We're not going to go anywhere. Sir >> Sir, can you close the door? >> Come on, step out here. >> Why are y'all doing this? >> Come on, step out. >> Step out. >> Because you're trying to close the door. >> I went like this and with some white residue in her mouth. I don't know if it was me or my wife that exactly who went and took that, but it was some white residue in her mouth. Her hands went up like this. Her lips had a little blue tint to it and I know that that looks like an overdose. >> Some homes look normal from the outside, hiding everything behind closed doors. But what happens when officers step inside and realize the reality is far more disturbing than anyone imagined. >> You said you were You said you were intoxicated. What are you using? >> Some drugs alcohol. >> Alcohol. >> How much did you drink? >> Yeah, of course. They need to be put to sleep. And they need to be safe, not being driven around by their drug addicted mother. No, you You guys are little [ __ ] great. Small Q. MOM, THEY'RE BEATING ME. MOM. MOM. MOM. >> These were the moments when cops went pale after [music] making horrifying discoveries in quick-headed parent's house. We begin with a case where a toddler overdosing on a mystery substance led officers straight to her father. [music] And what they found inside that home revealed exactly the kind of environment she had been living in. >> When we come back inside, she has something in her mouth. >> They didn't say anything about me. Like I'm being treated like I'm at risk of going to jail. >> [music] >> Jay, you know >> What you find in my room? >> Stop. >> Okay, what drugs you used? >> And it wasn't like I wasn't I wasn't trying to hide anything. I just I just was high. >> On May 5th, 2023, officers responded to a medical emergency after a toddler was rushed to the hospital. The father, Cain, was at the scene, visibly shaken and willing to talk. He explained that they had been outside playing when the child put something in her mouth. He hadn't thought much of it at first. By the time he did, the child's eyes were rolling back and her lips had turned blue. >> Take care of it. No, I'm just going to step outside. >> Yeah, no problem. Baby, I'm just right here, okay? All right, they they went to daycare, they came home. Okay, usually when they come home, we always like go outside and play out for a while. So, that's all I got so far. >> We're over there on the side of the building, not too close to the lake, but you know, a little farther back. have a habit of picking up dirt and sticks. Someone picked something up. My little girl, she's starting to crawl, so we're out there. We're letting her crawl a little bit, get dirty, whatever. And then, when we come back inside, she has something in her mouth, and I don't you know, I'm I'm not knowing what it is, but I'm not in a rush to take it out, either, because I'm sure it's not nothing serious, maybe a sock or something, cuz we've been in the house for a second. I went like this, and it was some white in her mouth. I don't know if it was me or my wife, that exactly who went and took that, but it was some white in her mouth. So, I took the bag, I put it on the counter, and I was trying to assess what it was. what it was. >> Okay. >> So, we sat there, we waited to call the cops, we waited to call the paramedics for just a second, but then she started her eyes started rolling and stuff like that. Then finally, we said, "Screw it, we call the paramedics." The paramedics came. When the paramedics came, they asked me what she had taken. I told them I didn't know. I told them it could be some white substance, could be anything from could be anything. >> Yeah. >> Right? He asked me what that substance was that I took from her, and I gave him the substance. They have it. >> I saw it, so. >> Gave him the substance. And then, that was that. >> [crying] >> Paramedics came. My My my wife was running crazy, everybody was running around crazy, we we we just didn't know. >> Okay. How long did it take before when you found it to when you took it out of their mouth? >> It was a good five had to be a good five to six to to eight minutes before we actually it because we like I said we didn't know. >> Okay, that's from when you found it? >> From from the time it may been in her mouth to the time I actually searched her her mouth. >> And about how long after you found it did it take for you to call paramedics? >> Maybe a minute because at that at that point she started acting different. Her hands went up like this, her lips had a little blue tint to it and I know that that looked like an overdose. Just basic common sense it looked like something something's wrong. So I we called the police we would call the paramedics. And the paramedics came and here we are. >> Kane had waited 5 to 8 minutes before removing the substance from her mouth and another minute after that before calling paramedics. He knew what it looked like. He said so himself. >> What was your first name? >> Kane. K A N E. >> Is there anything else that you need? >> I need your name and date of birth for the W W. Yeah, we're going to need a lot more. We're going to need statements. We're going to need to talk to your wife. We're going to need the names of all the >> I'm not able to leave those at the hospital now. >> Not right now. >> They told me I would be able to >> Thompson, Tiara. >> [crying] >> Sir, I want to make sure my >> I understand but >> They told me I could >> We've got to do an investigation. >> I'm not trying to be defiant. >> We're trying to get you through this as quickly as possible so that I can happen, okay? >> Okay, what else do you need to know? >> Okay, can I talk to your wife? >> She's not here. She's at the >> she went to the hospital? >> And they told me to just take my >> Go to the hospital. Which lake were you at today? >> We were we weren't at the lake. We were back here on the side. >> You were just on the side of the Okay. >> Yeah, we were back here on the side. They we always run around and play when they get off of school. I usually sit right here smoke my cigarettes and with their wife and we're out here and we play around. Sometimes we lay a blanket in the dirt and they you know, we just spend some time outside when when we get here. >> Are we able to look in the residence for any other substances? >> There's no other substances in in house but I don't want my house ransacked right now. >> talking about ransacking. We're talking about walking through anything of visual sight. Like, that's it. >> Can we do this at another time? Please. >> Right now is the most important time to do it. Make sure there's nothing else for your to be harmed with. >> There was It didn't come from my home. >> I I understand that, but if one got it in the home, do you think it could have happened with another? >> They're all about to leave with me. Listen, I promise you, come with me to the hospital. Sit down with me and my wife. >> I just want to look really quick so I can get you >> there. >> They didn't say anything about me. Like, I'm being treated like I'm at risk of going to jail. Listen, am I at risk of going to jail? Is this is what happened What's happening right now? >> investigation needs to be done. Don't you want your children protected? >> I'm asking that. Honestly, am I at risk of going to jail or something? >> Not if there's nothing inside. >> But, there's no reason to go search my house though, sir. >> I mean, your had something inside of them that is >> But, they didn't get it from inside my house. >> that, but we have to do our job, too. >> want my house searched. I want to get I want to get my kids to the hospital. >> Okay, we're not trying to like look for or anything like that. We're just trying to find >> even smoke, >> Okay, we're just trying to find those items. >> I don't have any >> Okay. So, why aren't you just letting us look really quick so we can get you out of here? >> It's cuz I just don't want to go through that. I want to go. I was supposed to We were supposed to be >> Okay, well, you're just delaying that. You're not going to be able to drive your Not until we finish our investigation. >> If I grab my walk out, I'll be arrested. >> You'll you'll for obstruction of justice. >> You're going to arrest me for obstruction? >> Yes, because you're leaving in the middle of an investigation that we need you here for. >> You guys are going to take me to jail for obstruction? >> I'm just trying to do my investigation so that I can continue to help your >> I was told they could go to the hospital. >> Okay, and they can once the investigation is at My part of the investigation is done. With the child at the hospital in stable condition, officers turned their attention to the residence. They wanted to walk through, just a visual check. Cain didn't want that. And the more he resisted, the more officers needed to know why. >> We're just We're just going to sit here and wait. We're not going to go anywhere. >> Sir, do not close the door. Come on. Step out here. >> Why are y'all doing this? >> Come on. Step out here. Because you're trying to close the door. Nobody's going in your home. Nobody's going to search your home. That's my promise to you. But you're not going to sit there >> you that I don't want you guys to come in >> And I I'm going to go >> Fingers. Watch out for >> Wait a minute. I'm not going in your home. >> Then why Then what's the problem? >> But if later on something worse, okay, God forbid, your you know, does not survive this, this becomes a crime scene. And we will go in at that time. We are not doing it right now. You You're right. But you are not going to freely move about your residence. >> So, what are you doing? Waiting to get a call to hear from my daughter? >> We just need to talk to them, okay? Just come out here. We're not trying to make this difficult. No one's going in your house. We're just trying to make this easy, okay? Right now, you're not leaving, okay? We're not going in your house. We just need to sit here and wait for a phone call. >> All right, here and now. >> And that's okay. >> Okay, so come sit here on the curb and they can hang out with you. >> As soon as you walk out, we're going to sit you right there and we're going to close your door. >> Jesus. >> Bro, I like gave you my hand like 20 minutes ago saying that was what was going to happen. >> We're not We're not going shut your door. Grab your daughters, both daughters. Bring them out here. You don't have to you, correct? >> I have nothing on me. >> Okay. You mind if we just pat you down real quick just because obviously there's obviously [music] something on you somewhere. Is that okay? >> I have nothing on me, sir. >> Okay. Is that okay if we just pat you down >> Oh, oh, I'm going to >> Don't reach in your pockets. Just Just let me Just let me I'm just going to pat you down real quick. >> Okay. All right. >> All right. Have them come out here. We're going to close the door right behind you. Can I follow her? >> Come on, girls. >> You have any toys or anything they want to play with? >> I got Doritos in there. >> Come on. >> Come on out here. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> Come. Come on. It's fine. >> It's fine. >> Here's the deal, okay? First things first, it sounds like Is it a boy or girl? >> It's a girl. >> Girl? Sounds like she's doing okay. She's stable at the moment, okay? Is there anything else though in the house that we should be concerned about? >> Take the long way around. >> Huh? >> Yes. >> No, sir. >> None at all? Okay. >> My phone number is >> I told you we don't care about the >> Okay. 4089. >> You're not going to get in trouble for this. Are you okay if we just look around and make sure there's nothing else wise that would be of concern? Is there anything Let me ask you this. I'm I'm being completely transparent. Obviously there was some sort of bag, right? It was some sort of powder, from what I understand. Right? Is there any more of that inside the house? >> No. >> The back and forth went on for some time. Officers kept it calm, kept it respectful, and made the stakes clear. Consent now or a search warrant later. Cain called his wife. Whatever was decided next was going to change the rest of his night entirely. >> I want to call my wife. You know, I can't talk to her right in front of you guys. There's no way I can do that. >> What What do you want to What do you want to talk to her about? >> I just want to ask her if she's okay. >> Okay. >> I want to ask her if she's near the stairs. She needs >> Okay. >> I just want to verify and know what's going on. I don't like no secrets. I want my wife to help me out. What? Assistant. That's it. >> Here's the deal. I'll let you call her, okay? We're going to sit here. We're going to hold the phone. If you guys start saying things about anything in relation to what happened, I got to cut the phone call off. Is that fair? >> It's fair. >> But I I have no problem with checking on your wife and your daughter and letting her know, like, "Hey, this is kind of what we want to do." I'm okay with that. Is Is fair? >> It's fine. you. [ __ ] you. >> Do you have a Do you [music] have your >> No. Okay, here he is. >> Hey babe. Hey, so remember when they told me that I could leave and go to the hospital and after Well, I can't leave They're being great. They're being like extremely nice. But they're trying to tell me that they want to go inside [music] the house. They want to make sure there isn't any more in the house. And and you know, all of this and I don't want to let them know that I'm a convicted felon because they're worried about He's worried about me on the And he told me that I told him that I told him that it wouldn't even matter because I'm not going to get this felony and I'm not going to get this charge. Jay, you know that there's no Wow. I don't want to do it if we don't have to. They're just telling me that they want to >> Yeah, I'll ex- I'll explain I'll say I'll tell you just how I told him, okay? Obviously, we want to get consent to go in the house to look around and make sure there's no narcotics or anything that would be concerning for the Okay, and like I told him, you have every right to tell us no, okay? >> Finally, Cain let the cops inside the house. And what officers found inside that home made every minute of that conversation outside feel like a very different story. >> Let's go. You don't want to come in here. You don't want to search the house. >> Yes, sir, I can. Hold on. Let's bring him with you. The cops are right here. Hey, hey, hang on little one. Hey. Hang with daddy. >> She daddy? >> But everything else has been good so far. Did you >> guys write serial numbers down? >> not yet. >> All right. >> I don't think he has it. >> Clear. I'll run it right now. >> I was honest. >> You weren't. >> Yes, I was honest. I did I swear. That was it and that ancient. >> Talk about the stone. Overdosing. And I found that right underneath this bed. I I told my partner I should take a picture of it. What did you find? That. Yep. It looks used. >> Okay. That's his handwriting, right? >> It's at least talking in a male's perspective. Cuz it's I found her in the bed. I found him with you. >> Okay. >> Used straws, illegal substance paraphernalia, and a note found beneath the bed. All of it pointing in one direction. When officers told Cain what they had found, he broke down completely. >> Hello. I'm going to jail. >> Why? >> Because they found straws in the bathroom. So, and they they're charging me with what happened to her. You know, so you need to figure out a way to get to these or something cuz now I'm going to jail. >> Grandma's on her way. >> Yep. >> So, Grandma's on her way. >> Um I I told I told you that she was I'm not charging you with possession of anything. >> Okay. >> You're not some You're not a bad guy. You're just trying to get by. You're just trying to survive working 60 hours a week and I get it and I understand. So, I'm going to cut you as much of a break as I can because I have a moving vehicle here. So, we're going >> I'm worried about a second-degree felony though. >> Well, I was so high I'd go to prison for that. >> Well, I can't do anything about that. There's nothing I can do about that. But, here's the thing. That's what the whole court process is. >> Okay. >> And that's what your That's what your defense attorney's going to work out for you and all that kind of stuff. Okay? >> What do you mean? >> When you go in there, they will tell you what your bond is. You're going to get a bond. >> We don't do that. >> I'm going to put in the narrative on my affidavit. You'll see it. You'll get a copy of it. I'm going to put that he was extremely cooperative and on the There's a little line that says mitigating circumstances, which is kind of like things that are for or against you, I'm going to put defendant was extremely cooperative. >> Officers noted his cooperation in the arrest affidavit. Cain said his goodbyes, kissed his children one last time, and was taken into custody. >> Don't follow me. >> Get this picture behind you. Are you GUYS GOOD? I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP. >> [crying] >> I'VE GOT TO GET REINFORCEMENTS. >> WILL YOU CALL Jay for me real quick? >> I didn't bring my phone. >> Will you call him for me real quick before we go? >> You guys want to? I'm going to call Jay. >> Ma'am, do you know if her phone's working or not? >> Um they just took it off the charger. Is that the number? >> Does it actually work? >> It actually never works. >> Well, I have Netflix number. So, what I'm saying, I guess your phone probably you need it. Pop it in the phone. Oh, we're going to switch off. Come on, let me do it like this. I can you say bye to my one time please? >> We already did that, but I don't think they see anything. >> They already have. >> They've been sitting with them. >> Can I please just Can I please just say bye to them real quick, Sarge? I just want to give him a kiss goodbye. That's it. >> Listen, you got a wallet on you? You got anything else on you? >> No, that's it, buddy. >> All right, man. >> Have a good day. >> Thank you. Thanks for being cooperative. >> In the end, Cain was charged with felony child neglect, and the child was reported to be in stable condition. The investigation remained ongoing. Next, we have a case in which officers executing a search warrant on a home in rural Mississippi uncovered something far more disturbing than what they came looking for. Three young children living in conditions so severe, even the most [music] seasoned deputies were left speechless. >> What's going on? >> We'll let you know in just a second. >> You're being detained for an investigation of a >> I said I have a Google account that got hacked. [music] >> They don't have anything clean. This is their living conditions. This is where the kids were when I came in here. >> Oh god. I got to get up. >> On January 8th, 2024, in Derma, Mississippi, investigators from the Ken County Sheriff's Office and the Mississippi Attorney General's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrived at a residence to execute a search warrant one focused solely on electronic devices. However, what they found inside would change the entire direction of the operation. >> You there, Eric? >> Yes, sir. >> Hey, Carolina, can you come? >> Well, we got our kids in here. >> Hey, can you come on out? He's here. >> Well, you're going to have to come in here. >> Ain't nothing wrong. >> Well, what's going on? >> We'll let you know in just a second. >> Hey, Carolina, can you come on out? >> Well, hold on. Hold on. Baby, go sit with your sister. >> Hold on. Let me lock you so they don't move. >> Michael, get my mama or my for my kids? >> Well, they said I'm fine. >> Okay. >> What is >> I just don't know what's going on. Okay. >> All right, come. Hey, he ain't searched yet. >> Huh? >> Go down and see that officer there. >> All right, ma'am. Uh my name is Deputy Baker with the sheriff's office here. I'm also with the Mississippi Attorney General's Office Internet Crimes Against Children's Task Force. Right now, you are being You are being detained. You're not under arrest, okay? >> Okay. >> detained for an investigation of exploiting children. >> I see, I have a Google account that got hacked, and I got a notification on my Google account about something like that. And I messaged Google saying my account had been hacked. >> Okay. All right, before I can ask you any questions about that, I'll have to read you your rights. So, so just bear with me a minute. I'll have to go get the forms out of my truck and everything, but we do have a search warrant for the house. >> Oh, this >> So, who who else is in the house right now? >> My three kids, and there's no one in the house. I mean, if you need phones >> These These These deputies can go inside with you so you can watch the kids, okay? >> Well, I mean >> Just go in there with her for now. I'll be there in just a minute. >> Inside the home lived Eric Kellum and Elizabeth Herbert, the two adults at the center of the investigation. But as officers moved through the scene, something immediately complicated everything. Three young children were [music] present. >> Hey, how are y'all doing? >> I don't know where it's at. >> That is not mine. I can tell you exactly who it is. >> All right, go go see go talk to Deputy Causin there. Where is your cell phone and stuff? >> My cell phone? Hold on. I just have one that's right here. >> All right, where was it at? I don't touch don't touch it. >> It was in the [ __ ] right here on next to the >> Okay. That's fine. Just don't don't do anything with your phone. >> Okay. Well, I mean I need my phone for working and doctors. So, you can look at it. I can unlock it for you right now. >> Well, if we're going to do if we're going to do that, I've got to do some paperwork first. >> I said cuz you can look on my phone all you want. I ain't got nothing on it. >> I got a pair of video pipes in here in the bathroom. >> Yeah, and it's not mine. I can tell you that exactly >> When did you leave it over there? >> My phone? 4 weeks ago. >> And you still leaving it on the counter in there where you >> All right, is this one is this one is this one your phone? >> Yes. [music] >> Okay. Is this one his phone? >> That one don't work. >> It's just an extra phone? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> I'll say I've been working. I haven't touched it cuz I didn't want to touch it. >> But then you but you got kids around here. >> Then they don't go in there because we have issues with that bathroom with the plumbing and stuff. That plumbing the plumbing's backed up. They don't go in there. They stay in here and they there. We mostly stay in here right now because we have issues with the heat and the air. >> This investigation hadn't started that morning. Weeks of digital tracking had led detectives here, tracing online accounts and IP addresses connected to the distribution of illegal material involving minors. What no one had anticipated was finding young children living inside the same environment. >> So, the thing about it is what were you trying to tell me as far as the Google account? >> I got a notification I got locked out of my Google account saying something about child ex >> Okay. >> I messaged Google saying my account has been hacked. >> Okay. >> they're going to investigate. >> Okay. >> Cuz I don't use my Google account except for like stuff for work. >> What uh What email address is associated with your Google account? Do you know? So, would you know the email address care @gmail.com? >> That's one I used to have that I got locked out of a while ago. I couldn't get into it. >> Okay. What about 19 gmail.com? >> That's the one that just got locked out of. >> Okay. >> That's the one I messaged him about. I got a notification. >> Would you recognize a username Snapchat called Joker >> No, cuz I don't do Snapchat. >> As questioning began, Elizabeth denied ownership of multiple accounts, a Snapchat username, several email addresses, claiming her Google account had been hacked months ago. Her answers were rehearsed-sounding. What she didn't know was that technical records had already tied those accounts directly to her home's internet service. >> Is he there? Five minutes. >> Yeah. There's a broken one right here, too. >> He's going to try to smoke a light one. I have to light one, too. I don't know what he sent me on that one, though. Got 10-4. 10-4. There's something in it. Mhm. >> There it is right there. >> Okay. >> I don't know. Okay, what about an email address? Jug- >> [music] >> gmail.com >> use my name. >> Okay. Do you think any of those could belong to Eric? >> Honestly, I have no idea. >> Okay, cuz I'm going to show you a picture real quick. This is from his Facebook page. See the Juggalos University? >> Yeah, that's on Facebook. >> Okay, I mean it kind of matches what's in some of those usernames and emails there. So, I'm just going to flat out tell you up front and to the point, okay? I received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In that cyber tip, this home email was address was used or I'm sorry, this home internet service was used in the transfer of child Those email addresses and those usernames were associated with it. >> The two emails I do the Carolina Kellum, >> [snorts] >> one of them was mine. I got put out of it and I couldn't get back into it. >> When? >> It's been a while. >> What's a while? It's a few >> because I've had to change phones and I had that account set up where I had to have a the two-step verification where you have to have a text message sent to get into the account. >> Mhm. >> I haven't had the number for a while for it, like at least three months. >> So, these Snapchat accounts that were created using that email address and this home internet service was either you or him. >> I can tell you it was not me. >> Okay. So, here's what we're going to do at this point. Right now, he's under arrest. >> Okay. >> While Elizabeth was being questioned, deputies continued moving through the home. What they were finding went far beyond the original scope of the warrant. Elizabeth's explanation made things worse, not better. >> Anything electronic in this house has to go with me. >> Okay. >> Any any CDs, DVDs >> have anything. >> Um cell phones, laptops, iPads, external hard drives, thumb drives >> We don't have anything. You got the cell phones. >> Okay. They're going to search through here and look because anything >> the cell phones, that's it. I use the cell phone as remote for the TV for the kids. >> Okay. So, anything like that that's here, we've got to take it. >> You have all of them right now, I promise. >> Okay, but we still have to look. Is that a airsoft gun kind of thing or what is that? >> with no pellets and nothing in it. >> Don't touch it. >> Nope, don't touch it. >> I was just going to hand it to you. >> Just just leave it. >> Just leave it. >> I'll say it's there. It >> Is your truck out here unlocked? >> Uh yeah, it's actually not my truck. It's my father-in-law's. >> Okay. Well, we we're going to have to search anything that's on the property. So, that that includes vehicles. >> it's not mine. It's his dad's. >> What's the white powder in the tin foil in there? >> What white powder? >> It's on it's on the bathroom sink. balled up. What's the white >> Honestly, I have no idea. >> All right, Sean. This is the copy that can stay here. >> Okay, that's fine. >> This is both of the two copies of a blank return that you can fill out as far as one to leave here and one to come back with us. >> I'm home once or twice a week. I come home, I go to sleep. I cook for the kids. >> I'll talk to you outside real quick. >> And I know the house is a mess, so I'm trying to >> She claimed the pipe had been left by someone else weeks earlier and that she hadn't touched it. But if that was true, it had been sitting there for weeks in a home where her kids were living the entire time. >> Kids are running around out here. >> Um >> Whatever works best for you, but it is cold out here, too. Um But I am about to call CPS. I'm going to call CPS and get them out here. >> I mean, it's not livable. Pipes in the bathroom. There's some kind of crystal-like substance in there, too. She's saying it's been in there >> Collect everything. Collect everything. >> She's saying it's been there for 4 weeks. >> It is. >> She didn't want to touch it. So, your kids can go in there and ain't >> Yeah, I'm definitely going to need you to come out here to this house. The house is unlivable. There's drugs in the house. Um we've arrested the husband so far. The mother's still here with the three kids. >> Light bulb. >> Yeah. A lot of them do. Okay. All right. Well, we are It's We're off of Highway 8 going toward Barmen, but I'll text you the address. Last name Kellum. Did you take a picture of I see the meth or salt. >> Smoking out of a damn light bulb. >> That'll do it. Oh. All right, let Okay. Like I said, I'm fixing to go ahead and transport him to the jail. You going with me? >> Um Go ahead and stay because um I got CPS coming. I think more's going to happen with her as far as that goes. So, we might need her here. >> I haven't touched it yet. >> And that's That was where >> In the bathroom. >> Okay. >> With all this other >> Yeah. >> Where where the kids can get to >> here's what we're going to do. When when CPS gets here, we're going to tell them to take the kids and we're going to arrest her for possession of whatever you all find in there. >> And then whatever you can charge him with the kids. >> Yeah. Well, at least for now she'll get possession charges and he'll get the child charge and possession charge. >> Okay. >> And what I'll do is I'll go ahead and uh I'll just Mirandize him real quick and then ask him what that is in that 10-fold. >> As a matter of fact, here I've got the forms right here. Just go ahead and do the form on him. Ask him what you want to ask him about that. I'll ask him what I need to ask him real quick and then we'll just take him up to the jail. >> Child Protective Services was called immediately. Her husband is already under arrest. Three kids who needed to be removed. While they waited for CPS, the children were taken to sit in a truck with their grandfather out of the cold, away from the scene. >> And you can say yes, nothing is is all plain and simple. All right. Before we ask you any questions, you have you must understand your rights. You have the right to remain silent. >> Okay. >> Do you Do you wish to answer any questions? >> I I don't know what the best thing to do without a lawyer and I don't have a lawyer and y'all have to appoint me one. >> Well, let let me say let me say this, okay? I can't ask you any questions or tell you anything about what's going on un- unless you're willing to talk to me. You can stop at any point. >> Right. >> Like even if I ask a question and you say I don't want to answer that, that's okay. I just need you to acknowledge that you understand what your rights are. >> Okay, yeah. Yes, sir. >> Okay. My name is Deputy Baker. I'm work with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. I'm also with the Mississippi Attorney General's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. >> Okay. >> I received a cyber tip that some images and videos were transferred using the internet service at your house using usernames and email addresses and things that are associated with you. >> Okay. >> So, that's why we're here with a search warrant. >> Okay. >> On top of that, he had something he needed to ask you about some stuff that we've already found in the house. >> Okay. >> What's in that tin foil? What's that crystal-like substance in that tin foil in the bathroom? >> Um >> Be honest cuz I've got a test kit I can test. >> to test it. >> Okay. Um well, see that now I don't know what to do. See, I don't know if I need to talk to a lawyer now or what. >> Well, you don't have to answer that question now. But, as far as it stands right now, you're under arrest uh at least for the possession of child >> I don't >> And also for whatever that we find in the house. So, we'll sort that out in a little bit. >> Okay. >> I'll transport the children. >> Eric didn't resist. He didn't deny anything. He simply said he didn't know what to do without a lawyer. For the investigators, that quiet response confirmed what they already knew. >> Before we can let you take the kids to them, we have to get CPS here and they're going to they'll they'll let them go with a family member. That's not going to be an issue, but we have to let them do that. >> Well, can we all go down there and so they're not in the cold or >> [snorts] >> Let me see. Yeah, hold on. It What What Is he the grandfather or Okay. Sir, let me ask you something so we can get the kids out of the cold. Um we're going to have to have CPS come over here and she's going to let the kids go with you, but we have to let CPS make that decision. Um but, in the meantime, are you okay if the kids go with you so we can get them out of the cold? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> There's a room right here. I didn't see nothing. I looked all through the The only thing that I seen electronics is that Xbox >> Mhm. >> that was sitting right there at the door and she said the only thing she had was the phone she gave you." >> That's all I have. >> I went that way to the bathroom where she was going. >> Right. >> And that's when I first seen it. Asked what she was doing, she was having some tin foil. >> Mhm. >> Yeah, and I told you it's not mine. I put it >> And that That was a tin foil like a ball up like a ball. >> Mhm. >> Over to the left. And a little plate. >> Mhm. >> Soon as we got them out, we we looked through the wood and we opened this white powder in there, so >> Okay. >> know that was I knew the pipe was in there for a little bit. >> Well, I'm Well, I'm not asking you about that either way. But But what I am asking about is the electronics, okay? I know I know the cell phone that you had and there was the Nokia cell phone that you said was just a extra one. We got one from him. Do you Do you have any kind of thumb drives or anything in this house? That's all you got? Ma'am, I I I need you to go until we're done, okay? Yes, ma'am. >> Also, I've got a memory card, but it's in my phone. >> Mhm. >> And that's all I have. >> Right. But as far as he goes, do you know if he has any thumb drives or anything anywhere in the house? >> I think there's one on that table there. I can go in there with him and see if I can >> That would be fine. You want to go with her, Jeremy? >> We got a stuff. 32 micro >> Micro SD? >> Yeah. Yeah, and I've got a 64 >> That's what you got out. >> Okay. >> I was saying it was a big one. >> All right. I I think we're good after that, Shawn. So, if you'll uh >> As the search continued, more devices turned up. A second phone, a micro SD card, and a smashed phone found buried under debris. Each one was cataloged and seized. Elizabeth, still on scene, grew increasingly anxious, asking about her kids, her job, her food [music] stamp card. >> Where am I going? >> You're going to be going down there with us, too. >> Okay, so they're okay with them? >> Well, we're not going to leave until the CPS people get here. >> Am I Am I being arrested? >> Um well, I mean, there's in the house. >> Yeah, I understand that, but I mean I I mean, I'll take a test right now and everything. >> I understand, but they're in your house. >> I understand that. I mean, if I go, then no one can come get me out. No one I My mother-in-law's not going to want to keep my kids. She She threatens all the time she's not going to want to take any of them since she had to take last. Yes. I mean, you you know my mother-in-law. >> Mhm. >> I don't >> I do. >> So, I mean, is there any way I can stay out stay with them at least down there? I know. >> Let's let CPS get here and we'll see what we're going to do. I think this might be them pulling up now. Ms. Pearson, I'm Deputy Baker. >> Okay. How are you? >> Hey. This is Carolina Hebert. She is the mother. The three children are sitting in the truck with the grandfather right now, so they're not out so that they're not out in the cold. Um Sure. >> So, now dad is >> He's already been transported. >> Okay. And this is the home? >> Yes. >> And I know it's in bad shape. I don't know if you have lived here. We've been here about a year and a half. We've been working on it since then. Like, we have we've had to replace most of the kitchen and most of the bathroom flooring. We've got to replace the back the bedroom back here, the ceiling's caved in. Well, the roof, not the whole thing, but the inside part of it's caved in. >> We didn't lock it, did we? >> No, it don't lock. >> When CPS finally arrived, the operation reached a turning point. Every observation they documented, the structural damage, the unsanitary conditions, the hazardous items, became independent evidence of neglect, logged alongside the police reports. For Eric and Elizabeth, that development nearly eliminated any realistic path back to custody. >> I can escort you through there. We're still We still have an open search warrant. >> If I got needs to wait, I can wait. >> No, that's what I said. I can escort you through here. We We still have an open search warrant, so Yes. Okay. All right. But yeah, watch watch your step right here. This board's flimsy. They don't No. No. Just come in come in Come Come in here and let me talk to you for a minute. They don't have anything clean. This is their living conditions. This is where the kids were when I came in here. They have no working bathroom, they have no working kitchen, they have nothing. Just to look around, look right there. This is why I'm telling you it is in no condition whatsoever for any anything sustainable. Plus there was mean in the house. And so we're going to charge her with possession of and take her to jail. I was just waiting on you to get here to work out the children before I did. We've already transported him for child and possession of No. No. Not well I don't know yet cuz I I still have to take everything we got from here to get it processed. You know, if I find anything of their children, I'll let you know. I have not asked the ages, but they're all three very small. I would say no. I don't think they're going to be old enough to to be able to But if you want to walk around, you can, I but I mean the whole house is like this. >> Now this is fine. >> And the bathroom, you can't stomach going in [music] there. >> Okay. >> When you took the pictures of the inside, you took the whole inside, right? Like the conditions and everything, too? Cuz that's probably going to end up being another charge. Okay, I just want to make sure. >> Right there, is that where I was telling you that Right there, is that it? >> Mhm. Cuz we're probably going to be We're probably going to be in charge. >> What the CPS worker found inside confirmed everything. No working bathroom, no working kitchen, a caved-in bedroom ceiling, roaches visible near where the children had been sitting. Her reaction, captured on body cam, said it all. This wasn't a home that had fallen on hard times recently. The kids had been living like this for a long time. >> Am I charged with anything? >> You will be. >> I will be? With what? >> Well, there was in the house and >> I don't I passed >> the conditions of the house. >> If I passed my test and everything >> Possession of meth has nothing to do with whether you test positive or negative. >> I see. So that's So even though I didn't know that was in there, I just knew the pipe was in there and it wasn't mine. It But with just that charge, would that affect it just as bad? You know? >> Cuz that's going to be because the children were in the home with you. And then plus the conditions of the Yeah, tell him Mom is being arrested as well. She's being charged with possession of And I just sent you the pictures. I don't know if they're going to come up. >> to lose my job and everything. >> Uh thanks for the call. >> I'm going to lose my job and my kids. >> Judge, this is Deputy Baker. I'm here as well. We were conducting a search warrant here and then I called them out here. Um there's something else I want to show you, too. Um I mean there was in the home and everything else, but uh I mean, look at this. >> roaches >> And that's right next to where the kids were. It's not a real one. It's It's bad. >> I'm about to get them. I called the reporting and I'm just waiting on them to come on in, but I'm about to get them and bring them to the office. Okay. If they can stay with their grandparents, I'm not saying that they can't be considered for placement. What I would need to do, they can follow me to the office. I can get that information >> I I would like to say for my my dad, I don't have his number, but if you know Brittany, you can get up with her. >> Yeah. >> Okay, cuz if if they can take them, I would love for them to take them. >> Okay. >> Because I know can't handle them. >> Okay. >> I say if you ask any of them, they'll tell you cannot handle them. >> Okay. All right. I'll see if I can get Brittany I call and see if she answers. >> I have her number on my phone, >> Uh-huh. >> but he's got my phone, so I'd have to get it off of him the phone from him. And if whoever takes them, I have my food stamp card that tomorrow I can give to them. >> Okay, see we won't be able to do that cuz they're going to come off of your case anyway, so >> Okay, so Okay. But if they do come back with their grandparents, can their grandparents have the card? >> Mhm. >> Okay. Well, let me go down here and get the kids. >> As CPS wrapped up their assessment, Elizabeth's arrest became inevitable. She broke down asking if she could stay with the kids, cycling through every alternative she could think of, but the decision had already been made. Both parents were going to jail. The children were going into state care. >> Now, if I end up getting to come home, can they come home with me if I go there? >> Right right now >> custody right now. >> Yeah, right now we got to do this process. >> Okay, I'm about to get them from the office with the kids, but Look at these pawpaws. Grandpa's coming. Grandpa's coming with you, baby. >> [crying] >> Thank you, ma'am. >> Uh-huh. Now, I'll send you the names when I get to the office or whatever. >> That's fine. It's going to take me a while to get everything situated, too, so >> Thank y'all. >> Thank you. All >> I'll I'll have my water get up there. In the end, Eric Kellam was convicted on multiple counts, possession of exploitation material, possession of a controlled substance, and three counts of endangerment, receiving 15 years in prison. Elizabeth Herbert faced charges of possession and three counts of endangerment with her case still ongoing. Next, officers [music] responded to what seemed like a routine welfare check only to find four young children completely alone inside an apartment with no adult in sight. >> That's 100% you left the kids alone you got Cars up in there in the on the thing >> I understand that was my mistake. >> Sure. >> I was I was wrong with this. I used spoke that mistake. >> [laughter] >> On March 28th, 2023, police arrived at an apartment in Joliet, Illinois after concerns were raised about unattended children. Inside, they found four kids ages 1, 3, 4, and 7 completely alone. No adult was anywhere in the home. Officers stayed with the children and waited. >> What's up, buddy? I like your shirts. How old are you? >> Uh yeah, he's 40 years old, Filipino male >> What's up, little man? How old are you? Where are you going? What are are we going to run? Hey. Where are you going, bud? Come here. Come here. How are you? Is this your daddy? >> No. >> No? What is all this, then? What's your name, bud? You're in the bag there, bud. I've got some diapers in here. >> I got one right here. >> Perfect, though. I mean, is it What? >> Someone ran off. >> Yeah, I'll take it. >> About 20 minutes later, the mother walked through the door. She said she had gone to the store. >> Hi. What's going on? Did you get a call? Okay, hold on a second. Hey, hey, hey. We're going to figure it out, man. Hold on. What's that? Hey. >> No, baby. No. >> Um While they're doing background checks on that Did you ask the fam? Are you out of Do you have an office where we can bring the kids to you so we're not sitting in our house waiting for an hour or longer for or an oral project up here. I'll I'll take a look behind that saw there. >> It's It was for personal use. She said she's the only adult in here. That's her debit card under there. So, 2015 or 2016? So, I'm going to tell her what's going on and then we're going to make plans. >> As officers looked around the apartment, it became clear that leaving the kids alone wasn't the only problem. Coke was found sitting out in the open, not hidden, not put away, just there, within reach of four children, the youngest of whom was barely a year old. >> Hey, ma'am, what's your name? What is it? I'm sorry. Okay, listen. Here's what's going to happen today. Your kids are For right now, we're going to go over to the DCFS office on Jefferson Street. Uh you're going to come with us for a little bit. You're going to get charged with a misdemeanor right now. Yes, that's 100%. You left the kids alone. You got stuff up there in the in the thing. So, we can deal with that right now. We want to work with you, but you got to cooperate with us. You understand? Okay. Help get us the kids in the car seats and we're we're going to go get them some food and stuff like that and then we will bring you down to the jail. We'll take care of you, take care of you, talk to you and we'll have DCFS work with you to get your kids and the family numbers, okay? For right now, it's not a long-term thing. It's just for right now. You got it? You understand? Okay. Listen, it's a mistake, but you got to learn to fix it, okay? So, come on. Grab your Don't do this for the kids. Just come. We'll do it for you. We're going to work with your family and everything like that. Come on. >> The officer laid it out plainly. She was going to be charged, DCFS was being called, and the kids were being taken for now. He wasn't harsh about it. He acknowledged she was young, that people make mistakes, that this didn't have to define her. But the time for alternatives had already passed. >> All right. Hey, hey, Evan, take his iPad. What's that? All right. Let them take the kids out first. >> put the Yeah, I'll put this in the bag. I got a bag for them. >> You have my purse in >> Let's get it. >> [laughter] >> Here's the thing. We could easily come back in here and just flush kids we had side down a bucket of water or get into your over there. Come on, dude. This is >> That's not That's not >> [laughter] >> fair to >> Whatever, it's still out in the open, so whether who it is, you got little kids walking around. They get into it, they're doing it in a >> Yeah, I'm going to come down. >> So, like I said, it makes sense. >> Can you arrest me with the I don't >> We're going to We're going to Listen, you made a made a mistake. We're going to get them corrected. You're going to get arrested today and we're going to DCFS is involved. It's too late for anything else, okay? >> One of the officers made the stakes impossible to ignore. Those kids could have gotten into it on their own. At 1 year old, that's not a hypothetical. >> What's your last name? >> Ocampo. >> Ocampo. So, listen, it's Ocampo. How old are you? >> I'm only 28. >> 28, okay. It's a mistake, but it's not the end of the world. They'll work with you. We will work with you. You just got to get past it and be cooperative for right now, okay? >> So >> Your kids are going to Chapman Street, the office, for a little bit. You're going to come with us just downtown and uh we'll talk to you, get your fingerprints and photographs, and let you know what this is for leaving the kids unattended and the dangerous >> But you're not going to get me arrested, right? >> You are going to be arrested, yes. You're going to I mean, I'm not I'm I'm not taking you out in handcuffs or anything like that as long as you're cooperative. If you act like you're not going to be cooperative, I'm going to put you in handcuffs. >> no, but I mean I'm not I'm not I'm not going to come out. >> Yes, you Right right now, you're going to be released on your signature. Yes, I know. I know, but you can't You can't be leaving them like this, right? Okay. I have to Okay. Sure. Hey, listen. Let's get everyone makes mistakes, right? But it's a mistake we just got to >> [laughter] >> 1627 by 15 to gender dressing. >> For real? I'm in. >> I'm sorry, your signals are unavailable. Can you tell [laughter] me your time for that plane though? Okay, good. 162 grab your stuff. [snorts] >> [laughter] >> Give me one second. I'm on the phone. >> [clears throat] >> 4:15. >> 4:15 14. >> The white horse. >> [laughter] [laughter] >> Hey, I got a whole bunch of your cuz that training thing you're doing right now is just our training this way. I gave him your phone number so he could call you. >> Did you Do you honestly have anything else on you? >> Or anything >> Or do you have anything on you you shouldn't have? >> Which means >> Anything or anything that you shouldn't have? >> No, no, no. >> car keys with you? >> Yeah. >> Okay, come on, let's go to the car. >> She didn't fight it. She was scared, but she stayed cooperative. And the officers held up their end of that. They told her she'd be released on a signature, that DCFS would work with family members, that this didn't have to go further than it already had. >> Listen, I need you to be calm for your kids. It's fine. It's fine. We can say that's the truth. Right now we're not dealing with that. We're going to just But you still can't leave it out like that, you know what I mean? Hey, I need you to be strong for your kids, okay? Just here. Come over here and have a seat. Are those yours? Just stay back. >> I need your car seat. >> Yep, okay. I'm going to go out to the this officer. Remember, your level of cooperation is going to determine how you will be treated. We're going to let you use your phone and we'll call DCFS. Right now you made a mistake. Don't make it into a bigger one, okay? Be strong for your kids. Right now I'm going to let you get released on just a signature, all right? All right, let's get up. Come on. Okay, listen. Hey. All of us have kids, you know, okay? Which is you got to call them here in 1 second, so Huh? You have nothing on you shouldn't have, right? Pat you down. You got to go in handcuffs while you're in the car, but we're We're not doing it in front of your kids. >> Quick ride. Nothing, just your phone right here? Pardon? >> No. >> All right. Hands behind your back, please. And again, we'll explain everything down there. Just like uh they have. >> All right, I'm going to walk over uh >> Yep. Those good? I'm going to lock them twice so they don't close on you. Those are okay? Yeah, you want to do that real quick? >> In the end, the mother was charged with four counts of endangering the life or safety of a child and spent the night in Will County Jail. Her bail was set at $5,000 and she was released [music] the following morning. The four children remained in protective custody. Next, deputies in Manatee County, Florida, responded to a call from a grandmother who had just found her toddler grandson with a head injury [music] and what followed led them straight to a McDonald's parking lot. >> But I haven't drank like cuz I got it I was in rehab. The place was just demolished. I I've never seen anything like it. I've never seen anything like it in my life. >> And this is how the kids are living? >> Mhm. >> Yep. >> Just like over. >> I want my attorney now. >> All right. >> Where do you want to >> Oh, resist. Resist. That's resist. >> On February 24th, 2024, deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office received a call from a grandmother reporting that her toddler grandson had been injured. She said her daughter had thrown something inside the RV striking the child before driving off drunk with all four kids still inside. The grandmother tracked her down herself and found her parked at a McDonald's, relaying the location to deputies who responded immediately. >> How many kids you got in there? Any other adults? >> No. >> No? >> No. >> Okay. Uh Who is? All right. Can you step out of the door? >> Actually, your actual complaint may be dismissed >> No. All right, that's fine. I'm going to leave my other shoe cuz my daughter got the other one. I'm sorry. My parents already know called the police. Cuz they want to say whatever I don't even want to talk about it cuz that this one giving electricity. They haven't even let me to buy over with all day electricity with this thing. Like if you were to look at holes in this material to wake my kids. >> That's what they left you to raise your kids? >> Yeah. >> The mother, 31-year-old Sandra Allen, had recently been discharged from a rehabilitation facility. She stepped out of the RV with one shoe on, already talking, already deflecting. Her parents had provided the RV for her and the children to live in. As far as Sandra was concerned, that wasn't generosity. It was an insult. >> I mean, at least they left you something. They didn't leave you on the streets. >> Hardly have electricity. >> It's better >> Like they told better to get the kids >> It's got four walls and a roof. It's better than out here on the street. >> But it doesn't have electricity. Just cuz I run the generator doesn't mean it Like they told better together whenever they sent me back with I would have a working out. Until I got out of rehab. This this thing edges on bite. She is so literally $900 from >> see how that's their problem. >> She has $900 she just took from me. >> She sounds like she gave you the RV. >> Sounds like where's the permit? I don't have the title. >> You were driving it. You should be responsible for that. >> Oh yeah. Well, I I'm not. I just moved it. >> Do you have an ID on you at all? >> Yeah, party prepared. >> Why is she calling the cops on you? >> Because I asked her to take my kids. >> Yeah? >> Yeah. >> She thinks you're intoxicated? >> I think that I am I am. And I asked her to take my kids because of that. Cuz I am an addict in recovery. No I'm not kidding. I'm not stupid. I asked her to take my kids a thousand times. And I gave her the keys to this. As far >> What got you over there at the McDonald's? How did you get over there? >> I am a friend of hers. And I'm involved in him and getting that to do with this. I didn't get him to do it. >> Sandra was visibly drunk. She admitted it herself, but even standing there she kept redirecting, pointing fingers at her parents, complaining about the RV, painting herself as the one who had been failed. The deputies weren't buying it. >> Oh yeah, she was she was extremely ungrateful. She's She's saying, "Oh, you left her with this hunk of junk." But I said, "It wasn't like that." I said, "You know, it sounds like they gave you something." I said, "You should be appreciative." And she she's really not. What is she What is she using? >> I guess alcohol. >> Did you see her drinking alcohol or anything like that? >> This is Jessica with better together. She done it >> program to get her All the kids were with host family. So, she got kids back and she won't stop drinking. >> Okay. Was it alcohol before? >> Oh, yeah. >> Okay. Was it ever in >> No, no beer. She might smoke marijuana some, but >> Right. >> No, no hard >> Okay. And he talked to you about the kid and the injury on the kid and everything like that? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Does he need medical attention? >> No. She She needs help. >> Okay. How you doing, buddy? >> You okay, buddy? >> You see You seeing straight and everything? >> He don't see straight anyway, do you? >> a headache or anything like that? >> No. >> No. >> You know, we were here earlier picking up some hangers and stuff. And she allegedly Right off the bat, I knew she was drinking. I'm like, I'm going to tell you, I'm not even going to argue with her about it. >> You really to see where her head's at. Um that's text from the >> That's Katie. >> Yes. >> That's her name? Okay. >> Yes, from Her last name is Sandra, but we got She goes by Katie. Um anyway, I just wanted you to read that cuz there's a lot of stuff in there. >> And this is all from today? >> Yes, about in the last hour and a half. That's why we came. She says she herself she threatened us. >> Hey, you said you said you were intoxicated. What are you using? Alcohol? >> Alcohol. >> How much did you drink? >> Uh two bottles. >> How long ago was that? >> Three hours ago. But I haven't drank like cuz I got it I was in >> I know. I'm talking about today, within >> Yeah, I drank like >> Throughout the day? >> Um 1:23 was whenever I took my >> Okay. >> But I still don't feel comfortable driving with them in here. >> Why? >> He is like, get out. That's why I was pulling over here to park. >> You were parked over at McDonald's? >> Yeah, I needed to get away from my parents. >> Do you have a phone on you? >> Um yeah, but it doesn't have service. Cuz my parents took that away. >> When asked directly, Sandra said she had been drinking throughout the day, two shots 3 hours ago. But she also admitted she hadn't felt comfortable driving with the kids inside, which meant she already knew and drove anyway. >> Cuz I needed to get away from my parents because I feel like my dad really tries to trigger me more with my alcoholism. And I had already relapsed. And I just didn't want that anymore. So I'd rather have drive here, public parking lot, where I can just sit. >> So what happened? >> She has a horrible drinking problem. >> Uh-huh. >> We're trying to help every way that we can. She just got out of rehab with them. Jessica, who is with Better Together. Okay? And so instead of going through CPS, Jessica helped find host parents to take the kids in for 2 months while she was in rehab. >> Mhm. >> Okay? But then it ended because she was okay and she tested okay and whatever. So she got the kids back. But here and there, of course, she has issues, you know, like of course she gets drunk here and there. But usually it hasn't been this much of a problem. If cops get called, they get called. >> You were at the Comfort Inn this time? >> Yes. That's why they called you and told you to come here. I was already ready to come here. This way I told them to come. >> No, I got my idea from McDonald's and you pulled over here. >> Yeah, cuz I was coming over here. >> There was one other time, but I didn't find out till afterwards, that she was driving around in the RV with the kids drunk on her ass. Okay? Now, after that I threw a absolute fit and I told her if it ever happens again, I was calling the police but I'm CPS. This can't happen. We can't take the kids. They've already told us cuz we live in a 400 square foot RV. Okay? With four kids and us. You're right. >> Because I don't want to get in trouble. I don't want to lose my kids. >> Yes, she's Okay, I'm going to say Reagan told me to tell you >> There's There's no place for them to sleep. There's only one bedroom. So they had an issue with all of it. >> So >> what happened at um today like at McDonald's? Or whatever happened today. >> could tell she was drinking from all the text messages I showed officer so he could read them. Threatening herself, threatening us, just crazy stuff. So, I knew she was drinking. So, I came up with an excuse to find out where she was. I was bringing her a TV and a computer. So, she told me where she was. So, that's when we drove over here. And so, we go up to the door to give her the stuff. She's like, "I don't want the the the And just was totally belligerent and crazy and whatever, you know, and telling me all I wanted was my hangers. Okay, like seriously, you know. So, I went in to go get my hangers and a salad bowl, actually. And the place was just demolished. I I've never seen anything like that. I've never seen anything like it in my life. And this is how the kids are living. >> Mhm. >> No. No. You know what? I hate the idea >> [screaming] >> Yes, I hate And I'm so worried about them and could you just Don't tell don't tell Tell anybody if something's wrong. I hate it, but I ain't got to keep them safe. I have an obligation to them to keep them safe. They need a place to sleep. And they need to be safe, not being dragged around by their drunken mother. >> Mhm. So, did were you guys supposed to just meet at McDonald's? Is that what happened? >> was already parked here. >> Yes, and you came >> And we came >> Okay. >> Um I could tell she was drinking. >> Yes. From the text messages, yeah. Yeah. Okay. >> I was worried about her driving with the kids cuz she did it that one time. So, I'm like, "Oh, no, we're not going to do that." So, we came with the TV and whatever as an excuse. Anyway, so then she's flipping out the whole time. She's throwing it out the door. She threw the money out the door. And I said, "Honey, I don't need that much. I just wanted the $200 that you you told me you were going to give me." And cuz I've I can't tell you thousands. Probably 10, 12,000 dollars in the last 6 months. I've paid to put her up places. I can give you reports from Airbnb. Some lady is suing me on there for $2,000 damage to her Audi. I found every place I could and she would always get drunk and [ __ ] it up. >> Krista, filled in what Sandra wouldn't. This wasn't the first time Sandra had been caught driving drunk with the children. Krista had warned her if it ever happened again, she would call the police. >> Just that type of situation, but she then she came out after us saying how, you know, she was going to, you know, kill us that she did, you know, we never did anything for her and all she knew was her family and nobody was there for her and I'm like, "Okay, $12,000 doesn't say something?" She keeps thinking I can take her kids. I can't, number one, because I work my full time a nurse. I work Last week, I worked 103 hours in one week, okay? That's what I have to do to survive myself. She refuses to get a job. She refuses to help at all. I mean, I can't I have to work like that to help support her. But then she because I can't keep the kids. Well, I can't keep the kids and be at work at the same time. So, I I need to watch. I'm just lost, but she was threatening us. Then I saw head. I'm like, "I'm going to call the >> So, what happened with his What happened with his head? >> She was, uh, you know, there's nothing wrong and was throwing things around the RV like apparently she does once again, I don't know, but uh, that's what we heard from outside. And some He doesn't know what it was, but something hit him in the You She wasn't like aiming at him. I asked, uh, but she was throwing things at him in the head. Well, it doesn't matter because, you know what? He has a bump on his head. It's a lump, okay? And there's a cut, okay? So, I don't want to eat There's no >> Sandra had received more support than most people in her situation ever get. None of it had been enough. That day she had struck her toddler, driven drunk with all four children unsecured, and sent threatening messages to her own mother. The deputies had heard enough. >> Don't put your hands on me. Get up. Jessica. Why am I being arrested? Why am I >> For a lot of things. >> For what? >> DUI child >> All right. Where is my child? >> Release. >> No. >> Open your hands, Anna. >> And whenever my son comes over here to get the money that Jessica does. >> Open your hand. >> Jessica, come grab this money. Please grab this money for my kids. >> Yeah, take the kids. >> And whenever Jessica gets >> Anna, open your hand now. >> Give the money to her. Kids, somebody grab the money for the kids. >> go. Relax. >> Sandra, just let go. I'll I'll Just let go of her. >> I'm on my attorney now. >> All right. >> My attorney, yeah. For what What am I being arrested for? >> I don't think you have a roadside attorney, but if you do, that's great. >> And I'm trying to Where? >> Cuz you had your three kids not not buckled in anywhere in that RV. >> No, no, no. They were supposed to be buckled. No, no, no. My parents told me to put them in there. >> to. I understand that. >> So I listened to what they say, and I'm in trouble? >> Someone tells you to kill somebody, and you do it? >> parents. >> You're an adult. >> Okay. So my mom tells me to kill somebody, and I kill them, should I go to jail? >> That's not what I'm saying. >> Like come on. You're being dramatic. >> It's an ex- It's an example. It's an example. >> No, dramatic. Dramatic is I come home. So am I really being >> getting arrested? >> For what? >> Three counts of child >> So how long is this going to be? R&R till tomorrow morning? >> R&R? >> Yeah. >> You're not getting R&R for this. >> Yeah, I've never been arrested before. What? Before? >> Well, good luck with that. Good luck with that. >> What? Hey, y'all. Wait. Wait. Done. Done. Wait. Put on my pants, please. Put on my You're a [ __ ] stupid Hey, you. Yo, you >> [music] >> You got your little [ __ ] drink. Small [ __ ] you. You. You. [ __ ] you. I resist. Resist. Let's resist. [ __ ] you, Dylan. This is too much. >> Oh yeah. Put me in the car. No, thank you. Thank you. Give me Give me your money. Thank you. >> Sandra's arrest didn't go smoothly. She fought it immediately, demanding charges, asking for an attorney, trying to hand money to her kids through the chaos. When told the children hadn't been buckled in anywhere inside the moving RV, she tried to blame her parents for that, too. >> Put your feet in the car now. >> Call an ambulance. >> No, you don't get one. >> Well. >> There's not an ambulance in the world I'd put you in right now. >> Well, guess what? I ain't done. >> Put your feet in the car. >> Get up. AMBULANCE. MOM. AMBULANCE. 911. THEY'RE REFUSING. MOM. NO. NO. GET UP. >> COME ON. >> MOM. THEY'RE BEATING ME. MOM. MOM. MOM. MOM. MOM. NO. I want your body cameras on. >> Hey, they're on. They're on. >> That's when things escalated. Sandra began screaming for an ambulance, kicking at the patrol car door, refusing to put her legs inside. She broke the window. Deputies had to pull her out and place her on the ground before finally getting her secured, screaming for her mother the entire time. >> Put your legs in. >> Ambulance. >> Just stop. It's not worth it. Put your legs in the car. >> She shut my toes in the door. >> Please put your legs in just put your legs in the car. >> If she's NOT WORTH IT. >> SHE'S FIGHTING. >> MOM. MOM. >> NICE. >> MY WINDOW'S BROKEN. Are you good to follow me? >> Yeah, she's broken. I don't know. >> Let's pull her out, get her on the ground. >> Ambulance. Please everybody stop. I never do that wrong. Please. Please. Please everybody stop. Oh yeah. I just want to sleep. I just want to sleep. I just want to sleep for days. so >> You don't have plenty of time in the jail to sleep. >> Yeah, put your feet in. Put your feet in. Good job, guys. Thank you. >> In the end, Sandra was charged with child abuse, battery on a law enforcement officer, four counts of child neglect, criminal mischief, obstruction without violence, and driving under the influence. The four children were taken into protective custody. Next, with a case where a routine check of a seemingly normal home would soon unravel a dark and deadly secret lurking within. >> Apparently, she's been lying to her son, Corey, but Dylan, >> Oh, good, sir. >> Your mom's deceased. >> Yeah. >> What do you mean? >> Your mom's deceased. >> I found her doing the dishes where I strangled her. >> [music] >> On November 21st, 2022, officers in New Mexico received a 911 call after neighbors reported that one of the local residents had mysteriously disappeared. The situation quickly escalated when friends of the woman also contacted police expressing concerns that something might have happened to her. What initially appeared to be a simple welfare check soon turned into a search as officers hoped it was nothing more than a misunderstanding. >> So, we're in her house in Las Cruces because >> [music] >> they didn't find her. They don't She wasn't there, just the dogs in the in the vehicle. And we were not even aware she was out of town. >> [music] >> So, we're here at the house. We don't have a key to get in, but I am worried because she's been a stroke victim in the past, number one, and number two, she's diabetic. >> You're trying to do what? You're trying to go into the home or what is it they're trying to >> We're trying to make sure she's okay because nobody has heard from her since Sunday. And like I said, they found her vehicle in San Diego. [music] >> Central dispatch operator 488, how may I help you? >> Hello, uh need to have a welfare check. I've got someone who actually has a key [music] to the residence so the officer can get in. >> All right, and what do you you need the welfare check done for? >> Well, she's been reported missing and you guys have done several welfare checks, but but aren't able to force entry. So, we found someone with the key so the officer can go inside and see if there's anything >> However, despite the reports, officers were only able to move forward with the investigation after one of the woman's sons, whose mother was identified as Cynthia Berenson, informed them that he had the key to her house. The situation escalated even further when a call from the bank shifted the direction of the investigation. >> Well, as we got to looking and um her account has been drained >> Mhm. >> and it is her son it's one of the the the girls in the branch recognized and her son has taken out all of her money and I've got it all on camera. Well, and and I don't have the exact dollar amount yet, but they've taken out thousands of dollars through the ATM >> Mhm. >> but there are I don't even know how many cuz I haven't dug into it yet, >> Mhm. >> but it looks like they're going to Walmart and buying gift cards because there's just a crap ton of charges at Walmart for like $101.14. So, I think they're buying $100 gift cards, would be my guess. >> Okay. >> At this point, officers realized this was no longer just a simple disappearance. Cynthia's car had been found on the side of a road and inside were her dogs. Given the circumstances, officers knew they needed to act as quickly as possible. This was no longer a routine missing person case. >> She's given me keys like almost a year ago. >> Since you've been here, have you seen anybody outside? >> I've not even been here. Today's the first day that her friend text me, so this is the first time I heard about this. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah, so my first thing, knowing her son and being in her house the dogs was >> [music] >> Dylan. >> Okay. >> And that's what I told Corey. I said, "Apparently, she's been lying to her son, Corey, [music] but Dylan, I don't know." >> As the investigation took a new direction, a statement from Cynthia's friend became crucial for officers to proceed with searching the victim's home. According to the witness, Cynthia had two sons. However, her relationship with one of them was marked by constant conflicts and arguments. He was later identified as Dylan. [music] >> So, this is the first time I heard about this. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So, my first thing, knowing her son and being in her house with the dogs was Dylan. >> Okay. >> what I told Corey. I said, "Apparently, she's [music] been lying to her son, Corey, but Dylan, I don't know." >> So, nobody thought I guess Corey's the son that lives out of state in Texas. Yeah. But, I had contact with her Monday. >> That's fine. Yeah. >> The weird thing is, too, I heard from uh the bank, her bank [music] right here. They they called she They said, "Well, you know what? Her account's drained." >> Drained? >> Yeah. Her account Everything's gone. [music] And the only thing I could tell you is that uh the vehicle that ATM at Walmart and everything was pulled out at the ATM. Uh it looked like it was her Dylan pulled it out. >> Police department. >> Oh, no. Well, that's weird. No cars. Police department. That's my car. >> Okay. This is so creepy. Apparently, the door's locked, though. >> At this point, officers were searching for any evidence that the house might have been broken into. However, they found no signs of forced entry, only two locked doors. The presence of those locked doors only increased suspicions that something inside the house was being hidden. >> I got it. >> Huh? >> Got it open. >> Oh, [ __ ] >> Oh, [ __ ] It's her. >> Huh? >> She's deceased. >> The shocking way Cynthia was found, under the shower, immediately alarmed officers. Investigators began to question whether Dylan might have discovered his mother in that condition and fled, or if he could have been responsible for what had happened. >> Um >> He has a restraining order, right? >> No, so it's it's weird because like her bedroom door, you know how [snorts] like door knobs have that little circle in it, and where you can put a key in and twist it, but it's not like an actual keyhole, it's just like [music] the little hole. >> Yeah. >> Um it looks like it's like drilled out. I mean, it's like weird. Um so then we started talking about the other son, um and that's when he told me that his or the the victim here, her car was found in San Diego abandoned with her two dogs in there. >> Yeah. >> Um we're unable to reach the the son, um one of the sons. We're unable to reach him, the one that supposedly lived here and had the RO against her. >> [snorts] >> Um Don't don't don't try to reach him anymore. >> Well, we're we were trying to do it before the before making entry to see if we can get him to come to the door or even make you fire [music] with him. So, there's a another door that's locked inside of the home, one of the other bedrooms. Reason to kick it in to clear the rest of the house. >> I could try to open it like I did the other. >> I would say so because I mean if it's code 24, if you guys think that maybe somebody could have wondered, you got to make sure that the suspect's not behind that locked door. >> Yeah, okay. I just want to make sure I was on the right All right, go. Two. Keep going. Police department. >> All right, it's open. This [snorts] is locked. >> As news of the incident spread through the neighborhood, officers began hearing accounts from neighbors about the troubled relationship between mother and son, details that increasingly pointed to the man's possible involvement. >> What I mean they found her car in San Diego. >> Yeah. And I guess uh I don't know who was saying the neighbors or somebody told Tayas that they both saw or they saw both of them using her her vehicle to go buy a Buick. >> Do they know anything about her issues though? >> Uh they said something about her being like kind of bipolar. Um apparently there's a >> she's going to kill her though. >> Yeah. Um I guess there's a history of domestic >> Contact her son or >> No, we won't contact him. We'll We'll wait on CID to contact anybody else cuz this is going to be their investigation now. >> I just had a few questions for you real quick. Are you familiar with these people across the street? >> I really >> No. >> Hey. >> Did you happen to see her son moving trash cans or anything like that this week for trash day? >> They did last Monday. >> Last Monday? >> Yeah. >> Okay. You saw the the son? >> I didn't see him but I saw the trash out there and then I seen it uh you know, he took the garbage pail back in once he picked it up. >> Okay. >> But I didn't see him. >> He lives across the street, sir? Right here. Do you have cameras by chance? >> No, sir. >> No. >> Okay. >> I talked to the people man. I got they came like Thursday on Thursday. >> Thursday? >> Thursday and I told them >> To the officers you mean? >> To the officers, yeah. >> You saw him on Monday? >> Saw him Monday. Yeah, for sure Monday it was. >> Okay. So like but like you recognized him? >> Oh yeah, I seen him good. >> What was he in? >> He was in the black uniform. >> A black uniform? >> They saw him. >> That was so it was a week ago, right? >> Yep, that's good. >> Okay. >> Questions for you in reference to these people across the street. >> Have you have you seen anything or heard anything what's been going on over there or >> Yeah. >> Are you familiar with the history of them? >> Uh yeah, kind of. >> Okay, can you tell me a little bit about them? >> Well, I was there He beat the hell out of her first >> When was that? >> Oh, it was about uh 4 years ago, something like that. What did he what did he do since? He took her face and smashed it into kept smashing it into the tile floor. >> Okay. >> Well, so you guys probably know there was a court there was a court case about [music] it. >> I'm not familiar with that with that address. Um I'm but from what I understand from what I've been hearing is it's been [music] going on for some time. >> I saw him last Monday take the garbage out. >> Okay, you saw him take the trash out? >> Yep. >> As the investigation progressed, officers returned to the statement of the victim's friend, the main witness. Emily revealed crucial details about Dylan's health condition, which had led Cynthia to allow him to return home even though there had previously been a protective order against him due to past aggression. However, investigators began to consider that the claim about his health problems might have been an excuse used by the suspect to draw his mother back in. >> He is very troubled. She would always make the excuse that he had Um I said, "Cindy, get him into a receiving home." So and I felt for him. He'd reach out to me, but it was always those track phones, so we phone, so I knew he was either A, I mean I work with that population. He's either dealing I knew at one time he's probably high. He's either fentanyl or meth. Um only because of his manifestation was doing. How he would walk. Do you know any diagnosis for Cindy? >> No. >> Dylan, um I think she said he had stage two cancer because he has a limp. He was taking medication. Um was it a limp? Yeah, he limps. I think it's a limp. Um I'm not sure if it's his left. His left foot. Yeah, he's got a big distinguish dark hair. >> Of course it do wrong, huh? >> It's like a two-ply. >> Oh, the showers are different. There was a single cleaning supply that I found. >> Huh? >> There was a single cleaning supply that I found. No Dawn, no [ __ ] bleach, [music] no Look at this. So pretty boots. Look at how [ __ ] streaky streaky that one is. Why is it Why are you taking a picture? Because there's there's also that streaky all over. >> What about the function? >> Shower? >> At this point, investigators faced a significant challenge. Despite testimonies describing the strained relationship between mother and son, the evidence found inside the house and the autopsy results did not point to Dylan. There was nothing directly linking him to the crime. >> Hello, Corey. >> Hello. >> Hi, it's Detective Martinez, Las Cruces Police Department. >> Yes. >> I'm calling just to give you like a little update. Um So, we didn't find any obvious signs of trauma to the body. So, she will be sent out to Albuquerque just to do an autopsy and make sure there's something that we're not seeing. Um, and then we'll know a little bit more after that. We should know something I'm going to say by tomorrow afternoon. >> I'm David Castillo, her brother. >> Mike Castillo, her brother. >> And of course >> Okay, I'm sorry for your loss. Um I am the head detective here and I'm on the case. My partner is still coming back from Albuquerque. He gave me a call to let me know that there's nothing suspicious. So, um There's no indication that she had a lot of lacerations that we could see in the autopsy, so that's what they're thinking. How she was was she >> As the investigation progressed, officers continued trying to piece together the puzzle. With no clear evidence, the fact that Cynthia had been found fully clothed raised the possibility that her death might have been caused by a medical condition. In addition, the autopsy's estimated time of death once again did not indicate Dylan's involvement. >> Um So, either way, [music] we're still looking for Dylan. Um She was found in the shower. Uh, she was fully dressed. So, we don't know if she was cleaning and that happened to her. Uh, yeah, no reports. >> [music] >> Could have called us, told us what happened. House is empty. Um >> The house was [music] empty? >> Mhm. There's no blankets, uh, no cleaning products, no food. So again, >> [music] >> very suspicious. You know, that's why we looked at it as a possible murder because we [music] didn't know who we had. Uh we were out there for forever. >> Like I said, she was found in the shower [music] and the shower was leaking water. So, that kind of it was all >> On the time of death, but we're estimating 14 [music] >> Imagine. We were not told We know that at some point she had a drinking order. >> She does have an active issue is that she won't let him back in. >> Yeah, >> [music] >> exactly. I'm not talking about the relationship with the neighbors. I mean I would have called. I mean she would have called. >> Right. >> And then that's that's it. >> So, now I know that you're estranged [music] from Dylan, but we need to know what his who his associates were are. In case he had help or who let him stay out of the house. >> Yeah. Did we get to talk to the neighbor? >> We did talk to the neighbor. Um >> [music] >> We didn't get We didn't get a name of possible friends or anything. >> No, no, but I >> [snorts] >> know that I was told earlier that she had contact with Dylan through the phone. Like himself on the phone number. >> He didn't say that. Um there was a person who gave me a number for Dylan, but he changes numbers all the time, so >> Did he know He knew that he didn't want her found. Is that what I Like why is he so calm? And I was so calm when you said Yeah, I thought she was a natural causes but natural causes house clean he's gone. >> And she's dressed in the shower. >> Yeah. Well, so what I'm thinking is she was cleaning or something. And there's a couple theories. She was cleaning, she had a stroke. He found her, he's out. He didn't advise anybody, he just cleaned everything, so there's no trace of him. Another theory is they got into a fight which caused the stroke. And he took off. >> But we don't know that he would have put her in in the shower. >> No, because there's no no bruising, no You know what I mean? Nothing that indicates she was grabbed, she was forced. >> At this stage, the only way investigators could move forward was by questioning Dylan. But for weeks, he had vanished without a trace, leaving officers with no idea where he might be. The investigation began to stall until a new witness suddenly brought the case back to life. >> How do you know Dylan? Okay. Um Dylan and my daughter went to school together. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So that's how we knew each other or we know each other. >> Mom. >> Mom, can you not do this? Mom, can you not do that? So Um when did he reach out to you? >> Uh it was actually it was Saturday morning. So am I right on this that you you guys are looking for him? >> Is he a person of interest? >> We We need to as far as her passing, not so much, but we need to speak with her as far as her last one and her staring at It helps us put the story together. >> It's Dylan that uh he He was looking for you or you. Or his girlfriend that's in California. Girlfriend that's not Dylan's. Um Uh I guess I know the vehicle's over there. It's some of Dylan's stuff over there. So I assume he had to have gone with her. There's no way he would have not gone with those thoughts. >> Okay. >> This you know, with that person. I don't even know that person is. >> Which person? >> The one that you know who she is. The mom. >> So she went to California with him. >> But it's not Dylan's dad. >> Okay. >> I don't even know the name of anything. >> Okay. Did you say was that her old guy? >> It's it's a What do you call it? A crack head guy. >> Okay. >> Do you know what the ethnicity of the screen >> I think it's Mexican. I think from what I understand that person did live in Mexico. And that's why I think they probably >> [music] >> live by the border. But you know, I don't know. I just know what Dylan told me and that's all he said. The reason I finally came well, it's really starting to bother me now. Because he's selling some of her possessions online. Through Facebook. >> Is this Dylan or is >> Despite the witness's information, it took five more months before Dylan was detained in another city for driving under the influence. On April 5th, 2023, he was finally located and investigators knew that the answers they needed to close the case would depend on his interrogation. >> Hey Dylan, so I'm Detective Mondragon. This is Detective Mondragon. >> What's up, guys? Dylan. >> Well, we want to come talk to you. We're investigating some stuff, but we wanted to just kind of get some basic information from you. >> All right. >> I know you got picked up the other day. You were arrested. >> Mhm. >> I think it was trafficking or something like that. >> Yes. >> We currently stay. >> I'm homeless actually. I was actually in the process of actually getting an apartment this Monday. >> Oh crap, where at? >> Uh either off of Fleming, Missouri or I was looking at the apartments off Telshor. >> Okay, nothing specific. >> No. >> Just in the process. >> That was all up in the air. >> Okay. Um before how long have you been homeless? >> Uh I'd say it's about five about five months. >> Five months. Prior to that, where were you living? >> Uh I was staying with uh my mother. >> Okay, who was that? >> Um I don't really >> Um at what point um when was the last time you lived with your mom? >> Uh [ __ ] I'd say the last time I saw her probably about like [music] October, Septemberish. >> When was the last time you talked to her? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I stayed with her for like a week or so. That's about it. >> Okay. October, September. That's how I know that I know you guys had >> Yeah, we we uh >> So the month of August passed and >> Yeah, it was kind of always a conundrum with us. We tried this and that. I haven't talked to him or talked to her at all. I tried to call her, but I don't know. Like and then being on the streets, like I don't know. Just like it just got out of hand. I don't know how to explain it. >> So the the last time and that's when that guy yesterday >> Yeah. >> So the last time you talked to her was in October, September? >> Yeah, maybe about maybe September 12th or something. >> September 12th. Why why does September 12th stick out? >> Uh I don't know. I'm just giving like a date in general. >> At this point, detectives already knew that Dylan was lying about where he had been living. His claim was contradicted by Cynthia's family and neighbors, all of whom confirmed that he had been living with her. As the interrogation continued, Dylan's version of events began to undermine the very foundation of the case as it stood. >> What's the background of that? >> Uh basically just my history of being a drug addict on the streets, this and that. You know, she [music] gave me multiple times to try this and that and I always failed and you know, so I just [music] had to learn a lesson. >> For her. Okay. What what was it like the last time you talked to her? >> It was all right, you know, we got to talk for a minute and stuff [music] and I don't know. I I could just feel that it wasn't really yet that time for like [music] to move back in and [ __ ] >> Uh-huh. Okay. Uh outside of that, did you guys have any other dealings, phone calls? >> Can't really say. [music] >> Like supplement stuff, did she send you money, talk to >> Oh, no. Uh the only other time she actually really helped me out was I was last locked up. Uh What was it? 2020? She put a $100 bail on me. And then I continued with core [music] and then I turned myself in and did those 3 months. And then we tried to reconcile then. I stayed for like 3 days, but within those 3 days it just showed like no way that I could >> But as far as that September from September on, she didn't funnel [music] you money, didn't give you anything any help out or anything like that. Okay, so how would you get stuff? How would you pay for stuff? >> Well, I actually get SSI. I'm like I'm disabled for cancer. >> Okay. >> I had what you call Ewing's sarcoma / bone marrow cancer. >> Uh-huh. >> So, I had tumors on my pelvis and my hip. [music] So, I had my right pelvis and half my hip removed. >> Okay. Okay. >> Yeah, so [music] even though I've been homeless, I've been able to, you know, pay for like the hotel here and there and get the state where I need to be. >> Okay, that's directly to you? >> Directly to me. >> Okay, is that like your [music] card? >> Yeah, I get it on my SSI check. >> Okay, and it's your account? >> My account. >> Okay, is she on that account at all? >> Oh, no. >> When we talked about things, um uh about basically your last contact with your mom. >> Okay. >> Okay. Your mom's deceased. Yeah. >> What do you mean? >> Your mom's deceased. >> You're bullshitting. >> No. >> Officers confronted the suspect with the news of what had happened to his mother, but instead of a genuine reaction, his response seemed rehearsed. For investigators, that small detail was enough to begin applying pressure and push him to reveal the truth. >> Your mom was found November 21st of last year at her house. Deceased. >> How the hell am I just hearing about this now? >> I don't know if you're just hearing about it now. That's what we're here to talk to you about. You've been gone for the last >> What the [ __ ] >> 8 months, okay? So, the reason why we're asking you questions when we come here and we ask you specific things is because we're trying to lay out a timeline. >> [music] >> Okay? And find out what's going on. And I already know you've told me a couple untruths. I'm going to call them lies yet, but you've already told me some untruths. So, it's important that we sit down and we talk and figure out what's going on, what happened. Did anything happen? Did you walk into something? It's It's my language, but [ __ ] needs to be put on the table over there. Okay? Because right now I've got a couple phones already from what you just told me you were going to tell me in that video. So So compose yourself. And and let's talk. >> The investigator's strategy slowly began to work. Dylan claimed that on the day of the murder, he had arrived at the house with another person and found his mother lying on the floor. Panicked, he said he chose not to call the police. But one detail immediately stood out to investigators. In what seemed like a calculated decision, Dylan admitted that he had wiped away his fingerprints from the places he had touched, claiming he feared being blamed. >> I wind up meeting this transgender online [music] and everything. And me and my mom, we went to go get her and stuff. And we get there, I was living with mom for like the last year and stuff. And whenever we were out doing our business and everything, we came back and found her deceased. And [music] I knew I had to wipe at the time. So I didn't actually call anybody. I didn't know what to do. And I first thought about fleeing the country. But then I just I just didn't know what to do. >> Okay. So >> I felt cuz >> [music] >> I had a key and everything. I opened the door, you know, and you know, I'm like knocking on my mom's door like, "Mom, Mom, hey, I'm here. I'm here." Finally I open it and everything and I see her and everything and I was like, "Mom, Mom." She I don't know, maybe it was like maybe like 3 days cuz she was already like coffee and stuff. So that's pretty much the reality of it. [music] I found her deceased. I didn't know what to do. >> Okay. So tell me what you did do. I just want to know what you didn't know what to do, but what did you do? >> Like >> There's specifics and details that we know. >> Yeah, like [music] the house is clean and stuff. >> Okay, what else? >> Um that's pretty much really it. I I was just so scared cuz I didn't want to get arrested and this [snorts] and that and that's pretty much really it. >> What do you mean by the house was clean? >> Like I wiped I wiped down the counters in case I had fingerprints and everything cuz I didn't want it like to [music] link me like like as if I robbed her or something. >> At this point, the suspect began giving investigators information about the victim's car, which had been discovered near the state border. He claimed that health problems had prevented him from going any further, but officers believed he knew his capture was only a matter of time. >> It's as fast as fast [music] as I could run as fast as >> What else? >> And so I thought about what I did was that I packed up the car and everything to go to Tijuana. And I was [music] staying with the transgender like I had her staying with me. I was like, all right, we'll just flee the country and all this. And once we got to the border uh she said [music] she needed to do something and I was like, all right, cuz we were going to take care of the dogs and everything like that. So I was staying in a hotel in Tijuana for about a week or so and then [music] something happened with her and the dogs and I had no money. I didn't know what to do. So I came back in the states and then I went and drove to the hospital. I was really like dehydrated from fasting and such. That's really just the real whole story. >> Even though some of Dylan's statements were starting to match the evidence, detectives could tell he was still hiding the full truth. As a result, they increased the pressure during the interrogation. >> You said the dogs? >> Yeah, she has the chihuahuas and everything and so like I said, whenever I got in the house and everything there was like [ __ ] everywhere and this and that, you know, cuz I like I said, I cleaned up and everything like everything was nice and this and that. I said, I was just so freaked out. I didn't know what to do. I just didn't know what to do. >> Okay. So you you end up you the transgender what was >> Uh she looked like she >> Blanca. I don't know her actual real real name. >> Um so you guys end up over there, you load up the car. You end up down at Tioga. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, actually you guys cross? >> Yeah, well I crossed over. She said she needed to do something to make sure like her uh food stamps and everything was still available. She's supposed to come back the next day, but she wind up >> She kept the dogs, right? >> Yeah, she wind up lagging and then all of a sudden I hear that she gets arrested or something and then the dogs I guess were gone and I that's when I started like what the [ __ ] to do. I didn't know what to do. So then I just crossed back over and yeah, this is just something that I've been that was bound [music] to happen. >> Yeah. So loading up the car, describe what you loaded. >> Oh, just like you know, necessities, uh shower gel, clothes, pretty much that, dog food and this and that. Cuz like yeah, like somewhere we were going in Tioga, Blanca was like so like I was like [ __ ] I got warrants. She smells like what do I do? I was like do I just own it up like a man? She had found her. Own it up like a man? What the [ __ ] do I So yeah, I was just freaked [music] out. >> There was no sign that this had been an accident. What struck investigators as strange was how calmly Dylan described his actions inside the house. If he had truly been innocent, it would have been unlikely for him to think through so many details before leaving. A detail that suggested he had spent a significant amount of time inside the home with his mother's body. >> So when you say necessities and stuff like that, we were there. So we've seen everything. So describe the kitchen. >> The what? The kitchen? Uh it was uh >> The cabinets? >> Yeah, it's cleaned out [music] and everything. Just emptied out all the food and this and that. >> Why? >> I don't know, just I didn't think of it wanted to spoil. I don't know, it was just >> You loaded all of it into the car? >> Not all of it, just some of it, you know, to [music] take on the trip. The other stuff that was just sitting around, just threw it away. >> Into the trash bin? There at the [music] house? >> Oh, no, like like about like like like one of the dumpsters around Big Break and [ __ ] >> Okay. Um What about furniture, blankets, rugs, anything like that? Nothing in the living room, right? >> Oh, like I said, like that, you know, I shampooed it and everything. That's about it. >> You shampooed it? >> Yeah, cuz like I said, there was [music] dog [ __ ] all over the rug. >> I know. What did you do with it? Cuz it's gone. >> I threw it away. >> Where did you Where did you throw it away? >> Um pretty much like like same like dumpsters around Big Break or the Circle K, the one on the corner. >> By the car wash back there or behind the car wash? >> Mhm. >> Um and [music] you were you took her car. How did you get to her house? >> Uh let's Well, see, we were staying together and everything. And I It was [music] actually I we I was on I went and hung out with some friends for a few days and everything. [music] And with Bianca and everything. And then that's when we came back. And everything was just >> [music] >> The dog [ __ ] like I said, it was all The house smelled like [ __ ] and everything. Came back. Her door was locked, which it was never locked. And I unlocked it and everything. And cuz there was like a horrible kind of smell already happening. And then found her. >> At this point, Dylan admitted to tampering with evidence and misleading investigators, which raised even more questions since he continued to claim he was innocent. >> What What did you do? >> I don't know what you did. >> I You opened the door to the house or to her bedroom? >> See, yeah, you open the house. >> And then you see her right away, right? >> No, cuz I actually, you know, her her door to her room was locked. I said, "Hey, Mom, you good?" And like but in my head, you know, I'm like, "Oh, she's probably just in the shower or something." And then that's when I was shower, Mom, Mom." So got out, and I showered and everything and then I start sniffing something. And then I walk in the room and she's like just I see her in the shower. She's just there and she's like, "What the [music] fuck?" And then I just panicked. I didn't know what to do. Cuz you know, living there, my fingerprints were everywhere. I just didn't know what to do. >> But what continued to trouble detectives was how convenient his story sounded about walking into his mother's house, especially the bedroom, and simply finding her dead. When officers verified with Dylan about any information, his response immediately changed a simple case of death to a homicide. >> Nothing that I have is going to be indicative of her being put into the shower. >> I'm not a gross. >> I'm letting you either help yourself or dig yourself. >> Yeah. >> make sense? So. >> I wouldn't have called the cops if I didn't have an idea or an answer to what I'm asking you. Does that make sense? >> And you Here's the thing. If it was something more than what you're already saying, now is the [music] time to Now is the time to answer or confess, whatever you think it is. But it's it's it's it can only get better for you. Does that make any sense? But I need the truth from you. You know. And and we [clears throat] can always come back and say, "Hey, this is the first time he's been confronted with the information." >> Honestly, I You know, a lot of what I said is true. You already know the whole scenario and everything. It's It's getting really bad for her. Like health-wise, everything. All right. My Okay, my stepfather took her down and everything. She had a pension or whatever, you know, read them all and I'm like, "All right." >> [music] >> I don't want to get screwed around. She got scammed, you know. Like, she got scammed out of a $100,000. She wasn't supposed [music] to touch it. >> [snorts] >> Her Her friend, who's a lawyer and everything, was telling her like why did she touch [music] it, you know, that she could actually face prison time and this and that. And like I said, her health was getting so bad and everything. Like every day it was just a battle. Every day I had to put up with so much [ __ ] And just with all that I thought I was doing what I I thought I was doing the best for cuz I never [music] thought I could I could never see my mom in prison. I [ __ ] love my mom. >> What came next caught investigators completely off guard. According to Dylan, Cynthia had previously been injured during an altercation with a man she was involved with, which he claimed caused serious health problems. [music] He also alleged that the incident had led to accusations against her. Claiming he could no longer watch his mother suffer, Dylan said he killed her to end what he described as her pain. >> I didn't do it to [ __ ] take money to like change the house or anything. I used used some enough money that she had, you know, to be able to go to Tijuana and start a new life and everything. And I just I just I I I couldn't I couldn't handle her seeing it her being in pain anymore. I I just couldn't do it. >> Uh-huh. >> And when the whole [ __ ] about her having to possibly face prison, I could never live with myself her >> [music] >> That's That's why I was like I'd rather did what I did and go to prison for however long I do than have her have to suffer. >> For the pain. With this little emotional way that I am. >> So let's talk about what happened. >> [snorts] >> It's pretty much um after we we drove actually all the way to San Ysidro to get [music] Bianca. She was living with us for about a month. And I was just always like I I I always thought in my mind like if she did wind up being able to get sentenced or that I would do what I did cuz I couldn't never see her in jail. You know, I've been in jail before and this is not She's one of those good people. She was always a good person. >> Your mom? >> She's a very good person. So, I was just So, just one night I was I was just sitting on the couch cuz she was like she was screaming in pain. She was just so [ __ ] in pain. She was crying and she was She was yelling at me not not at me. She was just yelling out, "What am I going to do? How do I get this money back?" Cuz like she got screwed over so hard by this [ __ ] guy. And like these scammers and [ __ ] and she was like just freaking out so bad and I'm like, "What the How can I help? There's nothing I could do." So, I just I don't even know the date I don't even know the date. I just went in the room. I looked at her. I gave her a pillow hug. And >> [sighs] >> I stayed with her until her death. >> The way he lured the victim was calculated. He took advantage of a moment of vulnerability to attack his mother. However, the method he used left no visible marks, which explains why the autopsy initially did not detect any injuries. >> How? I just I held her around her. >> [music] >> I just tied this tie around her neck. I just told her I love her and I'm so sorry for this, but you'll you'll be better for you. It's going to be a lot worse for me, but it'll be better for you. >> Okay. Show me not show me, but like detail to me how you walked into the room, how you held her, where she was at. >> She was She was laying on the bed next to me on the floor. Sometimes, you know, I always have night terrors and stuff. [music] So, sometimes I would like, you know, go in the room and lay next to her on the floor and stuff. So, she was laying on the bed like normal. And >> [sighs] >> I was just just I laid with her and then I don't know what all of a sudden, it just happened. I don't know what it just happened. It just happened. >> Were you front or behind? >> Like on the side like this, and I started doing it, and then [music] she started freaking out. Then I had to really like get in there and squeeze in her. And then finally when she Finally when she like >> Fast. >> She fell on the ground. >> So were you standing or like >> [music] >> I I at that point I was standing up cuz once I got up and everything, she kind of She just like fell over and stuff. >> When you basically reach in to to clutch her, you're both laying down on the bed? Is she is her back to you or there >> It was like this. She was kind of like this. >> [music] >> And then I was like on the side, and then she started like freaking out. That's when I kind of got up on top of her like that, just on top of her. >> Got you. So more of compression >> Yeah. >> you think that versus strang- I mean >> Yeah, yeah, it was like first I was more like like >> [music] >> like that. Then I don't know. Probably the hand marks were there first. Then it was more of a start like like that. >> At this point, his statements showed no sign of remorse as he justified his actions by claiming he loved his mother that much. However, the investigation soon escalated when authorities began to consider the possible involvement of Dylan's girlfriend. >> Did you Did you Did you have her more around the neck or around the upper chest area? >> I would say more like that. Cuz that's about Cuz I know I'm pretty sure that she had like like my hand prints are kind of like pushed in or something. >> So what what's Then this is what's kind of helping will help you along your mind minds. What's going through your mind at this moment? >> All I'm thinking about that she's just going to be in a better place. That I'll suffer. I've suffered so much through my life. >> Mhm. >> What's another [ __ ] prison sentence? I went through cancer. My dad used to beat the [ __ ] out of me. My brothers never liked me because I was a life on the streets. I basically did what I did because my life has been over for a long [ __ ] time. A long [ __ ] time. And like I said, I would rather have killed her than ever see her in prison. I would rather go to prison for the rest of my life knowing that in my heart I know what I did was wrong, but I did it for a [ __ ] reason. >> For this whole period of time? Where's the aunt? >> With me. >> She was there when it happened? >> Well, she was in the other room. She didn't know what I did until I told her. >> How long How after did you tell her? How long after like Like how long? >> Like about an hour. Cuz I was just sitting there next [music] to her just >> So, what was her response? >> Uh she was freaked out. Cuz I got I was always telling her like I was like, "I swear she ever has to get sentenced, I'm I'm going to I'm going to make sure she goes to hell instead of that horrible fate." >> Um So, this 5 days that you're at the house, the aunt is aware of what's going on, correct? >> Yeah. >> And then you guys devised the idea to >> I did. [music] >> You did? >> Everything was me. >> Okay. >> Everything. >> Um When you load up the car again, you take her down Again, the carpet was because of the dogs? >> Yeah. >> Or was there anything [music] substantial to that? >> No, I just cleaned it just cuz I was just >> His level of coldness was disturbing. Every detail that officers had initially discovered appeared to have been planned to make the situation look like a domestic accident. >> So, when you decide to finally [music] leave, what do you do with your mom? >> I thought maybe if I left I would move her out of the shower. It was just the way that she slipped and fell. >> Okay. And then what else did you do? What additional stuff did you do after? >> Place her in the shower. >> Um >> Were all of her doors closed? >> Um >> [music] >> I think I had the door of the shower door open. I just kind of cranked [music] the water a little bit. I walked out. And then I locked the door. So that no one would go in her room. >> Did you do anything to her bedroom? >> I just cleaned as much >> [music] >> Yeah, like I said, I did everything. Vacuumed, cleaned, trying to get as much as I could out. >> [music] >> But I already knew it was already going to come back to me cuz everybody knew they knew I was living with her. All that. Like my brothers don't like me. Her family doesn't like me. She was the only one that was ever [ __ ] on my side about everything. Especially when the whole domestic violence [ __ ] happened. >> Mhm. >> When I had that and bipolar episodes, and she still [ __ ] cared about me. And in my heart, I really felt like I was doing what was right. >> Although Dylan admitted to killing his mother, he maintained that he was the only one involved, claiming the other people he had mentioned earlier were simply a fabrication. At the same time, he tried to portray himself as a savior who had ended his mother's suffering, something investigators quickly recognized as a calculated attempt to minimize his responsibility. >> I don't know what happened with the car and everything cuz we left it for a second and she we were first going over to get me over cuz she was going to get the car, go do what she has to do, and cross it over, and then we were supposed to go deeper into Mexico, and then just start a new life. But it didn't work out. >> What connections other than you here in prison does she have? >> I actually have you know, this is where it's going to sound crazy. Like this is where it's going to really sound crazy. We only knew each other for 8 months >> Mhm. >> before me and my mom went and got her. >> Okay. >> Like I literally don't even know her real name. Like her real She's transgender. I There's a lot of stuff I don't know about her. >> Okay. So outside of the outfit, what do you know her name to be? >> Um, I think it's maybe Luis. >> Mhm. >> I think I mean I saw her license before. It was like Luis Aranda. Maybe it's like Luis Aranda or something like that. >> Okay. >> Gender X. >> Any California, I guess? >> Yeah. >> Any ties to anybody here in town, whether it's Cruces or Anthony? >> No. >> You had told me you were staying with uh Cassie, was it? >> It was her old license. Everything in the video game was just lies. Everything I said these last five, whatever man, this is all the truth. >> Okay. Who were you staying with prior to that? >> Her. It's only been my mom and me. >> So this whole time that you were supposed to be out of the house, the restraining order >> She's been hiding me. >> You haven't been >> nowhere else. >> She's been hiding you. >> This Jeremy >> No. >> Luis Thomas Martinez >> No, those are just friends I would see here and there. >> At this point, investigators turn their attention to the possible involvement of Dylan's girlfriend. Uncovering her role could be the final piece needed to resolve a case that had remained unanswered for five months. >> There's the ones that it's better to get everything out than to continue with certain lies. And And even some of the stuff that you told me, if I [music] I'm not going to take everything 100%. So if I go back and things don't match up that's probably not going to look good for you, right? >> Yeah. Cuz the other thing too is um you'll probably find [music] fingerprints around her arms and like I had Bianca finally help me turn >> All right. >> Mhm. >> So that's the one of the truth. [music] But honestly, I first like my first day that I tried to use a bag and then she fought me. That's when I got my hands around her >> [music] >> and that's when I really started pushing and then it was all my weight. So then it kind of like wrapped around like this and then I just really just Like there's no like blunt trauma. I didn't bash her head in or anything. It was like I was trying to like save my device. >> Okay. So you're trying to use the bag at first? >> Yeah, cuz I thought maybe if I used the bag it wouldn't [music] it wouldn't show my hand prints so it wouldn't lead to me right away. But once she fought and when she freaked out at what I was trying to do, you know, she just freaked out, I held her down just everything and I [music] was like, "Fuck, if I leave now, she's definitely going to call and that's attempt to murder." So, then I was just like, I was just like, "Fuck it, just do it." >> And that bag >> [music] >> It was just like a black garbage bag I got, like a trash bag. >> A big like a big hefty bag or a little >> yeah, like a big hefty one. >> [music] >> But it's just tough. She's always been a tough one. She's always been a tough >> What did you do with that bag? >> Like everything else was thrown away. >> Okay. Um, >> [clears throat] >> you said you had to get the oven hot. >> Yeah. >> So, when you moved her from the floor to the >> It was It was just like It was just normally like that. Like I had I was like grabbing her wrists and just like my chest. >> But then you grabbed her by >> Uh, the the ankles and so when I put her in the shower and everything, I kind of put the bag on her face cuz I couldn't bear to look at it. I went in the shower. I could already smell her like just whatever. And when I pulled the bag off, my hand was shaking so bad cuz like like maggots were already forming. And then I kind of just sprayed her down with some chemical I don't know which one it was. And I just turned on the faucet and >> In the end, Dylan Alexander Waller was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. On February 10th, 2025, Dylan was sentenced to life in prison plus [music] more than 3 years for tampering with evidence. Next, with a case where a simple call about a crying child would lead officers into a home stripped of basic necessities, revealing children in desperate need of help. >> My neighbor has left her I don't know if it was one of her babies or both of her babies home alone. He's inside screaming at the window and she's not there and he's maybe 2 years old. No, he's like 1 and 1/2 maybe. >> We can hear her beat her kids through the wall, so we've had to call a couple times. >> Yeah, yeah. So, stand up. You're going to jail. Face away from me. You're lucky they're not You're lucky that they didn't get killed or something like that. Or burn the house down. >> On May 27th, 2024, officers from Oklahoma County received a call from a woman who reported hearing a young boy crying loudly for an extended period. When she was checking from the outside, neighbors saw him standing near the apartment window continuously wailing in a state of panic. [music] The woman admitted that inside the apartment there were no adults. >> Location of your emergency? >> Um my neighbor has left her I don't know if it was one of her babies or both of her babies home alone and he's inside screaming at the window and she's not there. And he's maybe 2 years old. No, he's like 1 and 1/2 maybe. >> And they're in 146? >> the door and it's locked. I can't get to and he's he's like super scared. He's screaming bloody murder in the window. >> And you saw the parent leave? >> Um no, I didn't see her leave, but she's not there. Um her car is gone and she's >> Nobody really knows. >> Okay. >> Neighbor next door said she just found out that she just realized like >> She was really worried and she knew and knows the car was in here. >> The car is ready. >> This This stuff here is about three sizes too small for you, my little >> Yeah, it is. >> You're wearing You're wearing sissies out there. So, we got >> When officers arrived at the house, they found it completely empty. No sign of anyone else inside except for the boy whose frightened cries echoed throughout the home, but the situation quickly became even more disturbing. Neighbors reported seeing the child wander outside on his own after managing to leave the house. Moments later, as officers continued searching the home, a new discovery made the case even more horrifying. >> So, we just cleared the house and got her out. >> Okay. He did. >> He got out cuz we opened the window. He climbed out before us. >> Okay. >> Mom said he wasn't coming to the door, so Can we go inside? You cleared the house? She upstairs laying by the door and just crying. So, there's no telling how long that's been going on. That's as kind of as far as we've gotten. We've got them some clothes. >> Okay. Do you know mom's name by any of the neighbors? Jazzy? Uh mom next door >> Mhm. >> outside in the pink and white striped dress >> Yep. >> has Uh she said she has a lot of Jazzy things to say. >> Okay. >> No, she's got like fuzzy slippers. Push push push push. >> Do you Do you have mom's info? >> It is Do you Jasmine Frazier? >> Okay. >> Who is the neighbor next door? >> No way she did that. >> Wow. Okay. >> At this point, officers identified the children's mother as Jasmine Frazier. They then conducted an initial health assessment and both youngsters showed signs of hunger along with evidence of prolonged lack of care. >> That's her name. I haven't found her phone number. >> You have not? Okay. >> Yeah, no I don't have it cuz I used to, but um her phone has been shut off and then her boyfriend took her phone. >> W A >> Yeah, I used to live right there and my neighbor she we could hear her beat her kids through the wall, so we've had to call a couple times. >> Yeah. Dallas, can you grab her >> Yeah. >> info real quick and we'll just go station. >> And I told the dispatcher that I wanted to remain anonymous, so I didn't want her to know that I called. >> I got you. >> You know, we're in >> When's the last time you saw her here? >> Last night, but doesn't mean she wasn't here today. >> Sure. What does she drive? >> She drives a small um white uh Dodge. I don't It's not a Dodge uh Charger or anything that's common in this area. >> No power. >> Officers noticed the absence of basic necessities inside the home. For hours the children had been kept without food or electricity, left completely in the dark. There was little doubt that those responsible would face serious consequences for abandoning a vulnerable child. >> Wow, Brandy, fridge. All right. Well, I'll take this one over. All right, time for you to go din-din. Okay. >> So, you going to take both of them? >> I can. >> Are you Okay. >> Yep. Where do I Yeah, yeah, yeah. I think it's okay. Oh, okay. Okay. You going to do any good? They probably don't understand what's going on, do they? Okay. Yeah, I don't hear anything. Over here. >> At this point, the two children were transported to DHS to begin the required protective process. As officers started organizing the next steps, about an hour later, a woman arrived at the station asking for information about the two children who had been found alone inside the house. It was their mother. >> Oh, baby. >> Let me get the Okay, you coming out? Can you walk? You coming this way, kid? Okay, yeah. Come on, guys, it's okay. You want to walk? Yep. Police cars. Hot diggity, come here. Come here. Come here, baby. You got a runner. Hi. Oh, you want me to help? Oh. Are you Jasmine? Okay. Do you have your ID with you? Where do you work? So, you went to work at 5:00. What was your plan? Okay. Mhm. Oh, we we went and got food for them. They're chowing it down. Their diapers were dirty. They were crying. One of them the boy climbed out the window. So, um you know, that's unacceptable. That's child neglect. So, anything else we need on it? Okay. >> Following a review of the statements and the conditions found in the apartment, law enforcement concluded there was sufficient evidence to proceed with Jasmine Frazier's arrest. >> So, stand up. You're going to jail. Face away from me. Put your hands behind your back like you're praying. >> [laughter] >> You're lucky they're not dead. You're lucky that they didn't get something like that. No power in the house. No there's no food. All right, you're going to go with this officer right here. You need to get on your >> Um just so you know that your your kids are going to be okay. DHS is coming. They're going to be They're going to be taken care of. >> [laughter] >> Can I hold you sweetie boo? >> Uh I don't think that's really needed right now. 32350 >> As investigation progressed, officers initiated an interrogation to understand what had led the suspect to leave her children alone for such a long period of time. Jasmine, without hesitation, stated that she had to go to work. In an apparent attempt to minimize her responsibility, she also claimed that the lack of family support that day had been the real problem. >> Hey Jasmine, I got to read you your rights, okay? You have the right Uh it's okay. You have the right to remain silent. If you make a statement, you can exercise these rights and not answer any questions or make any statements. Do you understand those rights? Okay, having those rights in mind, what I just read to you, do you want to tell me what happened today? >> Um so >> Yes or no? >> Oh, yes. >> Okay. Okay. All right, so you went to work at 5:00. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay, at Torchy's. Okay. And then So, what was the plan? I mean, the kiddos, we saw the little laundry basket blocking their way out. Were they asleep? >> I actually might have put that there. I didn't >> Okay. >> It wasn't just me. Just my boyfriend >> Okay. >> I'm telling you, like, I made sure that they were okay. I made sure that they were fed and everything. >> Uh-huh. >> All the food that was in there was just rotten and stuff, so I ended up throwing it out. >> Okay. What did you feed them? >> Um I fed them What was it? Oatmeal and stuff. >> Okay. What time? What time? >> In time, and I gave them some more, oatmeal, just kind of like cereals and snacks for a little bit, but I wasn't going to be there that long. >> At work? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, what time did they last eat? If you had to guess. >> I would say maybe around like 3:00. >> About 3:00? >> But yeah, before I like kind of like heading out, like I made sure they didn't have any more oatmeal. >> Okay. What time did you leave? >> 5:00. >> 5:00, you left at 5:00. Okay. So, were they asleep when you left? >> Yes, they were. >> Okay. Where were they sleeping? >> In their beds. >> Have you ever left them alone before? >> Yes, but literally I just didn't have any help so like I was just trying to go to work and like I was trying to be >> I got you. Who do you normally call? >> My sister but she's at home. My sister, she was at work. >> Sister. >> The reality of what had happened finally set in for Jasmine. Her decision not to think about her children at that moment had led to consequences she never [music] expected, ones that could ultimately cost her custody of her kids. >> Anybody else ever watch them? >> Just recently. >> Okay. So, were you planning to work till 10:00 though? When were you going to try and leave? >> Earlier as possible but like >> Okay. >> I'm sorry. >> Okay. Okay. Uh do you have any questions for me? Okay. >> Um question that I do >> Okay, go ahead. >> Um what are the what's like the >> Mhm. >> Like I've never had anything like that. >> Right. >> Mhm. But >> So, it's two is two counts of neglect cuz you got two little kiddos there. >> Yeah. >> That uh you know, I had no way if something God forbid something caught on fire, one of them drowned in the tub, anything like that, you could be looking at a lot worse. Um so, it's two counts of child um and you're going down to Oklahoma County. >> Okay. >> And you'll see a judge and a judge will set your bond. >> Okay. >> Okay. And uh I guess your son's dad is coming from Lawton. >> Yes. And we're trying to find somebody for your daughter. Is that right? >> [clears throat] >> I don't know. DHS was making some phone calls. I'm not sure. But that's kind of where we're at. So, somebody will transport you here in a little bit. Is that a phone number that you need or something? Okay. Okay. All right. Any questions? Is that it? >> I don't know like how many years is that? >> Uh I don't I don't know. It's up to a judge. All that stuff. The most The most that's going to happen probably is you you won't have custody of your kids for a while till they can figure out this is not a common thing. >> In the end, Jasmine Frazier was arrested and charged with two counts related to the mistreatment. >> [music] >> The children were placed in state custody under the protection of Oklahoma authorities.