No, no, no, no, no, no. Please, please. >> What's happening? >> I put a I put a hole in her roll and then she jumped on top of me. >> I hate you. I can't believe you would do this to me. You promised me you would never do this to me. >> She put a hole in the wall and was laughing about it. And so I her >> kids should never have to save themselves from the people meant to love them. But what happens when that's the only choice they have left? >> When you're being bad or you're in trouble, what does mom do? >> She you >> What part of the belt are we using? I hold this in like this and they get hit with this. Okay. >> Like this. >> Jer, what did they do? Did I sell food on yet? Girl, >> stop resistant. >> I WANT MY KIDS. >> Stop resistant. >> I want MY PET. I WANT MY KIDS. >> THESE WERE the moments when mistreated kids led cops [music] to their evil parents. We begin with the case of eight children forced to live in filthy underground chambers for years while their parents did nothing but watch. >> The Mexico State Police. Dude, >> that looks like a bunker. >> There's part of bathroom stuff out here. >> My biggest concern is like if the kids are safe, like there's a lot of concerns, but just like there's no like barrier. You know, one of the little ones can just straight up fall in that big old watermelon cucumbers. >> On October 23rd, 2024, police arrived at a remote New Mexico property after a 16-year-old girl revealed years of mistreatment. Body cameras rolled as officers walked through a wasteland of trash and decay, calling out repeatedly. No one answered. Only a rundown trailer and holes in the ground stood where a home should have been. >> Hello. Hello. New Mexico State Police. >> Just I don't I don't think they booby trap anybody. You guys already know. Just 48. >> There's a white man. >> Oh, okay. So, this is the camper. >> Watch out. They're coming. >> Almost. >> Hello. [laughter] The Mexico State Police. >> Dude, that looks like a bunker. They're home, but we miss the attempt. See if they're home. Melvin Cordell. Valerie Cordell. We want to talk to you guys real quick. We have CFD here. Hello. Hello. Hello. New Mexico State Police. ARE YOU GUYS HOME? I'm not sure if this down here is your guys' residence. We're trying to make contact with you guys. Hello. Hello. >> New Mexico State Police. Hello. >> Right here. >> What they described? >> Hello. Is that their well? [snorts] >> There's part of their bathroom stuff out here. We're just trying to make contact with you guys. Information. Let's go. Hello. The girl had described living in underground chambers carved into the earth, wearing filthy clothes, eating spoiled food, and using buckets as toilets. As officers moved through the property, they spotted exactly what she described. Buckets everywhere, makeshift bedding, holes in the ground where children apparently sought shelter from the elements. >> That's the Is that the free food that they get? >> Yeah, but look, this isn't edible. Like these yogurt >> 100%. You're right. Yeah, look it. That's probably out in the sun. >> Yeah, >> Walmart or Deming's hot. >> Okay. trailer has stuff stacked up. The door's not secured. Uh, we came checked this trailer. There's stuff stacked up. The door I I could probably push it in, but I'm knocking. Nothing there. So, the only thing that I can think of the residence is what was described, which is the bed, cuz at least that's true. That's known to be true. >> Um, uh, the little pooping containers that are everywhere. >> My biggest concern is like if the kids are safe, like there's a lot of concerns, but just like there's no like barrier. You know, one of the little ones can just stri fall in that big old hole and really >> hurt themselves. That's like my biggest thing right now is like that big old drop. >> When officers returned the next day, Melvin and Valerie Cordell were waiting, calm, composed, almost as if expecting them. They asked for chairs, mentioned being thirsty, made small talk like this was any ordinary visit. No urgency, no concern about why authorities had come. >> Um, I was told that I would be meeting officer Kill. >> He's on his way right now. Okay. So, maybe another 5 minutes or so. Right. >> I need to get my wife a chair. >> A chair? >> And she's probably thirsty. >> Did she uh you guys don't want to sit in the car for a second? I mean, that'll have the air conditioner and stuff and sleep cuz they'll be here in about 5 minutes and then you guys can talk to agent. I um >> I think they mentioned yesterday um they mentioned yesterday agent is right but I I didn't I owe no disrespect to him >> right and he should be here in a minute so he can talk to you let us know what we're going to do cuz he's the investigator for this but like he said, "If you need a place to sit, you're welcome to wait in the car till he shows up. It's it's up to you. I'll just go wait over there, take a seat, >> and he'll be here in a moment." >> Melvin spoke about growing watermelons and cucumbers, [music] about being self-sustaining, about horses and dogs that had died. His words wandered through a strange narrative, completely detached from the squalor surrounding them, as if he didn't see what everyone else could. See, we're not interested in market produce because we would rather just be self sustaining and then be able to feed others, you know, be able to share. >> We had a lot of horses, but every time one left after the whoever threatens our kids, every time we picked back, one of our horses was Yeah, we lost livestock, lots of it. Um we had we had um a pretty good collection of dogs ourselves and they kind of protected our wilderness. Um they were taken as soon as they were taken we started losing livestock again. So >> where do you grow any crop? with my oil. Watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, onions. >> Two months later, investigators returned with a search warrant. They combed through the property, finding tunnels carved into the earth, bedding hidden in the dark, and evidence that confirmed every word the girl had spoken. The nightmare was real. >> You two with me. >> Say police search warrant. If you're out here and hear me, make yourself known. State police. If you're out here and hear me, make yourself known. Check that area right there is used as a little bedding area. Watch me. >> [music] >> It doesn't seem like it, but there's a bunch of like random areas where they they stay at. >> State police search warrant. If you can hear me, make yourself known. probably one of the cleaner cleaners. >> Melvin and Valerie Cordell were arrested and faced numerous charges, including criminal sexual conduct involving a young person and multiple counts of endangerment. All eight children were finally removed and placed into protective custody. Next up, we have a 15-year-old struggling with depression who had to hide in her closet to protect herself from her own mother. >> Please, please, please. >> Okay, >> please. >> So, what's going on? >> She ran towards me and then when she was on top of me and me a few times, I started her. >> So, I her and then she proceeded to fight me back and I fought her back. >> Mom said that she already had a black eye on the right side from leaving the facility. Dad just said that was not there yesterday. On October 6th, 2024, officers knocked on a door following reports of a domestic disturbance. [music] The mother, Ellish, answered calmly, but seconds later, her teenage daughter came running down the stairs, terrified and begging for help. Her face already showing signs of what was to come. >> Sheriff's office. >> Hi. So, what's going on? >> Um, can I get this guy? >> Come on. If God, no. Please, please, please. >> Okay, >> please. >> So, what's going on? >> She [laughter] No, no, no, no, no, no. Please, please. >> What's happening? >> I put a I put a hole in her roll and then she jumped on top of me. So, I was kicking her and I was trying to get off. >> You did kick me. >> I did. I just said I kicked you. >> So, what what's your name? >> Doc. And I disappoint. >> Do you need any kind of medical attention? >> I don't know. [laughter] >> All right. You said it. What's your first name? >> Addison. >> You put a hole in the wall. >> I did. >> How did you do it? >> I got mad. She knows I get mad and I never put a hole in her wall before, but I did today cuz she was getting on to me and I shouldn't have put a hole in her wall, but I did. >> And then after you put the hole in the wall, what happened? She ran towards me and then when she was on top of me a few times, I started kicking her and she held me down and she kept me and I was screaming for my brother Caleb, but he was asleep and couldn't hear me and she locked the door. >> I'm going to have you stand up. Okay. Okay. >> Was it just she punched you in the face? >> Yes. >> I don't know what she did. This is just the outcome. I wasn't really looking. I was holding my face. >> Okay. Closed pist. >> All right. We're going to figure it out. >> Still shaking and barely able to speak, Addison told officers she had put a hole in the wall out of anger. That's when her mother came at her, pinned her down, and kept going even as she struggled to get away. >> And you tried yelling out for your brother? >> I did. And then after she told me to get out, I ran to his room and locked the door and told me to hide in the closet. >> She locked you all in the room. >> I locked myself in the room. >> No, I mean whenever you started calling out, you said she locked the door. >> Yes, you did. You said the door was locked. Stop lying. >> Okay. All right. Just talk to me. [laughter] >> Addison, just talk to me for now. >> I locked the door in Caleb's room, but you locked it in our room. >> Just talk to me for now. >> [laughter] >> I can't do this. I can't do this. [clears throat] I hate you. I can't believe you would do this to me. You promised me you would never do this to me. You promised you wouldn't be like your dad. And you did. >> Are you going on house arrest or what? [laughter] >> I've been in mental hospitals all year. I'm in and out for running away and getting burner phones and sending and all this stuff. And I and arson. I set a fire in my dad's house. That's when I just got in there for and I just got out. >> Okay. All right. Come on. >> No. No. No. [laughter] No. No. >> Addison, come here. We're going to step over to the ambulance. Okay. >> Step over to the ambulance. [laughter] >> All right. Is there some more quiet I [laughter] can get? >> Really? >> So, tell me exactly what happened here. >> She got angry. She didn't get pit like she usually does. She decided to put a hug on the wall. We've been dealing with her for several years. She's sociopathic. She has no consequences for her actions at all. She was proud of herself setting a fire and fading away. >> Okay. What about today? That's what I need. >> Today she set me off because she put a hole in the wall and was laughing about it. And so I slapped her and then she proceeded to fight me back and I fought her back. >> Are you injured anywhere, dude? >> I'll be fine. >> Are you sure you don't want to be checked out or anything? >> No. I mean, I'm nauseous from where she kicked me in the stomach, but I don't think I have a bruise or anything. And her right eye, she's had a black eye since she left the facility. >> So, she just got out of the facility facility and had a black eye on her right eye. >> Do you want her transported this morning? And >> whatever she wants is fine with me. >> Okay. >> So, dad's supposed to take custody of her? >> Yeah, Dad's taking full custody. I'm done. >> He's on his way here. >> Yeah, he's 5 minutes from here and he's already on his way. >> We can wait. >> You get >> No, she didn't. She kicked me in the face, but I don't think I I don't know. I haven't I've been >> Did you have makeup on previously? Is that >> I do. Yeah. >> The mother offered a different version. She admitted reacting after Addison put a hole in the wall and laughed about it. She said her daughter kicked her during the confrontation, but as she spoke, a medic noticed something that made her story suddenly seem questionable. >> Is that your son? >> Yeah. >> Where was he at? >> In his bedroom. >> Does she have any medical history? Like, does she take any medicine? >> Yeah, she's she's uh she has a lot of psychiatric problems. >> Okay. Do you think that's what caused everything today? Probably. >> Probably. >> It's what's caused everything else though. >> Okay. >> What was she diagnosed with? >> So, she's a sociopath and she's got bipolar type two and she has anxiety, depression, ADD, and insomnia. >> She on meds? >> Yes. >> When was the last time she took her meds? >> I don't know if she took her morning meds this morning. >> Okay. >> But it was last night if it wasn't this morning. >> But she does take them. >> She takes her meds. >> Okay. >> How old is she? >> She's 16. >> Oh. >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah. I'll be back in here. You were asleep, aren't you? >> Oh, yes, sir. >> Okay. When I was inside and mom was given a report, mom said that she already had a black eye on the right side from leaving the facility. Dad just said that was not there yesterday. >> Holy crap. >> That's That's fresh. >> Nose is bleeding, too. That don't look like that just happened yesterday. That look like >> That's fresh fresh >> to my opinion. But >> well, I mean, dad just confirmed that that wasn't there yesterday. Mom, have anything? >> Um, her eyes. It looks like she's I asked her if she had makeup on. It's not swollen. It looks darker up in her both for eyes, but I asked her if she had makeup on because I could see it dripping down and she said yes. >> What's the mom and dad? They married together? >> No. >> Separated? >> Yes. >> So, he doesn't live here? >> No. >> Sir, are you dad? >> Yes, I'm dad. >> Did you step out and talk with the deputies out here? >> Yeah, one second. >> Okay. >> What kind of relationship do you and mom have? >> It's always been amicable until the past week and all of a sudden she's kind of tripped out. I don't know why. have an as >> it's apparently something for the guy she's dating is not going well. It's something I got this morning that I don't know. >> She's got mental health issues, too. I mean, she's bipolar. And >> so, do you still have custody of >> We're 50/50. >> What about son? Is that new? >> Okay. >> All right. Today, are you going to be able to take them? >> Yes, I've got them. And she's already said she'll give me full custody now, so we'll deal with that after the fact. But yes, I I'll take them. >> Her mother offered a different version. She admitted reacting after Addison put a hole in the wall and laughed about it. She said her daughter kicked her during the confrontation. However, the medic noticed something that made the mother's statement completely suspicious. >> I guess my question is when was the last time you seen Addison? >> Yesterday in the car. She was out like this. >> Okay. About what time was that? >> Noon. >> Noon. So about 12:00. >> Yes. I just saw she was sitting in the car, but I would have noticed. >> You'll just write from when you saw your daughter yesterday until you came out here today. Basically, the main thing I need to know is her eye condition. Hey, Caleb. Let's be clear. Mom hasn't told you to say anything. Nothing like that. Right. >> She hasn't uh said for me to say or don't say anything. >> Okay. So, what all did you catch? What did you say to hear? >> So, Addy woke me up, told me to call her mom. So, I did. She told me to hide in the closet. So, I didn't. Yeah, I heard mom uh come to the door and um yeah, she was star, you know, mad at her and he just said um just open the door and um and I'll come in there and I just uh open the closet door. >> She got in like your sister got in the closet with you. >> Uh no, my mom got in the my room because I >> So So Addison went into the closet. You came out? >> No, I went into the closet and he was still out the closet. I came out the closet, unlocked the door, and then mom came in and then she said, "Go to your room." And she wouldn't. She just um, you know, like yell a couple times, just spanked her a little bit. >> What do you mean spank her? >> Like a little bit and then she told her to go in the room and then she left and then she got in the room. So yeah, that's what happened. That's all I know. >> When's the last time you saw your sister? >> Yesterday. >> What did she look like? What did her face look like? Did she have any bruises? Do you? Think she had like a black eye. >> He thinks she had a black eye yesterday. >> Yeah. But now that could have been >> That's what I'm saying. >> Coors. >> I was thinking about my brain's all thr. But yeah, she was with Addie was with me on Friday. >> Yeah. >> And she did not have it not look like that. >> Friday. >> Yes. So Friday cuz she was we had to get her ankle monitor placed >> right >> on Friday. So she was with me all morning. He tried to talk to your son, but I think your ex-wife got hooked to him because when he walked in, they were sitting down together talking. So, he tried. Now he's saying that there was a black eye there yesterday. >> When the father arrived, he confirmed he was taking full custody and mentioned that just yesterday, Addison's face was fine. No marks, no injuries. Yet, here she was injured. The timeline the mother gave didn't match what everyone could see. >> So, did Addison call you once everything happened? >> Alicia called me this morning. She just called me 10 minutes ago and said, "Come get her. This just happened." I hit her. I slapped her and then I slapped slapped her again. Since what happened? She said, "Just come get her." >> What happened today? She's been meeting off one of her meds. I don't know which one, but she has bipolar. She has depression, anxiety, and a lot of other things. And so do I. Yeah. I just got out of a mental hospital setting a fire. And I had one more chance and then I go to Judy. I don't know what I'm going to do right now, but I put a hole in her wall and she said, "You're acting just like your father." And my father's been hurting her a lot. And so I punched the wall and I said, "Never say that again." She said, "I'll say it if it's true." And then I was on the floor after she kept beating me and I was kicking whatever I could kick. I don't know if I kicked her in. She said I did. I don't know. I just I was kicking whatever I could. This isn't the first time this has happened. This is the second time. her boyfriend broke up with her last night and so I slept in her room with her to make sure she was going to be okay >> last night. Okay. >> And this happened this morning. And as soon as it happened, she was like, "If you walk out that door, then I'm sending you back to your dad's back to my dad." So, I felt so scared. I didn't know what to do. So, I went I ran to Caleb's room and I told him to hide in his closet. And I grabbed his phone. I'm not allowed to have a phone. So, I used his phone. I called 911. And she's lying, saying that all of this was here yesterday when all of this is still fresh. She did it today. She said she slapped me, but that doesn't make sense. She didn't slap me. This wasn't compass with the outcome of this. >> Why was she saying that you were acting like your dad? What were you doing that made her? >> Cuz apparently I didn't want to be around her even though I was around her all day. And then I said, she was like, "I'm sorry, I'm going through my struggles." I'm like, "I've just been in and out of mental hospitals all year and I'm going through, too." >> How's the relationship with mom and dad? >> He hasn't really done something like this ever. He's so narcissistic. >> So with mom and dad, like are they okay? >> They're divorced and they've been in a big argument recently. >> How recent was that? >> Like constantly now presently. >> Oh, they're still at odds with one another. Okay. >> They're still in argument. I will tell the truth. If she says I punched her, I never punched her. I kicked her cuz I was kicking. I was frantic. I was trying to kick whatever I didn't do. But no one ever believes me at anything. That's why I'm trying so hard. No one believes me about my dad cuz he hasn't done anything like this to me. But I can't even live with him. I can't do it with him. >> Sitting in the ambulance, Addison broke down. She admitted putting a hole in the wall, but insisted what followed was far worse than anything she deserved. She revealed this wasn't the first time her mother had been physical with her, though she believed the previous incident was her own fault. >> And why is it that you can't go with your dad? >> I don't trust you around. >> He's way over there. >> I don't trust him. He's very narcissistic. like he only cares about himself and he threatens to take us away from him all the time. Even before she did this, he just was us to himself and he'll do anything to happen. He just scares me. >> Hey, you don't feel comfortable talking with dad around. So, just kind of like make sure that stays. >> Gotcha. All right. Got you. >> I ran away from mom's house at mom's house. So, that's why he wants to take us away from her, but she never did anything until now. She said this before, but it was very small. And it was because I deserved it. I called her a and [music] I deserve to get a beating for that and and it wasn't like this. I was just a black guy and then I punched a hor this video. This only happened twice, but that first time I% deserved it. I'm not saying she did that out of wrongness. She I deserved that first one. I don't think I deserve the second one. I don't deserve all that. I didn't deserve all this. So, um, going back to you going with with your dad's, do you, outside of him already making pre-existing statements about him wanting to take y'all from mom's house, do you feel like you're going to be in harm's way by being at his house or you feel like your life is going to be in jeopardy or something? Or is it just that you just don't like the way he >> and mentally because in mental hospitals and it's mainly because of him. Physical stuff is involved, emotionally because of dad and de has been involved numerous times and they don't believe me. It's very tiring. So, I just give up >> hoping that they would just send me back to school cuz for a long time they didn't have me at school and have me in doing anything. I was just out. >> You're back in school [clears throat] now? >> Yeah. And I have an ankle on her for the fire. I just got it on yesterday. >> Let me take a look at your neck cuz you saying that she tried to and I just want to take >> No, she didn't squeeze hard. She had her hand like right here. Like she was I put my chin like this. >> Okay. You believe you have any bruises anywhere else? >> No. I mean, I was covering my hand with my arm. So, I don't feel like I have any bruises there, but that's the only other place. You mind lifting your sleeve up just so I can see real quick. >> These are from her. >> Okay. >> Because of my dad. This is why I can't I'm in hard harm's way as well. Because of my dad. Because of my dad and I'm in harm for my mom because of my mom and I don't know where to go. >> Why are you at home? Because your dad What does your dad do that makes you? >> He just yells a lot and that's one of my triggers. >> Okay. >> He will claim he's like I haven't yelled at all recently but you have. He can. My mom lies saying that this all happened yesterday. Yeah. My dad lied saying that he doesn't do anything wrong cuz he's my sister. Of course he doesn't do anything wrong. The whole world around him. And I love both of my parents. I love them both so much that I don't want them to get in trouble cuz I can't be with them anymore. I don't want my brother with them. I trust my brother and my dad cuz he doesn't My dad doesn't do anything to him. >> We're going to talk with the parents real quick and go from there. I know you're 16 technically since you're >> I'm 16. I'm 16 October 24th. I keep saying I'm 16. Okay. >> Turn 16 in about 19 days or something. >> Okay. Ultimately, it's going to be left up to your parents on whether or not they want you to go to the hospital. He already said, "Yeah." Okay. >> Officers learned the mother had recently stopped taking her medication and gone through a breakup. Her mental state was fragile and Addison had actually slept in her room the night before to make sure she was okay. The next morning, everything came apart. >> Did she have any like neck bruising that anything that she possibly do? >> Consistently on the neck? No. There's no cuz she's pretty fair skin. There's no handprint, anything like that, but there is redness down the center. There's some redness here as well. Hey, Addison, when you were in the room with mom and the incident was going on and you're saying that she you >> I don't know what she trying to her hair was right here. >> Okay. >> And it seemed like she was trying to close my mouth or she was streaming. I don't know what she was trying to do. >> Were you on your back? On your side? You were laying down on your side. >> I was on my back and then I could turn to my side and I was trying my back like the whole time it was just switching off and on. >> Okay. So, were you able to say anything when she had her hand in it? >> Did she say anything the entire time this was going on? What was she saying? >> She was saying stuff like, "If you, you know, walk out that door, I'm sending you back to your dad." And she doesn't want to go back there. Or she was like, "I said get off of me." And she says no. And she says some other things I can't remember. But I know she said other things cuz it hurt me really, really bad. >> Okay. Everything occurred in mom's room. >> Where's your mom's room? >> Right in there. >> Yes. Yeah, everything happened in here. >> And blood. >> She said her mom is on meds as well. >> She did not say that. >> She said she's bipoliz. She just got off her meds and she just had a breakup with a a new boyfriend last night. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Dad said it was a rocky relationship. She wasn't sure what was going on with the mom and her new boyfriend. >> With the evidence stacked against her, officers placed the mother under arrest for battery. They made sure her son didn't have to watch as she was led away in handcuffs. if we can step outside and talk. Is Can you step outside? >> Yeah. I wasn't supposed to stay in. So, >> it's okay. She's She's in the ambulance, so it's y'all are separated. >> So, right now, you're going to be under arrest for battery. Okay. >> Okay. >> All right. So, M go back. >> Can I put a bra on or no? >> Can you what >> bra? Like, can I wear a bra to the facility that I'm going to or >> um shoes or no? >> You're not going to need that. You don't have to take it off. I'll transport. >> You will? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> You're going to have to take that off and undress and into some other clothes anyway. >> All right. >> You don't have any weapons on you, anything like that? >> No. >> Nothing in your waistband? >> No. >> Okay. All right. You going to have a seat? >> Right now, her charges is battery from my understanding. Family eyes because obviously her eye, your daughter's eye, I mean, that's and nose >> that is um pretty swollen and red and bleeding and stuff like that. So, we we can't turn a blind eye to that. We did not do the arrest in front of your son. I took him upstairs and talked with him. They brought her outside that way. He didn't see that part. >> I haven't told him that. Mommy got him. >> Yes. I'll put that in your hands. But if you want to go and dad, tell him to grab some clothes cuz he's used to coming over. >> He's got everything in the house. >> Yeah. So, if you want to tell him to grab some shoes and that you'll be coming with him for a minute and that way you can tell him about mommy because uh Yeah. >> Hey, you got some injuries to your scalp. Apparently, I didn't know where. >> Okay, I'm going just take a look. >> I have a cut behind my hair. That's where it's really hurting. It's just over there. It honestly like I could see a lot of that uh rug rash and throughout her scalp and that bruising. But when I saw that, I thought it was it looked like a dog bite or something or something. But she said her mom has nails and rings on nails like mine. So that would make sense if that's what it is. It looks like something like her. >> Do you believe it's fresh? To me, it looks almost like it's forming to be scabbed over a little. >> What? >> On her head. Not the ear. The ear looks fresh. >> Yeah. I mean, it's scabbing over a little bit, but it was bleeding still whenever. >> Okay. You're saying it was bleeding when you got Okay. Yeah. All right. >> Is my son with my husband? >> He's with his dad. Yes, ma'am. >> The mother was charged with battery and first-degree cruelty. Addison was placed with her father. Moving on to the case of a mother who thought using a belt on her young children was just a normal part of parenting. >> Our concern or the report that had come in had concerns for the kids with injuries. So, I need to take a look at them and make sure that they're okay. You have any [music] services? >> Yeah. >> Oh, you do? >> When you're being bad or you're in trouble, what does mom do? >> She whoops you. If they're getting a whooping, how many times do you >> I don't know. Probably like two or three times. Don't really count it. On March 7th, 2024, child protective services arrived at a home following reports of a child with a visible injury. A worker introduced herself to the mother, Venique, who immediately made it clear she'd been through this before. DCF had been called on her multiple times, but this visit would be different. >> Hey there. >> Hi. >> Are you Miss Venique? >> Madison. >> My name is Madison. I work at DCF. We had reported for some concerns about the baby. That part is anonymous. We don't They're not able to share it. >> Okay, you got to call for me. >> That part we can't share. >> Why? >> It's anonymous. The corners have their own side of things and we just come out and see make sure they're okay. Talk to you about whatever's going on. I have some papers for you. Is it okay if you come in and I just lay my eyes on the kids? >> Are you Vinnie? >> Yeah. Oh, yeah. >> So, I have my card for you. I'm going to give you my card and I'm going to show you this paper that we have as well. It's called the rights and responsibility. So, it goes over the DPF process. What that looks like. >> I already know what it looks like. I had DCL calling on me multiple times. >> Okay, awesome. So, you can have this paper. On the back is my name says Madison. And then my phone number. Then it has my supervisor's information as well. And then I have another paper for you. And this one is going to be for you to sign. Um, and it basically goes over firearm safety. So, it talks about if you guys own a gun, we just ask that it's in a safe away from the kids so they can't get into it. Um, sleep safety for little ones, making sure they have their own cribs, no blankets, no pillows, anything in there. Water safety, making sure there's supervision around pools, ponds, lakes, also toilets. And then it asks, is anybody deaf or heart of hearing in the home? No. Okay. And are you guys part of any Native American tribe, immunization, anything like that? Okay. All right. So, I'm going to sign this. You can sign it for me. We'd love to show that I talked with you about it. Thank you. >> The DCF worker explained the concern. Someone had reported injuries on the children. Venique brushed it [music] off saying her boys were just being boys. They climbed fences. They fell. They got scratches. Nothing to see here. But what the kids would say next [music] changed everything. >> So, our concern or the report that had come in had concerns for the kids with injuries. So, I need to take a look at them and make sure that they're okay. Have you seen them with injuries at all recently or know what that would be talking about? probably know where the call came from. Like I explained to them, I have boys, you know, boys going to be boys. So with them climbing the fence over there and me telling them to get down, don't climb the fence that they want to climb the fence and you know he fell and everything. So I told him about that. Other than that, no. >> Okay. So he has from falling up from climbing the fence. Where on his body is it >> on his leg in between or on the back of his something like that? >> Okay. >> Is it a scratch or like a >> No, it's cuz he actually fell off the fence without me. I mean, the first time he did it, but the second time he climbed back up there, you know, them trying to follow other people, the brothers and >> so all the kids were climbing on the fence. >> Yeah. It wasn't just mine, it was hers, too. They were >> Oh, they >> Yeah, it's her fence. But yeah, they climbing. Is it okay if I take a look at it? I'll have to see it just cuz it says on the report that he has on there. Can I come in? I have to make sure the little baby has a crib. If not, we can get you services and get a good >> Hello. >> Hi. >> How are you? >> Put all these people here for me. >> You want me to take these jeans off so you can see his leg? >> That little one's trying to climb the fence. >> Daredevil. >> I'm going to take a picture of that. >> All right. Will you turn him around so I can see his other leg also? >> All right. Got to see his belly and his back also. All right. Turn around. >> One more. >> Turn around. >> All right. >> The worker asked to see the children. One by one. They came out. The oldest had a mark on his leg. A fresh injury. Venique said he fell off the fence a day or two ago. Boys will be boys, she repeated as if that explained everything, but the marks told a different story. >> How long ago did that happen? probably like a day or day or so ago. >> So, it's Thursday. >> Probably like a day or two days ago. >> So, like Tuesday or Wednesday? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> And then questions about you. I know you probably been asking a whole bunch. When you guys are all together as a family, what do you do to bond? >> Park, play games. >> All right. And then when they're being bad or not listening, what do you do for discipline? >> In the coma. >> For how long? >> 30 minutes or so. >> And then what are some types of things that they get in trouble for? >> Not listening. Being disobedient. And then who lives here with you? >> Me. The kids. >> I have Rake on the report, too. Does he live here? >> Yes. >> Does he live here? >> Yeah. >> Was he there when he fell off the bus? >> Do you use any? >> No. >> You drink alcohol? >> No. >> Have you ever experienced him in the >> years ago? But it was back in 2016. >> I'll have to see all the other kids as well and take a picture. Oh, hi. >> Hi. >> Oh, you're ready now. You're sitting down ready to talk. >> Do you have any marks or >> Yeah. >> Oh, you do? Where at? >> Right here. >> Right there. >> Right there. >> Oh, what happened? >> Right there. >> Oh, you fell right there. That's not fun. You want to stand up so I can see your belly and your back, too? >> Yeah. >> Oh, thank you. Thank you so much. When you're with mom, what's your favorite thing to do with mom for fun? >> For hairy, smelly. I'm smelling >> just practicing. >> Oh, okay. Okay, you're all done. >> Yeah, I got one. >> Thank you. Hi. >> Hi. >> Do you have any bumps? Anything? >> No, I don't think >> I remember one was there, right? >> Oh, one dot. What happened there? >> When I was at school, that bump was burning off. Keep scratching me and >> bite your belly and your back, too. Good job. So cute. >> And turn around. >> When you're at home and you're spending time with mom, what's your favorite thing to do with mom? >> Play with her. >> Play with her. Okay. >> When the worker asked the children what happens when they're bad, the oldest spoke up. His mother uses a belt. He said she hits them with it. The worker kept her composure and continued asking questions, letting the truth slowly come out. What she heard next made her stomach turn. >> So, when you're being bad or you're in trouble, what does mom do? >> Whoop me. >> She whoops you. We're on your body. >> I don't know. I don't know. >> I mean everywhere. everywhere. Did she use her hand or does she use other things? >> She used a belt. >> A belt? Do you know how many times? >> No. Okay. Do you see the the scratch on your brother's leg? >> What? >> Oh, you didn't see it? >> Oh, okay. Who takes care of you the most? >> Um, my mom. >> Your mom. And do you have chores? >> No. Okay. I'm all done with you. Thank you. My customer came, too. Hi. Thank you. >> How's it going? So, we had gotten a report in with concerns for the kids because there were seen on them. So, I just wanted to hear from your point of view what you've seen, what you know about the news on the little news. >> Which I ain't know nothing about it until he got there. >> What' they say? >> They report about me going to pick him up outside. I did look at and he did say he fell. >> Oh, you think he fell at school? >> I'm not even sure. >> Oh, wow. She I asked her baby said she's not she don't know >> they've been going to school all week. So I asked her all of a sudden it just on his leg. >> All right. Did you talk to mom about that? >> Yeah. >> What she said. >> You feel same thing he said. >> What do you do for work? >> Over the road trip about >> How often are you here? >> Between 60 and 90 days. >> When you are home, do you get to spend a lot of time with the kids? >> Hell yeah. >> What do you guys do for fun today? >> Yeah, man. We ain't at the park. They going we go see my family. We got a birthday party to go to. It's not necessarily this and [ __ ] they doing. >> Do you ever have to discipline them? >> I like to drink. You need some time to think about it. >> Excuse my speech language. I ain't respectful with y'all. Hey, I'm sorry. >> What about their mom? What have you seen her do for discipline? >> One or two possible. We going to talk. You sitting in the corner. You got a little time on your hand to sit there and chill. When I give you these snacks and the juice, you think you done learn from the situation? You think you able to go outside and if they say no, you want to go back in the corner or you just want to sit in the room and watch or you want to sit and watch your brothers play outside or you sit beside me? >> Are you the biological father of any of them? >> All right. Do you use any? >> Nah, I got to see. >> Oh, okay. How often you drink alcohol? >> When I'm off >> and then I'll talk to mom again. >> One of the boys led workers to the fence where he said his brother [music] fell. But when asked directly if his mother told him what to say, he hesitated. Then he admitted it. She did. She told them to say he fell off the fence. The carefully crafted story was crumbling. >> So your last case, I saw that they put services in place for counseling for you. Have you have they called you or have you gotten into that yet? >> Mm-m. >> Have they called you or you just haven't engaged in them? >> Mm. They call. >> Are you still interested? >> Yeah. >> How do you feel like your mental health is doing? >> Not true. >> I was in therapy much before. And will you show me on the fence where he was over to the ground? >> How high up did it get? >> I don't know. They was all pretty high to to the top. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Who all was out here when they were >> Her little boy? I'm not sure if she was outside. I think her mom was also not really sure, but we know we was they play up in here. So we right here. >> Okay. Like did you actually see him climb the fence? >> Yeah, they were they was all on the fence. Did you see him fall? Like did you personally or someone like just told you about it? >> No, they came back and told me that you fell after I told them to get down. >> Gotcha. Who who told you? >> My oldest son and the kids. Like the 5-year-old that we were with. >> He was crying. So he came back. He was like, "Mommy, your money fell off the fence. I told y'all to stay off the fence." >> I gotcha. Do you know if any adults did see like to your knowledge like when he fell? >> I can't say if they was outside or not. I got you. I got you. >> They play up in this area. Then they like to climb the fence with her son. And I'm just like, "Get down. Stay down." But you know, boys is going to be boys. They don't listen. I have three of them. >> Yeah. You get your hands full. >> Okay. >> Okay. If we need anything else, we'll come knock real quick. But >> if not, have a good rest. Good night. All right. >> Thank you. >> Hi. How are you? >> Good. Mom, is it okay if we take him to the side real quick? >> For what? to talk to him. >> Oh, why y'all can't talk to him? >> You want me to talk to him? >> You remember a couple days ago when you guys were playing outside? >> Yeah. What happened? What was going on? >> Do you want to show me? >> Show it. >> You can show me. >> Right here. >> Come walk me over. I don't know where you guys are playing. >> Right here. >> Right here. >> Mhm. >> Where were you guys playing with? Then my mother and he fell off the fence. >> Who did? >> Who fell off the fence? >> Well, I don't know who fell off the fence. >> When you guys were all playing, do you remember who all was playing out here with you? >> My brothers and my friends. >> Was there grown-ups out here? >> My friend grandma. >> Your friend's grandma? >> And where on the fence were you guys playing? >> There was like right there. And what were you guys doing on the fence? We were I was trying to get my friends to not get on it because my brother >> You trying to get your friends to not get on it? >> No, my brother. >> Your brothers to not get on it? >> Mhm. >> And which one of your brothers was on there? >> It was Mommy. Is it money? >> Did you see it with your eyes? How do you know? >> Because how high up did he get? You want to touch it? You can show me. Your little brother was right all the way up there. >> Yeah. >> By himself or with help? >> No. >> He grew out of room. >> He didn't have help. >> He did that by himself. >> No. >> Did mom tell you to tell us that that he grew the he climbed the fence? It's okay if she did. Nobody's in trouble. >> She did. >> Okay. Well, thank you for being honest with us. I appreciate it. You know, honesty is always the best policy, right? Can I get a high five? >> Awesome. >> The worker circled back to the belt. Venique admitted she used it on all the kids, even the two-year-old, when they [music] were disobedient, throwing tantrums, not listening, jumping on her. The belt was always the answer. She didn't seem to realize how wrong that sounded. >> When you use the belt, do you use the belt at all the kids or just the oldest one? >> Yeah, most likely when you get a whoop. >> Everybody. >> Who? All right. How many times? >> What you mean by how many times? >> If they're getting the whooping, how many times you >> I don't know. Probably like two or three times. Don't really count it. So, with a 2-year-old, what kind of things does he do wrong that he gets punished for? >> Being disobedient. Like, basically, like if I tell him, "Do something, don't jump at me." Like stuff like that. >> Okay. Gotcha. Gotcha. That belt, what was that belt about? >> She asked me to show her the belt that that when if I hit him with the belt, show her the belt that I used. >> Okay. Is that the belt that you used when the little 2-year-old like those? >> No. >> What belt was that? >> No, the that he got is from the fence. She asked me what belt do I use if I beat them like >> Okay, I see. Do you mind if I see it? I'm sorry. I I know. I walked away and that was my bad. Do you mind? I'm sorry. >> Okay. Is it like It's always this one. Like this is like the designated one that we go to. >> It's only one belt. Only got one belt. >> I got you. I got you. Who gets belt? >> Everybody does. >> If they get a whooping >> like all the way down to the to the baby. >> What you mean to the two-year-old? >> The the baby you're holding in your arms. >> No. No. >> So she doesn't get it. >> No. Okay. So, we got a 5-year-old, a 2-year-old, >> and a three-year-old. >> And a three-y old. Does a three-year-old get it, too? >> Mhm. >> Okay. So, the 2-year-old, when he gets it, when he's disobedient. That's correct. >> Yeah. When he torn the throwing a tantrum and stuff like that, >> throwing a tantrum, >> screaming, crying. >> Yeah. Ever so often. >> Like when he doesn't get what he wants kind of thing. >> Sort of. Yeah. >> Okay. Gotcha. >> But like I told her, I haven't used the belt in about two to three weeks. And the last people that got a belt was my oldest and the three-year-old for acting up the school. >> Okay. Gotcha. When was the last time the 2-year-old 2 to 3 weeks ago? >> No, the last time was my oldest and the three-year-old. >> So, when was the last time the the 2-year-old? >> It's been a minute. He been good. >> Okay. So, >> and where on their body? Like, is it same across the board? Everybody gets on the same part of their body or kind of like on their >> Okay, gotcha. Does it generally leave marks? >> No. >> Okay. And what part of the belt are we using? >> I hold this in like this. Uh-huh. >> And they get hit with this. >> Like this. >> Ah, okay. Gotcha. Who is this that's in here? The other um adult that's sitting here on the couch. >> My auntie. >> Your auntie. Okay. Gotcha. She live here. No. >> That was all the officers needed. They moved in and placed Venique under arrest for mistreatment. She fought back, demanding answers, insisting she never heard her kids, but her children's words had already done the talking. >> All right. Now, go ahead and take a step out. >> Why? >> Don't tense up. No. >> Don't walk away from me. >> No. Don't tense up. No tense up. No. Get off me. Get off me. Stop. What are you wrestling me for? You got to tell me what I'm trying to explain. You're going to Okay, do not >> get No, you're going to go to the ground. Don't go to the ground. No, don't do that. You got to tell me what you arresting me for. >> Yes, it does. >> Yes, it does. You got to tell me what you arrested me for. >> We're going to talk about it, but you need to not resist. >> I'm not resisting. >> All right. Why you got to You do not have to hold me like that. Yes, I do. No, you don't. >> You have made it very clear that I did. >> No, you don't. You do not have to hold me like that. I'm still walking. >> What you arresting me for? >> Child. >> How is that child? I haven't did anything to my son. >> I'm going to come and stand at the back of this car. >> I haven't did anything. >> You have anything on you that's going to poke me, stick me, hurt me anyway? >> I haven't did anything to my son. So, how I'm getting arrested for child? >> I'm going to be upset when he fell off the fence. I have a witness. >> How old's your son? >> Her son is five, just like the other one. >> Okay. >> Like seriously, why would I hurt my >> Go ahead and have a seat. Do not resist. >> When I get bailed in the car, can I bail out now? >> No. Have a seat. >> Bro, why would I hurt my kids? How I'm going to jail? Y'all not even listening. That's not fair. >> Get in the car. >> That's not even fair. >> Inside the vehicle. We're going to get another charge. Is that what we're going to do? >> Getting another charge when y'all not even put your feet in the car. >> Put your feet in the car. Not even giving you a lawful order. >> Y'ALL, >> I DON'T NEED YOU. >> DON'T DON'T DO THIS. Y'ALL not even listening. Let me go. Y'all not even listen. I don't want this. >> Hey there. >> You're good. You're good. You're good. >> Okay. >> What's your relation to the family? >> That's my niece. >> That's your niece. Okay. So, obviously, she's being arrested. What we are trying to do is figure out what's happening with the children. Do you happen to have an ID on you? >> No, I actually don't. >> Okay. Not a huge deal. Are you willing to to watch after the kids if that's something that we can orchestrate? >> Yeah, I'll watch them. >> Okay, cool. We just >> Oh, I can I can call her mama and stuff to come get the kids. >> All right. Here, talk to her and she's going to be the one that decides what what goes on with the children. >> Their auntie is on the way. >> Their auntie? >> Yeah. >> I just >> If you could call her. >> Police want to talk to you real quick. >> Okay. >> Be right here. >> Hey, hun. You're You're on your way over, right? >> Yes. I'm on my way. I'm on my way to go to you guys right now. >> Perfect. We'll see you when you get here. >> She's okay. She is more than okay. >> Is the keys okay? >> They're inside. I haven't even seen them in the past appointments. They're in their rooms. They are more than good. Okay, >> go inside. I'll meet you guys inside and everything. Okay. >> In the end, the mother was taken into custody while an aunt arrived to care for the children. Next up, we have a mother whose behavior at the airport was so alarming that passengers called police. >> What's your name, ma'am? >> Her name is >> She was sitting at McDonald's with a baby and she started cursing the baby out. >> Did I shout through your throat? Do you want to get [music] All right. Stand up for yourself and tell these people what's going on. >> Y'all be det right now. >> All right, I'll be detained. I don't care. >> On August 25th, 2025, officers rushed to an airport gate after multiple passengers reported a woman shaking her young son and shoving things into his mouth. But when they arrived, she was passed out cold, completely unaware of the chaos she'd caused. What they found next made the calls for help make sense. >> So, I don't know what to tell you. We got a call from the passengers when she was awake. I don't know how long ago. She was like shaking the kid and cursing at him and she showed something in his mouth. So that's why when we got called when I came in, she was already passed out. The kid was sleeping with stuff in his mouth like credit card, his her ID, everything on his mouth. So I tried first to wake her up, you know, to see what's going on. >> No response. So I took the things out of the kid's mouth obviously and see if he was okay. He woke up. No response as in what is she is she good? Is she awake? Does she need medical? >> She hasn't wake up. >> Okay. >> But she was awake a few minutes ago because she was shaking the kid and yelling at the kid and cursing at the kid. So I don't know if you call medical police. >> Yes, of course. Uh what did you did you see what she was putting in his mouth? >> Yeah, he took it out of his mouth. >> Okay. >> It was a credit card and his and her ID. >> Okay. But she he was she he was kind of sleeping with that guy. >> His mom. >> Excuse me, ma'am. >> Hello. >> Is she miss? >> Excuse me. You got to wake up. >> Wake up. >> Do you need medical attention? >> No. >> Where you flying to? >> Rhode Island. Rhode Island. When is your flight? >> No, it's okay. We're going to stay here for a second. We just need to talk to you guys. >> How long you been here? >> Uh flight probably. >> H >> a flight probably exactly. >> You been drinking today? >> Do you have your plane ticket? >> I don't have my flight ticket, but I have my foot water passes. >> Okay, that's fine. A witness described seeing the woman send the boy into a bathroom to grab [music] her phone, yelling at him the whole time. Officers tried waking her, but she barely stirred, clearly too intoxicated to respond. The details kept getting worse. >> Why are you showing that? Were you showing him that? Is it okay if I talk to him really quick? >> How far are you going to take my baby? >> No, I'm just going to go right here and just speak to him really quick. >> Yeah, of course. I'm sorry. >> Hey, Bubba. You mind talking with me really quick? >> How old are you, Bubba? >> Oh, five. >> I'm a Julian. Shake. >> Uh, reason why I'm here is I just want to talk to you real quick. Is that okay? Do you I just want to ask >> I just want to get out of here and afford it. >> What happened, >> baby? He's a good man. Give me a high five. You did a good job. Hey, >> we just walked out 5 minutes ago. He was sleeping with her. He had a card in his mouth. >> That's your fine, bro. Do your thing. Oh, do your job. >> What's your name, ma'am? >> Get out of my way. >> So, ma'am, what's going on? >> Nothing. I lost my ticket this morning cuz I was drinking last night. Okay. With my my All right. I lost my ticket. Long story short, I ended up back at the front station with my ticket and no one knows where the came from. Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> So, um the lady drunk. It was then that she drunk. She was sitting at McDonald's with the baby. She started cursing the baby out. And then later on, I saw her walking with the baby by the bathroom. She must have left her phone in the bathroom. >> Okay. >> When she left her phone in the bathroom, she said, "Look here, you little motherucker going to the bathroom and get my phone." So, little boy went in the bathroom. >> Okay. >> Grab the phone. While she went in the men bathroom, I said, "You know you're in the men bathroom." She was like, "I don't give a I'm sorry for talking to you like that. I'm just drunk." She's clearly I don't smell alcohol, but there's something. >> You smell it? >> Check this out. The thing is, you're too intoxicated to play. Okay. >> I am. >> Yes, you are. >> An employee pulled officers aside with more disturbing information. Earlier, the woman had been shoving chicken nuggets into the boy's face so aggressively he could barely swallow. Later, they found him sleeping with a credit card and her ID stuffed in his mouth. Things no child should have near them. And then he said that um she left her phone maybe in the bathroom and he shoved the she shoved the kid and told the kid to go to the bathroom to look for her phone. >> Was this passenger bar? >> Yes. With a beard. >> Did you meet him? >> I did. >> Oh, okay. Great. >> He didn't say anything about >> He only said that he saw the woman yelling at him. He didn't say anything about pushing. He He said that >> she was just yelling at him, telling him to go get her her phone from the bathroom. >> Okay. Okay. And did he tell you that she was shoving chicken nuggets found her like shoving him into his face? >> No. >> And they continue to tell me the story about the chicken nuggets and shoving him in his face and pushing him like aggressively, right? Maybe she just nudged him. I don't know. But the chicken nugget part and the shoving in his face part. I was like, "That's child abuse." >> Was it chicken nuggets or credit cards? >> It was chicken nuggets. She was feeding him shoving it in his face. He said like like he couldn't even fit them in his mouth type of of And so I was like, "That's child abuse." and he goes, "Yeah, actually you're right." And then I said, "Well, thank you for letting us know because this is actually pretty serious." And um then I went to look at her. I said, "Well, show me her." And then I see the kid with the credit cards shoved in his mouth asleep. So then it made me feel even more weird like >> the heck. >> What was the When was the last time you drank? Cuz I don't smell >> last night. Exactly. That's the point. I'm not aing outdoor alcoholic. I went >> medication. No, I'm on probation right now for my city of Proidence, but they barely even give a about it. >> Okay, you're on probation right now. >> In Province, Rhode Island. >> Don't Don't get me taken away from my kid, please. >> And we don't we don't want it to. >> Exactly. What you on probation for? >> Just for um conduct of water like um abuse, >> disorderly conduct, >> busting against no. We live in a shelter home. Okay. So, I just want to make sure that we're getting home at a certain amount of time without the shelter saying, "All right, we're closed at 12:00. You're not coming back in like, you know, I just want to be make sure making sure everything's okay for me and this little boy." >> When officers confronted her, she immediately became defensive, demanding proof and turning to her son for backup. She asked him if she ever forced food down his throat, putting a 5-year-old in the impossible position of defending the woman who was supposed to protect him. >> Let me ask you this. Someone said that they saw you shoving things in his mouth. Okay. >> He's my kid. Ice cream, chicken. >> You do that. He does that [ __ ] on his own time. I don't care what anybody said. Ask them for proof. I want pictures and photographs when I'm his whole mother with his birth certificate in his phone. >> Why? Why did these people say >> Why did these people say that? Maybe because they're >> They're not letting me talk. >> They're not letting me talk. I'm not going to come talk to somebody who don't want to hear what I have to say. My son, I'm not going to force him to shut down >> food down his throat. So if you guys want to take me, take me now. I don't force my babies to do nothing he doesn't want to do. >> How many times do I have to say >> what did they do? Did I shove food down your throat? >> Exactly. >> Stop. >> I never shove food DOWN MY SON'S THROAT. BUT YOU WANT TO GET HOSTILE UNTIL I GET HOSTILE BACK CUZ I HAVE A WHOLE 5-YEAR-OLD. NO, I DID NOT SH DID I SHOVE THROUGH down your throat? >> Do you want to get All right, stand up for yourself and tell these people WHAT'S GOING ON CUZ THEY'RE TRYING TO MAKE MOMMY a bad person and get me taken away from you and I don't want that. >> I'm not trying to be a bad mom. >> Yeah, I am done. IF I'M DONE TALKING TO MY SON, UNLESS HE'S COMING WITH ME, I'M NOT DONE. I WILL FIGHT UNTIL I have to fight back. as my come as my son come over with me. He's not going to be sitting in front of a whole one force of people. >> This is an interesting one because obviously you know this kid is not >> I would say not taken care of. It's not neglect because you know she fed him. >> He's he's not really saying anything against her. He told me he knew the difference between the truth and the lie. You know, >> there's nothing that we can really do. >> Airport staff had already arranged a hotel and meal vouchers so the pair wouldn't have to fly that night. They were trying to help to give her a chance to sober up, but she wasn't interested in help. And the night was far from over. >> We're going to have to let them go and just document everything. >> I know. I I know. >> Um trying >> What was the hotel they were talking about? Did they book that already or is that just an idea? >> No, no, no. They booked it. >> They're booked for hotel. >> Oh, can I see? >> You guys book them. >> Yeah, we did. We did. We can give them. >> We also got some meal back. >> You pay for it. Oh, wow. >> Yeah, because we don't want her to be, you know, >> dinner. It's dinner and breakfast. So, like she's got 30 bucks to spend now in the morning for her flight. >> Okay, perfect. Did you guys uh give her this voucher out of >> kindness? Yes. >> Out of kindness. You guys didn't make any mistakes, right? No, >> it was just Okay. [laughter] >> Do you guys need this or have it? >> We got it. We got it. >> Okay. Hey, ma'am. The good news is, you know, you guys are going to be able to continue your travels and >> Thank you, sir. I did not want to hear nothing else. >> Okay. So, we're giving you a hotel because you're not flying today. Okay. So, we're giving you a hotel room. So, they're going to take you down to the show so you can get the show for the hotel. It's already paid for. You don't have to pay. Okay. We're also giving you meal vouchers. So, buy something now for you and the baby. And then you're also going to have a meal wash for tomorrow. When you come back, you can get something breakfast or lunch. Okay. I appreciate it. >> So, you don't have to pay for anything. This is off to help you out. Okay. So, now they're going to take you downstairs so you can get a shuttle for the hotel. >> Okay. Now, when you get to the hotel, I need you just, you know, get some rest sleep. >> Gerald, come over here before they kill you and shoot you down for stepping over the gate. No bull. Cuz I don't even like that. Give me that before they shoot you down for just stepping over. >> Nobody's going to do nothing like that. Relax. >> They will you relax. Nothing's going to happen to you. Okay. >> As having a black man as a as a son is hard, you know. >> It really is very hard. >> Look at the sunset. >> What is it? Pink and white. It's crazy. >> Staff realized leaving her alone at a hotel with her son was risky, so they offered a different plan. she could stay with them in a private airport office where they could keep an eye on things. The woman didn't take it well. >> Hold on. Help mommy. We have another cuz I don't feel comfortable. I don't think they're going to take that. >> Yeah, that's that's what I'm worried about. >> Yeah. So, we have a little Let's go to We have a little area, but we just we can monitor. So, let's go there. >> You want it? >> Yeah. We can just going to keep a baby here. >> For what? >> For the uh for the night. We have a little path. Yeah. >> Well, we have to ask her if that's okay. You have a bed and stuff like that. >> Yeah. >> Where's that shuttle? >> So, what they're just telling you now. >> What we can do is we can maybe maybe you want to stay with us. We have a little area that you can stay with the baby. >> My boyfriend just brought me up to the airport to pick me the back up. Not for me to go spend out and settle for helling hour. I want to go home by 12:00. No, but you know, that way you can stay with us maybe for a little longer. Okay. down. I think >> they don't have a bar down here. I need a bar. >> No. The fact is is that they're trying to help you out so you can get on the plane early >> because if you have to go in a hotel, you have to get on the shuttle back to the Listen to me for another night. >> If you go to a hotel, you have to get back on a shuttle. You have to get all your belongings. You have to come back to the airport. Whereas, if you stay with them, they have beds, they have food. >> You know, you can stay here in the airport. They'll take care of you. They'll check in on you. Whereas a hotel, they're just going to give you the room and then tell you to, you know, >> and then you have to wake up and check out on time or else it costs money >> at least for a couple of hours. Not that. Okay. Just calm down. >> Okay. >> He's still going to be with your kid. You're going to stay. >> He comes up. He comes out. >> He's going to be with you. >> They live in Providence. YOU GUYS DON'T KNOW HOW PROVIDENCE WORKS, BRO. I checked out for four nights. I was supposed to be home like two night. I'm going to go home tomorrow with no PLACE TO STAY. BACK ON THE STREETS, BRO. MY PLANE SHOULD HAVE LEFT AND THEN ARRIVED by the time it said it was going to do all that. You know what I'm saying? >> Like, you know what I'm saying? >> You know what I'm saying? >> We're trying to help you, but I need you to just try to calm down. >> Take a breath. >> You'll get some food. You'll make it back home. Okay. >> Just try to take a breath. >> On the way to the office, something snapped. She started screaming at officers, accusing them of tricking her, trapping her. Her son watched helplessly as his mother's rage spilled out in front of strangers. go home and smoke my I don't want to sit here for another hour, bro. I got to go home. Is there any way that I could probably call my boyfriend and he can talk to you about >> Keep going over there. Keep going there. Well, you already talked about calling your boyfriend. You already tried to call your boyfriend. >> Shut the UP, [ __ ] NO, I DID NOT. >> Out of here. You're not going to sit here and tell me he's upset. I already tried to do it. Out of here. You don't know what I TRIED TO CALL MY BOYFRIEND FOR. HE DON'T even know what I try to call him for. So, shut up. YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON. DON'T WANT to be quick to tell somebody what the they got going on. YOU'RE JERK YOUR DICK OFF. JERK YOUR BEAT OFF, [ __ ] AND THEN TALK TO ME. >> Out of here, you piece of [ __ ] >> Piece of [ __ ] >> No, I don't want to CHECK NOTHING ELSE OUT. IF I GOT TO GET ARRESTED, BRO, arrest me. I don't even give a, bro. My son's scared of you. My son's scared of all of you. >> He's scared of all of you. My poor baby. Bro, relax. >> She's scared of you. >> I'm scared. I'M SCARED OF YOU, TOO. >> I GOT to sit in a jail cell. >> You're not sitting in a jail cell. >> This office. This jail. >> Who knows what's going on? >> THIS IS, >> BRO. THEY'RE PUTTING ME IN THE BACK OF A JAIL CELL, BRO. THEY WANT TO GO CHECK out my head. Bro, >> THIS IS OUR OWN [ __ ] This is our office. >> This is the oldest, bro. Was just to trick you. Just to calm you down. >> I'm not a dummy, bro. My [ __ ] order. LET ME >> CALL MY BOYFRIEND NOW CUZ HE'S A DUMMY WHO DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT I'm going through. Please. >> This is her office. >> This is my office. Open the door. >> This is our office. Okay. >> There's beautiful ladies here. We're trying to think it's okay. I think Look, this is our office. Come here. Nobody. Come here. >> Come in here real quick. This is our officer. See? See? >> Right here. >> She was told she was being detained, not arrested, just held while they figured things out. [music] But she kept escalating, threatening, claiming she had more money than any of them. Her son stood nearby, witnessing every second of his mother's meltdown. >> There's no reason why I have a whole schedule planned, and why I'm leaving like 14 hours later. I never give a about none of you. I care about my kid and getting him home safe to the [ __ ] emergency room. >> Okay, ma'am. the way you're acting. >> Emergency room. Yes, I will cuz I'm a ging mother. Look at MY SON'S SKIN. GET NAKED. YOU WANT TO SEE DICK AND BALLS ALL RED AND BUMP AT THE BOTTOM? DO YOU WANT TO SEE MY SON'S [ __ ] HE'SING 5 YEARS OLD, BRO. ARE YOU DEALING WITH THAT? >> YOU NEED HELP? >> ARE YOU DEALING WITH THAT? >> Do you need medical help? >> My son has rashes all over his skin. He just want to get home to our pharmacy, that's all. >> Do you want me to get >> Why does he have rashes on? has eczema. Okay. >> Okay. >> Eczema for them. >> No, it's at my dentist, but his birthday appointment was this weekend. So, [ __ ] we should be here this weekend. Not waiting on y'all time for anothering week. Okay, he's putting his gloves on. Take your [ __ ] off cuz he wants to see the proof. He thinks I'm lying. >> No, I'm not going to touch him. >> You watch. >> I don't care what you're going to be. >> You want to see it? I will show >> I do not want to see anything. I'm just trying to tell you, you right now, you're good. You can go with him. >> I'm good. >> The way that you're acting, the way that you're acting is going to get you in trouble. >> Okay? I don't care. My son's not okay. I'm telling you right now, >> he's not okay, though. He's not okay. You're not going to step me on a plane while my son's having a son. It's going to be up to you. >> I don't care what goes down, [ __ ] I want my son taken care of. There's no mother going to sit here and tell me that I'm okay to go on a plane, but my son's not. HE'S FINE. HOW MUCH DO YOU EXPECT HIM TO BE? I want my son taken care of now. >> I can call I can call later, but she goes. >> Do you think you could use some of your sweet tactics to separate the kid while we gohead? >> Yes. I'm telling you. >> I'm telling you. >> I'm telling you. I'm telling you that my son has no allergic pain. >> Okay, THEN BRING MY SON BACK. >> BRO, YOU don't even have to do all that. You don't even have to do it. You're doing too much for no reason. >> Bring me my son. right now. No, you're being det right now. >> All right, I'll be detained. I don't care. >> Stop my shoes off so you guys can pay me better. I got more money than you make in a day. >> But what happened next was not something officers expected after SHE WAS DETAINED. >> WHERE'S MY [screaming] KID? >> WHERE'S MY KID? WHERE'S MY KID? WHERE'S MY KID? I don't give a ain't no [ __ ] taking away from me for my kid. >> No. Stop or you're going to the ground. Stop. >> Stop resisting. >> I WANT MY KID. >> Stop resisting. >> I WANT MY KID. I WANT MY KID. >> STOP RESISTING. >> I WANT my kid. >> Why can't I get my Why can't I get my kids around? >> Let him know. Why my son watching me get restricted? >> Why my son? >> Why my son? >> My son wants to see his mother get free. Why am I denying? >> Where's your mother? Where's my son's mother? Where's my son's mother? >> Stop fighting. >> No. Where's my son? >> Give me my son. >> Give me my son. [screaming] I want my kid back. I just want my kid back. >> You're making this so much. >> I want my [ __ ] back, bro. You're trying to take my Get away from me. >> You made this so much, [ __ ] ZORO. [screaming] >> YEAH. YEAH. >> Where's my cat? I don't deserve this. I want my kick back. I want my son to make sure he's healthy. And okay. Can I get my son, please? Oh no. I got to get dragged like a prisoner cuz I care about my child. Sorry that your mom's not a kid. >> The kid is that way. The kid is that way. >> Yeah. I want my my my poor baby. He's very care. He's very careful about his mom. >> I care about the little boy. >> Care about him. That's my baby. I just wanted to care about my child to get drunk with you dumb ass I want to have my arm. >> Sit down for me. >> Put it down. >> Stand up. >> Your son is fine. >> My son to be okay. I don't trust you guys. You guys are horrible. I just want my baby to be okay. >> I cannot stand up, sir. I'm sorry that I can't walk with shock on my leg. You're going the other side. >> She spent the night in jail on charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Her son was placed in protective custody and later released to a relative. Moving on to the case of a mother whose treatment of her daughter was so concerning that child services had to step in. >> At this point, we've taken protective custody of her. >> You don't need to take back up. >> Step over there. Go in handcuffs. >> I'm trying I'm trying to listen and he got his hands on me. >> You were being the tank. >> Had multiple injuries on different claims for bodies in different stages of healing and stuff. On April 23rd, 2025, officers were dispatched to a hospital following reports of a woman attempting to flee with her daughter after being accused of harming her with a belt. Upon arrival, officers encountered the young girl in a room with her mother, Latasha. However, the situation was about to escalate quickly as Latasha was about to reveal how far she was willing to go to evade the consequences of her actions. >> Yeah, hold on. Stand back. I don't trust them. No, she's right. We all okay. She Okay. She is okay. >> I just got here so I don't know. These people was trying to hold me here. Now we got the pol. >> What's your name, sweetheart? >> Yeah, I like your dress. >> It's a good color. >> They said that I could get on the family. So basically, I could release them to you cuz I don't trust them holding my kid. So my kid will be released to my own >> at this point. We've taken protective custody of her. >> You don't need to take back up. >> Hey, we're not going to do that. We're not going to do that. >> No. Right. No. No. At this point, you're stepping away from her. You're not going to >> What you mean? Stop right away from Hey, >> step over there. You're going to go in handcuffs. >> I'm trying I'm trying to listen and he got his hands on me. >> Step over there. You're going to go in handcuffs. >> What is there going to be? >> I'm being nice with you. You can step over there and go in handcuffs. >> The officers were called by DCFS after Latasha attempted to leave the hospital upon learning that her daughter would be placed into protective custody due to visible injuries on the girl's body. The young girl bore both old and new marks, suggesting a far more unsettling pattern of mistreatment than the single incident Latasha was accused of that day. Even with an officer present, Latasha refused to calm down, and the officer's patience was wearing thin, something she would soon realize. >> What is they going to do? A >> What is they going to do? >> You are being You're weak as hell. And you will be soon for this. You will be soon on a man. >> You're fat. That's why you fat. You ain't going nowhere. Get the [ __ ] off of me. You fat mother. You holding my arm don't mean that you putting it tight don't mean >> what is you doing stupid let me go >> you got the head up get the OFF MY NECK YOU FAT >> not on your neck >> yes you is on my head and my NECK YOU AIN'T GOT TO I'M HANDCUFFED ALREADY LET ME go >> she's going to jail >> my glass >> you mean you just a with a badge >> calm down I'm trying to calm down, man. This little cop you >> I'm trying to calm down. Take my kid out of here. You think you feel so strong, huh? Trying to body a woman. Y'all weak as hell. >> Come on. >> Don't do all that. We ain't got to do that. Don't tell me to stop. >> He doing too much up here pushing on me. And you ain't doing >> I'm trying to calm down. Hold on. You going to st whatever >> here. Y'all think y'all got right on him. >> You want your uncle to take your property? >> Yes. I WANT HIM TO TAKE >> both these cell phones, ma'am. >> Yes. Give him everything. >> All right. Stand by with him and then uh I'll grab I'm going to go talk to people. >> Seeing her mother being handcuffed by police was undoubtedly frightening for a 5-year-old child. However, Latasha had crossed every possible line, harming her daughter and attempting to avoid the consequences of her actions. With the mother now in custody, the officer spoke with others involved, piecing together the details of what had unfolded at the hospital that day. >> So, you show up here and mom and juvenile are in >> and they're in a room together. Go in the room trying to talk to both of them. The daughter like walks up to me with her arms out and trying to give me a hug and then mom like snatches her by her arm, yanks her back and like jerks her body. I was like, "Yeah, we're not going to do that in front of me." Especially when DCFS take your kid. So, I was aware of that at the time. >> Yeah. Oh, yeah. I was >> So, more or less they were going to take Cassel the child. Mom knew about it. She was making verbal comments as she kid. Well, I was like, "Ma'am, you're going to step across the room away from your kid or you're going to go in handcuffs." >> Told her repeatedly, told her repeatedly, tried to guide her and push me, try to put her in handcuffs. She kept flopping all around and did stuff around this. >> So, what do you so far? Bad. What else? >> So, the kid kids away at this point. >> That's the guy that figured so. >> All right. So, I had a chance to talk to you cuz all the obvious that transpired >> that kiddo in there, we were having her seen for some injuries on the beer with a bell. It was kind of going smoothly. We were just having her checked out and then mom kind of tried to leave with her and then at that point that's when you guys got called. She had multiple injuries on multiple different planes of her body and different stages of healing and stuff. >> So that's the reason why you guys were taking protective custody. >> Is there a previous call on that? No. >> Like nothing from PD yet. So there's a domestic battery that we need to report. >> In fact, I was about to notify you guys of it and then she tried to leave. So >> how did you get a report? So we get a report like school or otherwise. >> Yeah, she went to school with injuries. So >> Oh, the juvenile. >> She's able to get me a guy's name, too. >> Um, yeah. >> We had to kick him out. >> I still don't have I don't even have her name yet either. >> And he was the one encouraging her to leave on the phone. They wanted her to leave. They do [ __ ] >> Um, his last name's >> Okay. >> All right. So she went to school with injuries. >> Yep. >> So essentially, how did the injuries get connected to being hit with a belt or >> So she had reported they came from a belt. Mom had admitted that she hit her with a belt. >> Was that to you? >> Yep. >> Okay. Was that today or >> So she's saying that she didn't give an exact day. She said that a couple days ago kiddo wasn't cleaning her room, so she hit her with a belt. Um kiddo was in the process of running away as she was doing it. So that's why they're kind of scattered around her. There are multiple different injuries and different stages of healing that we're investigating here. But mom's only owning up to doing it once. >> Like just hitting her one one occasion or >> just that one occasion is what she might do. But she does have all her injuries that are healing. >> Where are all the marks at pictures of them? >> Okay. This one under her ear kind of ones that have holes. >> Appreciate it. Thank you. >> The young girl had been living in a house of horror with the marks of her nightmare etched into her body. After enduring mistreatment at her mother's hands, she went to school where she was finally rescued from the terror that followed her at home. After obtaining accounts from DCFS staff, the officer went to the girl's room to check on her and ensure she was finally safe. >> Hi. Hey. I was going to make sure that you're okay. >> I told you he was nice. She said she was trying to give you a hug. >> I know. But she got it. >> She was worried about mom. I said mom's okay. Some She was just a little angry and needed some help getting calm down. >> Do you have any questions for us or can we help you with anything we got? Uh, I wish I tell you that when I was at school, guess what? >> What's that? >> Tom just say, "Stop looking at me, stupid." I didn't like that. >> Yeah, he didn't like that. >> No, I didn't like that because that was so mean. >> Yeah. >> After that, I was raising my hand, but the teacher didn't call me. >> What's your favorite class in school? >> Those girls keep on actually bullying me, too. >> What's that? >> So, the girls keep on bullying me, too. >> This is her opportunity to ride out the boys. >> Yeah, you got bullies at school. Tell them stop being mean to you. You >> seem pretty cool. You have a better day. Okay. >> Yep. I'm going to read your Miranda rights. Just listen to them real quick. We're going to ask you some further questions if you're willing to talk to us. Okay. >> All right. You have the right to remain silent. Have any rights in mind? You want to speak with me any further? See if you have anything else to say. >> Yeah. Unfortunately, you got to go to jail today. Okay. >> So, >> because of what? So, the first thing is going to be the the aggravated aggravated battery to me. >> That's cuz you shoved me. >> I didn't shove you. You >> did shove me away. >> You grabbed me. So, I don't >> I was trying I was trying to guide you away from her kids. That's all I was trying to do. >> You're trying to guide me away from my kid. I just told you I didn't want you I didn't want to be away from my kid. >> I I was I wasn't trying to separate. I was just trying to move you across the room. You can still be in the same room with her, but >> Well, I mean, y'all acting like I'm I'm hurting her. >> Well, when you snatch her up like that in front of me, I kind of have a duty to intervene. Okay. I can't just let that stuff. >> Make sure y'all don't snatch her. >> I was not going to snatch her. So, you're going for that. You're going for the resisting arrest. And you're going for the >> child and domestic battery. >> Ain't no child cuz I didn't hit her. >> All righty. >> In the end, Latasha was charged with aggravated battery to a peace officer. Domestic battery, endangering a dependent, and resisting arrest. Next up, we have the case of a mother whose toddler was found caged in a filthy room with nothing but a dog dish for food while she slept nearby. up there. >> He's been up there for over 20 minutes. >> Hi. >> Hi, buddy. How are you? >> Excuse me. >> Uh, your kid was on the roof. Almost fell down. >> No, he wasn't. >> Yes. Yes. >> There's no way he was on the roof. >> We just helped get him back in the window. He's been kept in there like like a dog. There was a dog dish of food. What? Okay. Yes. He has a That's all that's in there for him is a dog dish of of food. >> On August 24th, 2023, a quiet vacation rental drew unexpected attention after neighbors noticed something wasn't right. What started as concern quickly turned into alarm, prompting a call that officers knew could not be ignored. >> We live not this house us but the next one. And this is our ladder. We >> right over cuz the kid was up there and >> he's been up there for over 20 minutes. This is a vacation rental here. So he's in there. >> Okay. I'll let you guys get out of there. Okay. Thank you. >> You guys still need the ladder. Go ahead. If you don't mind if you just put in my front yard when you guys are done. >> 1020. >> Uh I don't know. >> We don't need a police officer now. Yeah, thank you. >> Good. >> Hi. >> Hi, buddy. How are you? >> So, this this is Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. I'm going to try to go through here just to get them out of here. Okay. >> Yep. Let's turn this. Oh, wow. There's a hatchet. Okay. Okay. >> Do you want to uh just make sure he's secure there? >> Yeah. >> You probably just put that on the corner down in the corner over there. Grab it. >> That's fair. I guess IT'S BEEN HERE. OKAY. >> HI, BUDDY. I'M going to make some noise. Okay, if you're ready through trying to push stuff, the way >> looks like it's just a vacuum. I see a cat. >> Hi. >> Um, excuse me. >> Uh, your kid was on the roof. Almost fell down. >> No, he wasn't. >> Yes. Yes. >> There's no way he was on the roof. >> We just helped get him back in the window. >> What's your name? >> My name is Christie. I am pretty much naked, but there's no way. >> Hey, Christie, put some clothes on. Yeah. Can you tell me how that window was open? >> He had it open. He was on the roof and he's been here for a long time. Want to get covered up and then we can talk. >> As officers reached the vacation rental, they immediately spotted 3-year-old Grayson alone on the roof, left there for over 20 minutes. Ladders leaned against the open window and a hatchet sat dangerously close by. Inside, chaos rained. [music] Scattered toys, filth, and disarray hinted at just how long the child had been at risk. >> Okay, we're going to go down here. Okay. >> Okay. I just wanted to let you know that I've had CPS here many times and it definitely look like this. I've been here for a whole week straight, 15 hours a day. >> I'll let you call my boss if you want. >> I'll just meet you downstairs here in a minute. Okay. >> Yeah. I'm just going to find pants. >> What would you like me to do? Do you want me to deal with uh the health and human services and the child or you want me to stay with you? This is probably the easier part and then I'll come and take over when I'm done deciding on like child, >> which that's what we're doing. So, yeah. So, we're going to end up doing the same thing. >> Hi. So, are you guys ready to come down or what are we doing? Are we hiding whatever you guys were doing? >> Okay. Why don't you come down here? What's your name? Jay, I'll >> let you pass me. >> What? Jay. Jay, come on down here. >> I was away. Excuse me. >> We're not awake when it happens. And so say if he were to get down here, get something he's not supposed to have. You know, maybe >> the cat's out. >> Got something. We're asleep. We wouldn't know what happened. >> Okay. So, >> I don't even know what time it is. >> Here, I'll I'll talk to you outside. >> The officers moved swiftly, their eyes never leaving the child as they guided him to safety. Each step careful and deliberate. Inside, the adults were flustered, scrambling to respond, revealing a household stretched to its limits. With every passing second, questions of supervision and safety mounted, and it quickly became clear this was far from a simple call. With the child secured, attention shifted outside where the mother stepped forward to explain herself, setting the stage for a closer look at what was really happening inside the home. >> Is that your son? >> Yes. >> Okay. And then who is this inside? The male. >> That's my We're engaged. >> You're engaged. Okay. Do you both live here? >> Yes. >> Okay. Like how long have you both lived here together? >> Um he's lived here almost 3 years. I've been here for almost two. >> What's name? >> Grayson. >> Grayson. >> He's three. >> How long was Grayson in there all by himself? >> Usually only until I wake up. I work pretty late. He's usually up around 7 or 8. >> So like a range of hours. Like when did you barricade him in there? >> He was He actually fell asleep in the hallway. He usually does. So 10 o'clock at night, we'll put him back in there. But then he gets up when I get up. It depends. So I work for Family Dollar. I'm usually there open to close. So I go to work at 7:00 a.m. So Grayson I >> So yesterday you would have worked at 7 a.m. >> Yeah. I don't have a license. He drives me. So they get up with me and then I'm usually there all day. >> What time do you think it was when Grayson fell asleep in the hallway? >> 9:30. We had church last night >> and then you moved him into his room, >> but usually it's about 10:00. He'll fall asleep in the hallway watching whatever we're watching. >> Would you say that you're the primary caretaker or would you say that um would you say that he helps parents or or care or care for Grayson? >> Um he does. Okay. >> For the last couple of weeks, I've been stuck at work a lot because we got a new store opening up. We got new employees. >> My boss since I she has a license, I don't. My other employees don't know how to run the store. I've been there running the store. So lately he's been here more with him, but usually it would be me would say half and half at least. I would only work average. I mean before the last few months or so it was uh 8 hour shifts and then it was 10 hour shifts and now it's 15 about. >> Let me just tell you what I saw. >> I would like to know what you saw. He's open. >> This was one of the worst things I've ever seen. It it was like he's been kept in there like like a dog. There was a dog dish of food. Okay. Yes. He has a that's all that's in there for him is a dog dish of of food. Um >> Okay. When we arrived, the window was open. He was on the roof. Obviously, he's been throwing his toys down. >> Been doing it for a while. >> Yes. Um there's a hatchet on the floor in there. What? There's dirty diapers all over. There's poop rubbed all over the wall. >> I knew about the poop. I was supposed to paint the walls this weekend. >> Um it's just there's no excuse for it. And yeah, you said you had CPS here. Yes, I did. >> Okay. Well, and what was that about before? >> There was a call about Grayson playing in a cat box. It's in my bathroom. He thinks it's cat litter or that it's like sand, you know. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> And then coloring on the walls. >> It's definitely more serious than that. >> Yeah. I'm dealing with them for now. My kid in Duth, I don't know what county that is. Is that a hatchet? >> Yes. >> I don't even know if I own a hatchet. >> Officers then spoke with the child's mother who explained her work schedule and who she claimed was watching Grayson. But the home told a different story. Scattered toys, dirty diapers, smeared walls, and a hatchet within reach. With an open window and clear hazards inside, concerns for the child's safety quickly escalated. [music] So, I presume that you're taking him into uh at least a 72-hour hold and then probably >> Grayson. Yeah. >> And here. So, I need your hands back, too. Okay. >> It's going to be child. >> Give Carol and my mom a call, please. >> He's not the biological father. He's not related to the child. >> No. >> I'm going to go up and take a few more pictures of that room. >> Yeah. Bunny been arrested before. This is new. >> All right. Here, we're going to walk to this part here. Number five. >> You got like a weird cavity search or something? I'm not going to do anything like that, but I'll search your your pockets. >> I don't have any. >> Is there anything in any pockets? >> No, I don't have pockets. >> You have nothing on you at all? >> Nope. >> Okay. It's easiest to step in and then slide on. It's child that you're under arrest for. Okay. >> When the mother was arrested and Grayson taken into protective custody, the tension in the home finally gave way to action. The adults would now face the consequences of their choices. I >> I talked to her about it. She said they've been living here together for about 3 years. They're engaged. I asked if uh he also helps care for the child. that he does. >> Yeah. >> So, I mean, >> and he referred to the child as a step child initially, >> right? You're leaving at the home as an adult. I think you also have the burden of caring for that kid. >> Yeah, definitely. >> Okay. >> Yeah. You have Paul here if you guys want to do that. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Awesome. >> So, here's what we're going to do, Jay. We got to take you to the police department. Okay. I'm going to I'm going to put you in handcuffs to bring you down there. You can turn around for me. >> Not let me catch up. That's cool. What's that? >> You don't want me to catch up? That's cool. >> I'll definitely not let the catch up. You going to turn around. See? >> All right, Jay. Uh, since we are going to the police department, the jail actually, it's uh before we go over here, do you have anything on you? >> Just a blue phone truck. >> Just the phone. Okay. >> Other than that, I can ring on the phone here. Okay. >> All right. Do you mind transporting my takes a bunch of pictures up here? >> Okay. Um, so Jail and what's the um >> Oh, Kitty over there. I'll try to roost them back inside. Looking at >> uh it's going to be a child named Okay, we'll do. All right. Her name's uh Millie. >> Millie. >> Millie. >> I didn't catch what was your name? Jay. >> Jail. Am I going to jail? >> Yeah. Yep. >> But have a lot. >> I Dad, I don't know. I don't have an answer for you there. That I was just asked to come down and and give you a ride. >> I do. >> That's where we'd be processing. >> I have like a one shoe on my ride. She has to. >> I ain't got no shoes. >> Yeah, yours. You guys got left there. I don't have any time or an option. >> Oh, okay. I I didn't hear anybody talking about shoes when I got there. >> No, I was I was more like, "Is it cool if I close my screen door so my cats don't get down?" I'm like, "No, I'm just going to stay right there." I was like, "Okay, I'll stay right here." >> Yeah. Well, I'm sure Officer Mer got your cat back. >> I'm not going to be dumb and run. I can't run. >> No. Yeah. >> Did my partner tell you exactly why you were being arrested? Like what what it is and everything? >> He said something along the lines of child. Yes. Yep. It is child and it is a felony in this case because Grayson hasn't turned 6 years old. There's a there's a section in there where if they haven't turned 6 years old, it changes things a little bit. >> As officers worked the scene, they confirmed the unsafe conditions inside the home and spoke with Jay about the situation. In the end, Jay was arrested and charged with child endorment and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, while the mother was charged with enduring a dependent [music] and child endment.