right by the cheekbone right here. >> I don't know. >> Took a picture and I'll show you. Watch. Move your hand. >> That's just my face. >> So, he never hit you on that side then? >> I don't think so. No, >> I'm not too sure. >> And that bruise. When was that from? >> 2 3 days ago. >> Did you report that? >> No. >> Did you let state police know last night or you didn't tell them anything at all? >> I didn't say anything. I was scared. You got to understand we're going to the ones that are here to help you. And >> no, but I was scared. I didn't want to get hurt. He says he'll find my family and like that's scary. >> Turns out the boyfriend had no biological connection to the children at all. >> And how long have you been talking to this guy for? >> Since November. >> November. And you guys have two kids together? >> No, those are my kids. >> Those are Oh, so those aren't his biological kids? >> Two kids. >> Okay. Yeah. And you got to be careful who you talk to. I mean, they seem friendly and sometimes it's not always like that, especially if you >> It took a minute for his true colors to show. I've never seen him drunk. This is him when he's drunk. I've never seen him like that. His grandpa just >> And that one was two days ago. >> Yeah. When his grandpa passed What happened there? This was on the 19th or something. >> That was >> So that was yesterday. Today's the 20th. >> No. And this was not the 19th. >> So like the 17th. >> I think it was the 16th or the 17th. Okay. On the 17th passed away, too. >> What happened? Explain to me what happened to that. >> Then he took my phone and I was trying to get it back out of his pocket. So I grabbed his pocket. Okay. >> So, he took your phone from you. You try to get it back from him and he hit you. >> How did he hit you? >> Punched you. And you're not falsifying police. You're telling me everything is true to your knowledge, right? Okay. Cuz it's going to be investigated and nothing's consistent. I'm just letting you know. >> Burn was from like, "Oh, that's what I was trying to get at her." He takes it as a joke. He takes his parents totally different. So, I was like, "This isn't your kid." But whenever we put her in the bathroom and I would walk away, I guess he turned the light off and she ran into the heater. >> Wait, he didn't burn her. No, he didn't burn her. She ran into the heater cuz he was in the room with me. >> Can we go see where the burn is, too? She come. >> But look. >> And the mother's explanation for Emma's injuries. Was it really the truth? >> I want to show you guys her bruises, too, because of the way he was grabbing her from me. Like, we were fighting over her. >> Can I take pictures? >> Yes. She also has a bite mark on her shoulder that matches the bite mark on her cheek. >> Uh, flip flip her this way. I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Emma. That one's not a recent one. >> No, this one. I know. That's just from the other day. >> That's a burn week ago. Like maybe >> cuz that's to be honest with you that's more than a week ago. >> 5 days ago at least. >> Okay. >> What are all these marks from Francis? >> I'm not sure what the marks are from. I think she picks herself because she has anxiety. >> Have you reported that or have you took her to the doctor? >> No, but I took her pacifier away cuz she used to pick at her hair when she was a baby. But this is from her throwing herself on the ground. She was outside. She was throwing a fit. >> This little scratch she got yesterday from sliding out of my truck. Were >> and mom you weren't there when this happened? >> No, I don't know. >> She called me. This one of these girls called me and told me that something was going on. So I called I >> It's kind of cold for her. You could get her in the vehicle for now. >> To verify Francis's statement, police turned to a new witness, the children's aunt. >> I want to ask you question. It's nothing personal. Can you know if you want to answer me, I'd appreciate it and if you can answer to the best of your knowledge. Okay. Is she a user or anything? >> No. What's up with all the marks on a baby? >> That I don't know. So I know I think it was last week or a few days ago. She called us at the middle of the night while we were sleeping. So I didn't get messages in the morning that night and that was like I said either last week or few days ago but I was asleep so I didn't get the messages and stuff till the morning. And then she said everything was fine. So then I was like okay. Well last night she kept calling me. She was like something is going to go bad. Like he's drunk. And I was like like why? What's wrong? And then she wouldn't message me for a long time. and she messaged and she was like, "He locked me in and uh Nova outside the house and took the keys and he has Emma inside with him." >> Okay. >> So, I was like, "Well, dude, it's cool. Like, you need to get your daughter out of there first of all, and you need to get the hell out of there." So, she was like, "He let me inside. Please don't come. Please don't come." And I was like, "No, dude." Like, my stomach was twisting at first. I was like, "Okay, I won't go." You know what I mean? My stomach was twisting and I just felt something was wrong. >> I'm not going to lie to you. That breaks my heart seeing her with that much much bruises happen. And she said she pics herself. No, she's um she's too young. I'm going to be honest with you. Um I'm I don't upfront things. I tell I say how it is and um but yeah. No, definitely not. So, she called you. Um >> No, she called us and she was last night. >> Last night. Okay. And when she did call you, what happened from there? >> She messaged and then she kept calling but it kept cutting out cuz I guess she had a good signal there. So then finally when the call did come through, all I heard was yelling. This was the last call. All I heard was like yelling. The phone hung up and then she messaged please come and get me. But before all that, I called her mom and I let her mom know, "Hey, I ain't supposed to be telling you what's going on, but I know he's been beating all my friends." I said, "And I know he's been to her." Cuz >> Emma doesn't talk. >> Has she ever said that dad's hit her? >> Mm-m. >> Just let me know the truth right now. Cuz >> when I asked her what happened when I asked the baby, um, Emma, what happened? Like cuz she kept saying, "I'm just say it hurts." And I was like, "Yeah, but who did it? What happened?" And she would say bathroom. But she wouldn't. It's like she don't speak much. >> Yeah. She's cuz it's Emma, right? >> Okay. I'm getting confused with Emma. Emma. Okay. And Emma is four, three, and Nova's two. Okay. >> And I just don't understand why like childhood against all that. Why is he would he who only do that to one child? It's wrong in the beginning. Is it like a hatred thing or I don't understand what a three-year-old could do to a person like and he claims that he didn't do none of that stuff, but apparently somebody did. >> I mean, she needs to answer for that cuz she's mom and you know, initially >> I only know so much. Do you know what I mean? >> Have you seen her hit her or anything? >> She makes her kids. She literally like and doesn't even make them cry. And I'm like, "Girl, you got to learn from that." Like, "Give them a little softer, a little harder, you know, but she's like she spanked them or anything." >> But beyond all the testimonies, it was the child's actions that spoke the loudest. She ran to the police officer, refusing to let her mother or grandmother touch her. >> You're cutie. You want to come out here? It's cold, sweetie. >> It's cold. >> Oh, baby. And she needs a diaper now, too. >> Mom, she needs a diaper. Mama. >> You got wipes. >> I can't get her in. >> Mom, I need to take her to the house. Look. Look. >> There you go. You got what you wanted. >> Can she sit in her house? >> You just can't leave. Yeah, she's not going to leave. It's cold. >> I'm not going to lie to you. We're going to probably be out here for about 2 three hours. And the reason for that, okay, is CFD is going to come out here. I hope you can understand. Look at her arms. I know why. >> I almost cried like >> I know. I know. I I don't get in any way. >> Yeah. >> And then the Miranda rights were read. After piecing together the details, the testimony and the evidence were conflicting. >> Told you you're okay. I'm deputy vid County Sheriff's Office. This is to my partner, Deputy Rol. Okay. So, what I'm about to do is I'm going to read you your Miranda rights. Okay. Basically, I don't want to violate any of your rights. >> Am I getting arrested? >> You're not getting arrested. >> I'm just advising you of your rights. Okay. >> Okay. I was like, "Oh my god." >> Having these rights in mind, you wish you speak to us. >> Okay. Basically, my concern is is Emma. She has bruising in her entire body. Apprentice. Okay. What do you know about that? What could you tell me? You mean your m your mom? You have to know something. >> Mostly last night. >> What do you mean mostly last night? >> Like the bruises are mostly from last night. >> How? >> So, we were fighting over her. I was holding her. He was pulling her legs. And then at one point, he was holding her. I was trying to get him to let go. Okay. >> And then I think when the bite marks came from whenever >> bite marks. I didn't even see any bite marks. >> Yeah. On her shoulder. On the back of her shoulder. >> Okay. I don't remember you telling me that. >> Yeah. Even my sister was like right here. >> Okay. So, how did >> that's why we were showing you her back first. >> So, how did the bite mark happen? >> I'm thinking it was whenever I was holding them both cuz I got a hold of my friends and I was like, "If we just lay here, he'll leave us alone." So, I was holding the girls and he was holding us down too. So, I think he was biting on he bit Emma's back while I was holding them cuz I was on my back. I was on the bed and I was just holding him cuz he already knocked me down once. So, I was just holding him. >> I'm going to be honest with you, Francis. I hope you don't take this in a bad way, but I've been a cop for some years now, okay? And I've seen a lot of stuff, but don't me, okay? Those markings aren't consistent with you guys tugging Emma. >> Francis stayed stubborn, clinging to her conflicting story and insisting, "I love my daughter." as she tried to convince the police. >> So, I'm going to ask you again. >> I'm I understand. I didn't see no handmark. >> If you look at her thigh, there is a clear handmark on her thigh. >> I have a photo of it. I'll show you the photo. >> My daughter's right there. No, I understand. But I don't want to I don't want to bother her right now. Tell me where you see the handmark. >> There's the bite. >> Okay. But a handmark. You see? >> No. On her thigh. Other side. >> I don't have the other side. >> Well, look. There's fingers and then it like Yeah, there's fingers. >> Francis, this is concerning. This is your daughter. Okay. >> No one. That's why I called. >> So, tell me what happened. It's not consistent with you guys tugging her. Just be honest with me, okay? Cuz I'm going to find out. >> I've never hit my daughter. >> I'm not saying I'm not I understand. I'm not saying you hit your daughter, but I'm asking you what happened. How did these marks get there? Okay. So, the bruising I mean it's a little fresh, but it's not from yesterday. >> No, but I told you he grabs her the way he grabs her to take her to the bathroom and I have to follow along. >> Okay. Well, if you knew about it, why didn't you report it? >> Because it wasn't that bad. They were not all of those came. Not all of those were there. Most of those are from last night >> when the state police officer came. Why didn't you report it to them? I mean, >> I didn't notice them last night. >> You didn't notice them at all? No. We came here and put the girls to bed. >> When did you notice them today? >> This morning when I started looking at her. >> Okay. So, I took her shirt off and then I was waiting for my grandparents to get here because if you guys were going to take them, I was hoping that at least maybe they would take them or be able to go with. >> So, this morning around what time did you notice the bruises? >> Woke up like 10:00. >> Around 10:00. >> Yeah. >> You didn't notice any red marks or anything after? >> What do you mean? Like this morning? >> So, if I grab your arm and I pull in it, >> if you have sensitive skin, you're going to show it, right? So, after everything, did you notice? Cuz I mean, you >> not last night. Like her cut was started bleeding again. >> Her scabbing. >> Yeah. cuz I then that's why I said I think he grabbed her and the way he grabbed her it made it bleed again cuz it was healing cuz we had band-aids on it and everything and I took it off yesterday cuz I was like it's finally doing better. You know what I mean? You don't have to bandage on >> and also the bruising it's not really consistent of like you know me grabbing you. It's >> consistent with her kid though >> Francis. You know if you don't want to tell me the truth you know that's that's your daughter telling you the truth. There's nothing else I could tell you. That is the truth. I love my daughter more than anything. That is why I called you guys. >> And that's why I'm here cuz I'm concerned about her. >> I know. >> But I mean, >> I wouldn't lie about this. I wouldn't lie about this. If I was the guilty one, I wouldn't be here. I wouldn't be here. >> And I'm not saying you're guilty, but I'm asking you questions because that way it can help our investigation. >> Everything. >> Okay. Cuz the reason why is when we go talk to Geronimo, he's going to tell me something different, right? >> Possibly. >> But that way cuz it's like I told you, it's an investigation. Okay. Your side of the story is not going to be the only one I'm going to get. That way your stories add up because he possibly might have cameras in there. U not too sure. He might he might not. Neighbors might have cameras or you know just anything. And then you know I'm like once I review it I'm like oh look Emma didn't tell me the truth. What's going on? You know I believed her and that's why I'm asking her the questions. >> Yeah. I understand. >> So >> no matter how much she dodged, Francis couldn't hide the truth. Her conflicting statements ended up exposing her. >> You have any question? >> I forgot anything like my brain is just such a fog because I can't believe this happened. I'm their mother, you know? I'm supposed to protect them and that's what I'm trying to do and that's why I left last night because I didn't want him to hurt them and I did it my best like I fought for him for hours and then I had to hide my phone so any chance I got to take to get a hold of them >> cuz earlier when I was talking to you you didn't tell me that that he was you guys were kind of playing back and forth. Yeah. You did tell me that you were trying to get her from him. >> Yeah. But now now it's kind of like there was multiple doors and he took her out one door and I went out the other and then he got mad at me and seen it as a game. >> But now what I'm trying to say is it's a little different now. Um, it's >> Are you remembering more now or what's >> No, it's just that's it. Like like I I love my daughters for everything and if you guys have to take them and make a big case out of it, that's fine. That's why I did this because I want my Emma to have justice for that cuz what he did is not okay. It's disgusting. When I seen the bites on her, that's disgusting. >> Okay. So, you're saying he bit her? >> I'm thinking he bit her. He had to. Her sister bites, but not to leave a mark like that. >> So, you never seen him bite her? >> I didn't see her bite her. >> You never seen him hit her? I never seen him hit her. The way he grabs her is different. I've seen him grab her. >> You should have reported that. Even if he does grab her >> physically, close hand, open hand, hit her. Never. >> Okay. Well, if I think of something else, I'll talk with you. Um, CFD should be here. Well, I don't want to say shortly. Um, like I told you, going to be a while. They're coming out of Las Vegas and they're tied up with other calls. So, >> when the curtain was finally torn down, the grandmother was a wanted fugitive. The aunt had a missing child for 3 weeks, and the mother was drowning in lies. Perhaps the foster home is the least scary place for these children. >> Would I be able to talk to them in like talk to her in my car separately? >> Emily. >> Yeah. >> Hi, Emma. I'm Amber. Nice to meet you. What's your name? >> So, here's a deal, Deborah. Okay. I'm going to work with you, okay? You've been respectful with me, but you do have a warrant. >> What do I have a warrant for? >> For failure to appear? >> No, they canceled that. >> No, it's not canceled. It's active. >> I called the >> I called, too. It's got a message from my lawyer. Okay. >> Call them and take care of it. I'm going to give you about 2 days or so. Take care of it. If it's not taken care of, you're going to get arrested. Okay. Yeah, no problem. >> So, we're working with you. >> No, because they sent from my love a message from my lawyer saying that the case has been dismissed. >> Yeah, the case is maybe dismissed, but you're at your warrants are active. So, >> when did they put a warrant out? Cuz I >> I don't have the date on me, but yeah, it is active. I called to make sure >> take care of those warrants for you. Give it your days. If you have to call if you have to call, take care of it. See what's going on. >> That's why I was just telling her that now after this, I got to take care of my own and do my own actions. I'm still going to do a report of a runway cuz you know she is underage even though it's against the law. Other people have seen her and they've said well she's fine you know she looks I haven't seen her in 3 weeks. I think it's been about 3 weeks. I have to look on my phone. Do I just you know the courts and if you can't pay the whole thing right away you can make arrangements. >> You can make payment arrangements. It's probably better just if you have the money just to pay it off. That way you don't have to worry about it cuz if you miss a payment they're going to put another one out for you. >> I didn't know there was a warrant. They told me not to show up and she told you things. >> She don't work. She's not so I still have to pay my if it's already in place. Yeah. There's nothing. >> Okay. >> Yeah. You're pretty much your daughter really has nothing to do with it. Yeah. If you want to reach out to have call, but it's your responsibility to call. So >> they told me not to give him a call then follow through with that. The mother, Francis, was arrested and held on charges of intentional child use. Under Colorado law, this offense carries a penalty of up to 6 years in prison and a maximum fine of $500,000. Her bail could be set at $20,000. A child's future can easily be warped by irresponsible adults. This isn't just a tragedy of one mother. It's a wakeup call for anyone using toxic love to excuse. And just like that, two heartbreaking stories come to an end. But the haunting truth about parental neglect still lingers. Children deserve protection. They need a real home, not one filled with filth, sickness, and abandonment. This isn't just one child's tragedy. It's a wake-up call for society. What do you think about the suspended sentences given for such an Share thoughts in the comments below, and if you found this video meaningful, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon so you won't miss any of our upcoming content. Thank you so much for watching. [Music]