She saw me. >> Kenzie was the one causing it. >> Is that what she told you not to tell anybody? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> But I don't care because I have to tell the truth. >> Most kids are too young to understand how law enforcement and investigations work. [music] But what happens when they are so smart that they end up playing a key role in solving a horrific crime? >> What did he hit her with? >> Part of the BB gun. >> Part of a BB gun. Do you know where that is? >> These are in. >> These were the moments when Smart Kids solved murders. We start with the case of a young individual who was found unresponsive at home and what happened next unraveled a shocking investigation. >> I didn't want that boyfriend to move in. >> I called DCF 4 years ago and I told them when they took those kids away that if they gave those kids back that that was going to end up >> even if I find out what happened to her. Not going to bring her back. >> On February 19th, 2026, officers from Marian County, Florida, received a call reporting that a young individual, Paisley Brown, was unresponsive inside her house. When officers arrived, they immediately went after the main suspect in the incident. >> All right, sir. Right now, I'm just going to detain you. Okay. >> You have anything weapons on you? >> Anything that's going to stick or poke me? >> Again, you're not right now. >> He's just detained. >> That morning, Paisley's mother, Jennifer Kendrick, left her boyfriend, Jerome Kums, taking care of the house. According to the official report, Jennifer's aunt, identified as Tabitha Harris, arrived first on the scene. Details about the family unfolded as Tabitha exposed their secrets. >> I should have never gave these kids back to her. >> How long have they been back? >> Since uh the beginning of November, and I should not have done it, but I let her come and move into my house. Gave her a call. >> Know what's going to happen. >> I I know, but I didn't want that boyfriend to move in, which is his dad. I'm trying not to be >> It's okay. >> Because he would not let me see the kids every time I came. We were coming over to work on this place again because we had been doing stuff because I told her, "I got a place that's not ready, >> but it'll get you and the kids off the the street, you know, and we've been working on it since she's been here." >> And I didn't want the two oldest ones. I had custody of the other two and she had the other two cuz >> mom has the younger two. >> I have the younger two. I had to get safety locks cuz she's autistic. That's the in the ambulance. And she didn't look like that. She was skin and bones. That dude wouldn't even let me see that kid when coming over here. >> The guy detained. >> Yeah. Okay. >> I wasn't allowed to even see both of them. >> Officers heard from bystanders that Jerome tried to leave the scene. And this evidence left no room for doubt that Jerome was the main suspect. >> This should have never happened. I called DCF 4 years ago and I told them when they took those kids away that if they gave those kids back that that was going to end up dead. Ironically, it wasn't even the I thought. Like, if they get those kids back, they're all gonna end up. Like, they're gonna die. She's a terrible [ __ ] mother. Like, she's dead. >> She's I can't give you a lot of information. It's active. Okay. You want to grab your phone? Grab your phone. Come back over here. >> I know she's she's she's dead, isn't she? >> I can't I can't give you information. >> I can tell by your face. >> No, I'm just telling you I can't give you any information. I don't even know who she is. There's so many people that live here. >> I'm just going to tell you that I can't give out information. Okay. There's a detective that's assigned. >> There's nobody at the house. I can't give you information. Okay? And I know that's frustrating and I especially, you know, there's news here. We can't give out information. Okay? There's detectives that are assigned to this incident right now. Okay? I can take your information >> because I can give them all the information that they could not back to this >> 100%. 100%. DCF's here. Detectives are here. So, >> I'm sure you can't tell me that either. >> Everybody. Yes. Okay. >> At this point, officers wanted to know if Jennifer could be a suspect just like her boyfriend. But all the information they had about her was a bit vague. >> Hey, [laughter] it's Jennifer. Look at me. What just happened? I just got the phone with the hospital. They s no my [crying] Take a breath for a second. Okay, take a breath. I I I just want to know what happened to my >> and that's why we're here and we want the same thing. Okay. We want to give you answers. >> Even Even if I find out what happened to her, it's not going to bring her back. >> No. >> Someone recover from this. >> You hold your other [ __ ] close and >> it's hard. Hold tight to what's important. Okay. >> Trust me. Bury me. [laughter] Raising hell ain't a ain't going to stop nothing. >> Yeah, >> it's emotions. You can let them out, okay? It's not going to bother us, but just be mindful of the other kids, okay? >> As the investigation moved forward, Jerome's situation was getting more and more suspicious. According to preliminary information from the hospital, Paisley had severe injuries to her body. With that information, investigators went to hear from the other four children who were inside the house, and their accounts didn't help Jerome at all. After gathering all this evidence, it was time to bring Jerome to questioning. Obviously, you know why you're here, right? Tell us the best that you can remember like what happened. >> I remember waking up this morning and um I heard I had her crying out for me. >> You heard who crying out for you? >> Paisley. >> Mhm. >> Okay. same daddy. And at the time, I think I was in the kitchen making food or what not or trying to cuz that's the time I'm going to get them all up for bed and you know, feed up. >> Mhm. And um I don't know if I came in too late and then came in to go get her cuz I usually change her diaper and then you know take her out, put her in the living room and then I don't know if whatever happened she just she was not this groggy and not moving stuff like that. >> Okay. >> She was too hot in the blanket or or what not. >> You stayed at the house with all the kids. >> Okay. Um, and then just kind of walk me through again like when you woke up, about what time you woke up, and you know what all happened to? >> Um, 10 I got up or 11. I'm not too sure. >> Are the older boys up at that time or are they still in their room? >> They still in. >> Okay. So, they have a separate room there, correct? >> Yeah, it's they have a separate room, but it's still almost next to the room. >> True. Okay. So that's when I went and got her and then she was, you know, I'm trying to hit this or so like what's going on like you know what I'm saying? >> So I immediately called me for mom like yo he you got to calm like on those. >> Jerome was making the situation look like just another morning in their house and that he was caught by surprise when he found Paisley unwell. So it was time for investigators to ask specific questions. >> Bro, like did something happen? We know something happened. Mhm. >> We're asking you what happened, >> right? >> Was it an accident? >> Mhm. >> Right. Cuz things happen. We get that things do happen. There's a difference between an accident >> and intentionally causing somebody harm. There's a big difference. >> Which one is it? Cuz if you sit here and you lie to me about it, I'm going to feel like, what do you think I'm going to feel like? You know what I'm saying? I'm going to be like, "This guy ain't about nothing. He ain't got He don't feel bad. He ain't got no remorse. You think it was an accident? Tell me what the heck happened. That was an accident. Talk to me. What happened? >> She was wrapped in the blanket. Um she she kind of dropped out of my hand at first. You know what I'm saying? When she was responsible, she fell by my hand, but she was she still wasn't like she was like kind of still like unlifeless like you know, and then I tried to put her back in the pen and and she fell on her head. >> I hear you. I heard you say I didn't mean to. >> I didn't mean to. What didn't you mean? >> She fell st my head. >> So, she you So, she is responsive when you're talking to Jennifer the first time. This is true, right? This is true. So, she's responsive when you're talking to Jennifer and help me understand. You go to her >> tried to pick her up in in the blanket and and then she kept shaking all over the place. >> Uhhuh. >> Feeling pressured, Jerome started to change part of his story and give vague statements. That's when investigators decided to corner him with some hard facts about the case. >> Okay, Mr. combs because here's the thing. We went to look at her. We went to look at Paisley at the hospital. >> Mhm. >> Okay. And Paisley's got injuries on her body. All over her body. Okay. >> Popped you a few times. >> You popped her a few times. Where did you pop her? >> Did you hit her? Right here on her chest. Is that what you just said? She was misbehaving. And you said Paisley was in the play pen with the blanket. [clears throat] So she's in the play pen with the blanket. She's sleep or she's awake calling for daddy. She's going, "Daddy, daddy, show me what happened. >> You pick her up. Walk me through it." My hand on the ground cuz I'm I was trying to go, you know, throw her diaper. >> Uhhuh. Um, she was still on the bike and she fall. >> How did she land when she fell? >> She fell like like like this. >> Okay. So, she landed on her back, her stomach, her side. >> On her back. >> On her back. Okay. And now she's on the ground. >> How many times? >> Like three times. You hit her chest. Did you hear hard? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Why didn't you call 911? >> Scared. >> You were scared. Can I ask you something since you're already being honest with me? >> Mhm. >> You're already telling me the truth. [snorts] Paisley has marks on her wrist >> and on her ankles. What's that found? some nights when she likes to not behave. She the other nights, it was like a week ago, she she been putting her hands in her diaper and wiping poop all over the place. >> M >> and decide to wrap her hands with >> What do you wrap her hands up with? >> Like a cloth. >> A cloth. What does the cloth look like? >> Just like a little cloth. A what? >> Robe cloth. >> What color is it? >> A white robe. Whose robe is it? >> What about her her legs? >> Tape. >> Tape. What kind of tape? >> Paisley's siblings had already told detectives they knew about the rope and tape because they went through it, too. It looked like this was a common practice in the house, so investigators started to suspect that Jennifer knew about it, too. You said the cloth was for her putting her hand in her diapers and smearing the poop. What was the painters tape for? >> Cuz she used her feet to try to do thing on. >> What's the >> Oh, she was using her feet to try to get the the hands loose. >> So, you tied her feet up, too. When was the last time you did that? >> A few nights ago. >> Where was Jennifer when you did that? >> She was there. Did she say anything to you when you did that? Have you ever done that to any of the other kids? >> Tiled their hands or their legs? >> Said to her son in the past. >> You died to your son? >> How long ago was that? >> What was What was that for? Cuz he's six. He would have been five then, right? What was he getting into? on in the kitchen is tapeful and sweets and you'll steal stuff like that. >> So, um Jean had mentioned and so far Gan has been pretty accurate >> extremely >> in his account of like the things that happened. Okay. >> But Jean had also mentioned that he's also been bound. >> So, I'm I'm guessing that maybe I Jean's it's a form of discipline. It's just it's something that you that you guys do. So, do you do you bind Jean the same way as you would bind Paisley or like if Paisley's bound using these things and you gonna how what are you using for Jean? >> No, he it was like some cuffs on. >> He had handcuffs on like real handcuffs like our handcuffs or like play handcuffs like what kind of handcuffs? >> Play handcuffs. >> Okay. What's mom think about that? >> Sure. What happened? >> When you um when you bind when you put the handcuffs on Jean's wrist, do you do you also bind his legs or is it just his wrist? >> Just his wrist. And does he get a spanking, too? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, as punishment, when he's misbehaving, you guys will handcuff Jean and spank him. Is that what you're saying? >> It all depends on when you need it. >> Okay. So, like worst case scenario, like what's the worst thing that Gene would could do >> or has done? Like you you guys did it two days ago, right? So, talk to me about that incident. >> He done hit Kaden hard. >> In the end, Jerome received several charges including first-degree murder and mistreatment. As for Jennifer, she was charged with aggravated daughter of Paisley along with four counts of mistreatment towards [music] the siblings. The accused couple have been sentenced to no bond. Next case, after a woman was found unresponsive inside her house, officers decided to investigate [music] her family and her children were ready to reveal the dark secret. Their dad refused to confess. >> Did you guys say anything? >> You leave them alone. >> You're not going to tell us? Then you'll go to jail cuz you're uncooperative. >> He doesn't like the cops and that he's kind of trained the kids the same way. On November 15th, 2021, officers from Dorset, Ohio, got an alarming call about a woman who was found unresponsive at her house. When they arrived on the scene with the paramedics, the situation demanded a fast response. >> Female not breathing. She's got no take for him. [clears throat] >> I'm okay. They're still giving CPR. >> Affirmative 410. >> Anyone know what happened to her recent? >> I have no idea. >> Okay. I don't know if you guys follow. >> Who Who is this? >> I don't know her name. >> What's her name? Nicole. >> What's your What's your name, sir? >> Mom. >> Okay. What happened? How did you guys We were arguing. She said she wasn't feeling good. She fell over on the floor. >> I need you outside with me. Okay. >> I want to be with my kids. >> I I understand that, but I need you outside of my kids, sir. >> When the husband, Tom, started to try to act like a protective father, it didn't seem like his usual behavior. So, officers started to grow more and more suspicious of him. >> Sir, I I I need I need Listen, I I It's going to be okay. I just I need to talk to you, okay? I need I need to figure out what's going on. Look, I can wait. Can I be with my kids? get a hold of. >> So, I need Listen, I'm trying to figure out what is going on so I can help. >> I told you as much as I can. Can I please have a moment with my kids and try to get a hold of somebody for my kid? >> Okay. >> He's being completely uncooperative. They were arguing and he said she just fell over. >> Where is he? >> Right here, >> sir. We need to talk to you, sir. >> Hey, I know you're going through a lot, but we have to talk to you to get some ideas of what's going on. Okay, >> sir. >> Can you leave me alone, please? I need to understand. >> I got to get a hold OF SOMEBODY FOR MY KIDS. >> OKAY. I need to know what's going on. >> Go find out what's going on. >> Did you guys see anything? >> You leave them alone. No. >> Sir. >> Ma'am, >> we need to understand. >> Can you please stop that? I asked I asked to give me a minute. Please. >> Listen. I'M TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT'S going on. >> Ask for you TO GIVE ME A MINUTE. I JUST ASKED for you to give me a minute. That's the first THING I ASKED HIM. >> OKAY. >> I DIDN'T HAVE A CHANCE TO CALL NOBODY. I was trying to GET MY KIDS THROUGH. ARE YOU GUYS BACK HERE? I'VE BEEN TRYING TO GET >> SHUT YOUR MOUTH. WE'RE TRYING TO PLEASE NOT TALK TO ME LIKE THAT. >> HOW ABOUT LISTEN to me? >> I HAVE BEEN LISTENING TO YOU. WILL YOU PLEASE LISTEN TO ME? >> I'M TRYING TO TALK to you AND I'M TRYING TO BE nice about it. I'm trying to figure out so we can help the EMTs so they can understand what's going on. >> The wife Nicole couldn't tell her version yet because even after the CPR worked, she was still unresponsive. So to get to the truth, officers decided to get some answers from the witnesses at the scene, including Tom. >> Put you on here. >> Okay, sir. Sir, I need you to come with me now. >> Stand up. >> Please, sir. >> Stand up. >> Please, sir. >> Outside. Outside. >> You need to take a seat. >> Okay. Listen. >> You don't do this for me. >> Let me talk to my You need to calm down. >> I'm trying to calm down. Can you take these off so I can absolutely not? Absolutely not. >> I need to get my hands over my head to get a breath. What's her phone number we can call for someone to be here? >> I don't know phone numbers, sweetie. They're holding my phone. >> Give me a name. >> I do. >> She knows how to work your phone. Give me a name. >> I was calling my sister. >> Okay. You have to understand. We're trying to figure out what's going on as well. You have to be cooperative. >> You know what? I am being cooperative. >> No, you weren't. Give me a name. You're >> not telling us anything cuz you're here to help the kids. Sir, not walk. >> It's time to sit out, man. >> Have a seat right there. We're not going to deal WITH THIS NONSENSE. >> I'M NOT DEALING WITH NONSENSE. SO, YOU'RE telling me you guys were in an argument and she magically just fell and passed out right there. >> You're not going to tell us? Then you'll go to jail cuz you're uncooperative. >> You need to stop. You're going to breathe. >> Nicole's injuries didn't match a fall from the couch. So, officers knew Tom was lying. While he was being taken to the station, his family arrived. Soon after, his sister Wanita claimed she had something to share. >> I'm pretty familiar with a lot of things that go on here. >> Is that right? Okay. >> I come out here a lot because people will tell you that. >> Yeah. I've uh I've been to check on Nikki a few times. >> Okay. Maybe uh Griffy, you want to speak to her out outside so everybody in the whole world doesn't have to hear everything? >> Nice to meet you. >> Uh yeah, I've been out here to check on Nikki a couple times. >> Um I know that my brother has been physically to her in the past. Um, last time I was out here was probably about 2 weeks ago and Nikki was unrecognizable. Honestly, I've been in fear to contact you guys. She's asked me not to contact you guys. >> What do you mean unrecognizable? >> Like you She didn't look like my sister-in-law. >> Like >> that was two weeks ago. >> About two weeks ago, I would say. >> Did she have any breathing or anything on her legs or arms? >> Uh, she was covered up. >> Okay. So, I don't know, but I know that she couldn't move very easily, so I would I would have to say so. >> Okay. The kids did say she has some trouble walking. Um, but they didn't say why she couldn't breathe. Like, >> no, they said they didn't really see anything. So, but I think it's in fear that he has told them [music] >> probably >> not to talk >> probably. Is is that usually what happens? Um, I just he doesn't say a lot to them in front of me. >> Okay. >> Um, I just know that he he doesn't like the cops and that he's kind of trained the kids the same way. >> Is it typical just arguments or is it like the same thing? You think? >> I know that they fight a lot. Um, I think Tom needs help. Um, Tom [clears throat] is like a conspiracy theory. He he kind of he's up in I love him, but he's my brother and he he >> with Tom not at the scene. The other witnesses had to be heard, but it wouldn't be easy for them to get through it. >> Don't be afraid to talk to these guys, okay? They're here to help. They're here to help you, okay? >> And your mom. >> And your mom. >> That's the important thing. We need to help your mom, okay? >> Because she's she's not doing well in the hospital. Doctors need need to help. >> Okay? Listen, they need to know what happens and what goes on here, okay? >> Good. >> Yeah. >> All right. >> You want to help your mommy? You want to get out of this situation so your mommy's safe. I know that daddy's told you guys not to talk to people, but sometimes you have to. Have they been fighting the past couple days like they do when Anita comes out to visit to check on you guys? >> Yes. >> They have been there [music] >> hair. >> Okay. So, in the shower, I did see a clump of hair in the shower. Okay. Yeah, a bucket of hair in the shower. I >> also saw like the black [music] and blue marks. What? What happened? >> Did your daddy cause the >> Yes. >> Did he with something or did he hit it? What did he with? >> Part of a BB gun. >> Part of a BB gun. >> Part of a BB gun. Where is that BB gun? >> Do you know where that is? >> I think it's either in >> Don't touch it. >> Don't touch it. I think it's either [music] >> over there in the um >> We'll leave it for the detective. >> Don't touch, baby. Don't touch. >> I need over here. >> Right there. >> Okay. Just don't touch it. [music] >> When When did Was that today? I think last night. >> Last night? Did you hear mommy fall today, too? >> I don't think so. I think true, daddy on the floor. >> After hearing the children, it was clear that Tom was hiding something. What he did during the drive to the jail would make this theory even clearer. >> I've tried to talk to you and you guys just make a mockery of me. Is it not good enough that I'm trying to talk to you? Is it not good enough that I called for services? Is it not good enough that I tried to give you information? >> IT'S HONESTLY FROM NOBODY. I DIDN'T DO NOTHING. I DIDN'T CREATE no problems. The only thing I asked for was to give me a moment so I COULD CALM DOWN AND COUNSEL MY KIDS AGAIN. >> WELL, what happened in the house before we got there? >> I'm not a doctor. What do you want me to tell you that's going to save her life? >> What caused her injuries? >> To save her life. >> What caused her injuries? You can tell me what caused her what what caused her injuries is a great start. >> Me and her. >> What does that mean? >> That means just what I said. It means me and her. >> She hurt herself. >> Yes, she's hurt herself. >> Okay. >> I told the 911 dispatch. She said she wasn't feeling good and she passed out. She quit breathing. >> So, how did her face get all like that? >> Change the subject on me. >> No, I'm I'm saying she You said >> change the subject on me. >> Okay. >> Please, sir, will you listen? >> Or you're missing >> I'm not going to pull over. I can hear you just fine. There's no reason I have to stop to be able to listen. I can listen and drive. >> But you're going to miss the most important things for me. >> But yet, but yet you've said nothing yet. You keep >> I tried to tell you, but you won't listen. How am I not listening? My ears are wide open. You just ain't saying nothing. >> In the end, 3 days after the call, Nicole passed away. As the investigation continued, a video was found on Tom's phone from one of the episodes in which he got physical with Nicole. After being confronted with this video, Tom pleaded [music] guilty to aggravated. On October 26th, 2022, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison. In this next case, 911 was called for a situation involving a troubled family. But the investigation that followed would lead to a heartbreaking outcome. I mean, I didn't think a whole lot of it because I'm like, there's no way she's ever going to do anything to one of her kids. >> I knew something was wrong, but I didn't know what it was. Explain it to me, sir. I know you want to. This is a big >> On February 17th, 2021, officers from Oregon, Illinois were called after a woman identified as Sarah Saffron needed help to save her son, Nathaniel. But later, when Nathaniel was rushed to the hospital, he didn't make it. After this tragic [music] ending, investigators turned to the only two people who could explain something. I'm getting woke up at like 2 2:30 in the morning. He's not breathing. He's not breathing. >> Okay. How is she? Is she Do you hear her from the bedroom yelling or she comes in? >> I opened up my eyes and she's like right in the doorway. He's not leaving. He's not waving. >> Okay. >> Did you hear anything before she moved you up? >> No. >> No. I believe that. And I believe right now your son is watching us talk right now, hoping that you're going to be a spokesman for him and tell the entire church everything you know. >> What happened to him at that time? >> I know nothing else. >> Before interviewing his mother, authorities met with Nathaniel's godparent, who fostered him on and off due to Sarah's alleged chaotic behavior. Detectives then had access to a recording of Nathaniel describing in his own words what Sarah would do to him. So, what did Mama Sarah do to you? >> She slapped me and punched me. >> She slapped you and punched you? >> Yeah. >> Where at? In the leg? >> No. Here. >> In your face. >> And then she punched me. >> Ouch. Did you cry? >> Yeah. I cried so loud. >> Did you Did she say she was sorry for you? She didn't say she was sorry. He just uh walked away and got back in the front seat of the car. >> Oh yeah. Was it like right here or here? >> Oh, in your jaw. >> Yeah, I don't tell anyone. >> Why am I not supposed to tell anyone? >> Yeah. Be because you'll get everyone in trouble and I'll get get in trouble and then I'll be more greedy. Oh, is that what she told you not to tell anybody? >> Yeah. Oh, >> okay. >> But I don't care because I have to tell the truth. >> Do you? Okay. >> But don't tell her cuz she'll be so bad. >> Yeah. >> According to the foster mother, everything started when Nathaniel was just months old. After hearing from other concerned family members, detectives started to build a case around Sarah. There's been at least one occasion where her and I were on the phone and this was probably a year and a half ago and she's chasing her kids around with a hands up and she's laughing about it. She's drunk, you know. And honestly, and this is kind of bad to say, I didn't think a whole lot of it. I I mean, I told her, I said, "Sir, maybe you shouldn't be chasing your kids around with a handsaw. you know, it's probably not the best thing to do, especially when you've been drinking, you know, but she don't she doesn't listen to me. And it's there was a couple different times like that. I mean, I didn't think a whole lot of it because I'm like, there's no way she's ever going to do anything to one of her kids. How could a parent do that? I mean, I never thought in a million years. >> Well, you did have concerns about his safety >> is that his own father availed him. He had full custody. He had all the rights to that boy and he let it happen. >> He has a, you know, he's not real sharp. >> He's dumb. And that's I mean, Sarah has told me about plenty of them and that's why they would never live in a a building with many apartments because people complain all the time about all the yelling and screaming and, you know, oh, we have to live in a house with Yeah. So people can't hear you yelling screaming your kids. >> Yeah. I I've tried helping her out many times. I don't you know. >> And you said you told her, Sarah, you did do. >> Yeah. I know you did, Sarah. I know you did. I know you did. I knew I knew um the I knew how she treated him. I knew the things he told me. I knew how afraid Nathaniel was to be in that house with her. I when I called DCFS last year trying to get him out of that house and they didn't do anything. Um >> he made comments that he thought she was going to smother. >> Yeah. He he told me straight up he he's like she's going to smother me or drown me one day. I don't know if she going to drown me in the tub or if she's going to smother me. I said, "Well, mommy wouldn't do that to you, honey." I said, "We love you." She's like, he's like, "I don't know." >> Nathaniels was trying to hide the truth, but investigators weren't buying it. With all the evidence and the results of the autopsy in hand, it was time to confront the suspects. >> Your son of suffocation suffocation. >> Okay, I get cause of death is suffocation, but is there a possibility he possibly did that himself? >> No, that didn't happen on his own. He was suffocated by somebody else. There's only you and Sarah [clears throat] in that house. Let me ask you first, did you suffocate your son? No. >> Okay. >> I knew something was wrong, but I didn't know what it was >> between them or with her or >> with him that night when she woke me up. >> Okay. Let's figure out what happened. Your son reached out to people, told people over the last year, "My mom's going to kill me." He told people that. >> I know that. >> Okay. He told people that. Several people. And I've had several people tell me that since last April. They talked to him and he said, "My mom's gonna kill me. My mom comes into my bedroom and holds a pillow over my head in the middle of the night." How do I know? Okay. How How do I know at this point right now that it wasn't you that did you say she came in and woke me up? You know, I would say that too if I was, you know, the bad guy and did it. So, that's what I'm trying to figure out is how do we know she did it and not you? How do we How do we prove that? >> Well, I'm seeing DNA as be able to tell. >> When the investigation started to point at him, Nathaniel's dad decided to open up about Sarah. According to him, she didn't want Nathaniel because of postpartum depression. After hearing that, it was time to bring Sarah in for questioning. >> You your son due to suffocation. Okay. He due to suffocation. How many people were in your house that night? Two. Okay, Sarah, we have to explain this to me. Were you just messing around or how did this go so far? Explain it to me, Sarah. I know you want to. This is a big >> kill my son. >> In the 10 months, your son has told pretty much anybody that would listen that he's afraid that his mom is going to hurt him. He's told almost identical stories to five people that I know of. Okay. That in the middle of the night, mom tried to suffocate me. Okay. I think that happened. But you it it ended the right way. You didn't you didn't kill him because you didn't want to kill. I think this time it ended wrong. He was never suffocated. He told two days ago because he was suffocated. Okay. Don't say he was never suffocated. Your son was >> So I'm saying I didn't >> take that. He was fine. My husband read him. >> I know. I I know. I >> Everything was fine. >> I know he was fine up until he wasn't up until somebody went in there and stuff. Sarah, you have to understand here. I'm not asking you if you did this. Okay? I'm not asking you if you did this. I'm asking you why and I'm asking you to please. >> I did not. >> Who did it? >> Your husband. >> I I don't know. >> In the end, authorities found evidence on Sarah's devices that she had been searching for odd topics such as how she could get rid of someone, [music] police investigations, and cremation costs. Later, she pleaded guilty to first-degree and [music] was sentenced to 35 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, followed by three years of mandatory supervised release. Next up, two siblings called 911 on their own parents after a fight broke out at home. What looked like the perfect family would soon be revealed as something [music] else entirely. >> Everyone's on the same page and have an unknown status of the victim inside. >> Me and him, the daughter. >> Okay, so only people in there right now should be your mom and your father. >> Yes, >> he's like narcissist um narcissistic. So we would pick off fights before any major event like we're leaving tomorrow. >> On August 24th, 2024, officers from St. Cloud, Florida were called to a house after a family dispute. But the incident would prove to be more disturbing than expected at first sight. >> So everyone's on the same page. We have an unknown status of a victim inside and upstairs. >> 109 left. Should still have a female victim inside and upstairs with an unknown status. We've heard noises and I heard nothing when I crossed the door. Just make sure you have all the info. I'm just a you want a down >> 104. We need to give instructions. Make sure you have your take down team in place. >> We're sending people from the house just north down the street towards ult. Don't let anybody leave. Mike, this side >> over here. Over here. Come here. Come here. Come here. Come to me. Come to me. Come to me. >> Over here. Over here. Come on. Being evacuated. >> Stay right here, buddy. Stay right here. >> Come over here. Come to me. Come to me. Over this side. Over this side. Right here. Stay here. Stay here. Stay here. One of the neighbors has a phone number for the guy. >> Go ahead and stand behind this car, man. >> Get behind the car. Get behind the car. >> Stand by my brother. >> As witnesses gathered outside, officers started to gather information from them about the current situation inside the house. >> Got to keep everybody collected here. I don't know if they're worth anything. If you want to start interviewing and see if they have any intel. >> Are we trying to get that number for him? >> I keep getting They keep asking for it, but I don't know if they ever came through. I'll find out. Thank you. >> LT, >> do you want to put a page out to patrol and then have everybody >> the officer the one that is outside my house >> on the next door neighbor? >> He was telling me that if we got his phone number >> neighbor who knows Jose Ortega, >> they are his kids. >> Okay. Does anyone have a number for Jose? >> Okay. Can I get the number? >> What does your dad do? What is his job? >> Uh he builds a boat. >> Okay. How many guns does he have? >> They have one. Who was on the street side of the house? >> Is it a pistol? A rifle? >> I'm not sure. >> That's a >> handgun, bigger gun, handgun. Okay. >> Let me know who should be in the house. >> Uh, they said I think mom, but I'll double check. >> Find out who I got to. >> You want me to start trying to make contact or >> what happened? >> Who's supposed to be in the house? >> Me and him, the daughter. >> Okay. So, only people in there right now should be your mom and your father. >> Yeah. >> Okay. I'm trying to make sure. >> So, mom and dad, >> just mom and dad. >> Kids were in the house. Kids evacuated. >> Yep. Both son and daughter out with the dog. Just post mom. She says mom is >> she is understanding mom is pleased. Yeah. >> If you want to try and make contact, I don't know if he'll answer. I doubt he said mom or daughter said she wasn't answering to him. I'll try. >> After trying to get in contact with the couple didn't work, officers decided to approach the scene again, but this time they had no idea what was waiting for them. >> Jose Oro, this is a St. Cloud Police Department. Come out through the front door with your hands up. >> STAY AWAY FROM ME. STOP. STOP. STAND UP. [screaming] GET IT OFF. >> HEY. HEY. HEY. Keep yourself covered. >> PUT YOUR HANDS OUT. PUT YOUR HANDS OUT. >> DON'T MOVE. Get up. [ __ ] Oh, >> this search >> spread. >> Yep. Yo, you have post? >> Yeah. >> Grab that round right there. That just came out of his pocket. Take it off. Take it off. >> Go in there. >> Put that in that evidence bag. >> With the tension easing, officers decided to get more information about what led to all the chaos to happen. So, Jose's daughter stepped up with an important account. >> You were just inside, right? I just want to try and go over kind of what happened, what led up to this as much detail as possible. >> So, I got home from Georgia. I got home from Georgia yesterday night. Um, my mom was on the ground because my mom was fighting with her. So, it's okay. you know, they're always fighting. They're okay, whatever, you know, on the stairs, whatever. Went to sleep. Um, today she was downstairs. Um, she has she had a trip tomorrow to go to California for work, so I have to do her nails. I fix one of my nails. We were talking and she was telling me about him fighting and why he was fighting that he was accusing her cheating like always with some boss that she had a long time ago which they were just good friends. There was, you know, my mom didn't was never doing anything without me, nothing. But he he's like narcissist um narcissistic. So he would pick off fights before any major event like her leaving tomorrow. Of course, he's fighting with her. So I already called it. >> In the end, when officers went inside the house, they confirmed Lisette Figuro Auzman had passed away. Jose was charged with firstdegree with the addition of two counts of attempted first-degree [music] of an officer. Next up, what was supposed to be a fresh start for a family turned into a nightmare. Just a week after arranging a split custody of their daughter, a couple got into a dispute with a tragic ending. >> Tell me, AJ, what is this right here? >> My mama. >> And what is she doing? >> My sister. >> AJ? >> Yes. >> That woman sitting right there between them. Have you ever seen her before? >> Yes, sir. >> Who is that? >> My mother. May Jameson. Hey, J. Yes, sir. Give me your hand. >> On August 8th, 2007, officers from the Holmes County Sheriff's Office in Florida received a desperate call from a mother [music] claiming that her daughter had drowned in a pool and had been found unresponsive. At the scene, they were met by the mother, Amanda Lewis, who had already pulled the girl, 7-year-old Adriana Hutto, out of the water. Paramedics immediately transported Adriana to the hospital as she still had a faint pulse, [music] but she was pronounced deceased about an hour after arriving. Adriana's younger brother, Andrew Hut, also known as AJ, was taken to his grandparents house, leaving Amanda as the only person at the scene to be questioned. According to Amanda, she had arrived home from work and planned to take a nap before taking the children to buy school supplies. When she got home, the kids asked if they could play in the pool, but she refused, saying they could only play outside. Minutes later, AJ came inside saying Adriana was in the pool. And when Amanda looked outside, she saw AJ trying to help his sister. She then ran to help Adriana and called the police. To investigators, her story initially made sense as drowning is the leading cause of death among children in Florida. However, the tone of the investigation changed drastically when AJ told his grandfather that his mother had drowned Adriana in the pool. After hearing this, the grandfather contacted the police and AJ was taken to an interview room. There, he described in detail how Amanda had taken Adriana's life, even reenacting her position while doing so. Although AJ's account changed at times, investigators continued digging deeper and discovered that the children's bedroom smelled of and contained no toys. Amanda claimed the toys were kept in the garage, but investigators found nothing there except the pool ladder. The most critical evidence came when the doctor who examined Adriana reported finger marks on her head, marks consistent with an adult's grip and located in the exact spot AJ had described. Amanda was taken into custody, but with conflicting opinions surrounding the case, investigators knew they needed to listen closely to the only witness left, 7-year-old AJ. >> Jay, if you'll come right over here and just have a seat in that chair right over there. Okay, let >> me get M. That'll be fine. Can you sit in this chair right here, AJ? All right. Pull that up. >> Right. Now, this is microphone right here. All right. >> Good morning, AJ. >> Good morning. >> Would you tell us your name? >> Andrew Hut. Do your friends call you AJ? >> No. >> Do you have a middle name? >> What is that? >> Uh, Jordan. >> Jordan sometimes. Do you let me call you AJ? >> Yep. >> Okay. How old are you? >> Seven. >> Did you have a birthday a few months ago? >> Yes. So, >> when was that? November 22nd. >> And you were seven? >> Yes, sir. >> What school do you go to? >> Graceville Elementary. >> And what grade are you in, AJ? >> First grade. >> First grade. Do you have a best friend in the first grade? >> Yes. >> What is his name? >> Zachary. >> And you already know your colors. Is that right? >> Yes, sir. Would you tell these people what your favorite color is in the whole wide world? >> Green. >> Green. >> Now, [snorts] do you know the difference between a truth and a lie or a story? >> No, sir. >> Okay. If can you can you tell this jury what a what a truth is? >> Yes, sir. >> All right. For instance, if I told you I had on a green shirt. I got on green shirt. >> No. So, >> what color shirt do I have on? >> White. >> Would that be the truth or a lie? If I said I had a green shirt on, >> a lie. >> Now, if I said, "AJ, you've got a white shirt on." >> Would that be >> Oh, the truth. I'm all right. >> The prosecutor began by asking AJ simple questions, preparing him to explain to everyone in the room what had happened to Adriana. Because AJ was a child, the prosecutor needed to carefully repeat each question and ask about things that might have seemed obvious to the adults. But this approach soon proved its value. >> Now, what happens to people or or little boys that don't tell the truth? >> They thinking and they get grounded. Okay. today. Can you tell us the truth if I ask you some questions? >> Yes, sir. >> All right. Do you understand that's the most important thing? >> Yes, sir. >> Tell the truth. >> Yes, sir. >> Judge, those are my questions to >> If I can see count, if I can see counsel right there, >> AJ, Mr. [snorts] Smith, this gentleman standing right over here, has a couple of questions he wants to ask you. Right. >> Okay. >> All right. Mr. Smith, >> AJ, uh, Mr. Bastard asked you if you could tell us the difference between the truth and a lie, and you said no, sir. Is that what your answer was? >> Yes, sir. >> Can you tell me what a lie is? >> It's not the truth. >> Can you tell me what the truth is? >> It's not a lie. Okay. Um, if I told you your mother was in the courtroom here today, would that be the truth? >> No. So, >> that would not be the truth. Why is that? Cuz she's not in the courtroom? >> No. So, >> okay. So, your mother is not in this courtroom? >> No. So, >> okay. And you're telling me that that is the truth that your mother is not in the courtroom? >> Yes. Okay. Where is your mother? >> Jail. >> She's in jail. >> You don't see her in this courtroom, do you? >> No. So, >> cuz she can't be here. She's in jail, isn't she? >> Yes. So, >> it would be impossible for her to be here in the courtroom, wouldn't it? >> So, >> thank you, AJ. At this point, AJ had not yet seen his mother in the room, but that was about to change. >> AJ, >> when is the last time that you saw your mother? Do you remember? >> No, sir. >> Has it been a long time? >> Yes, sir. >> Who do you live with now? >> My aunt Carla. [music] >> Aunt Carla? >> Yes, sir. >> And And does she have a husband? Yes, sir. >> Who is that? >> The jury. >> Okay. Is Aunt Carla in the courtroom? >> Yes, sir. >> Where is she sitting? Would you point her out for the jury? >> Okay. What color top does she have on? >> Brown. >> Okay. Is that her sitting right there on the second row? >> Guess so. >> Okay. Now, AJ, have you met this man before? Right here, Mr. Brandon. >> Yes. So, >> all right. How about this man? Have you ever met him before? The one that was asking you questions. Mr. Walter. >> No. So, >> okay. How about Miss Kim right there? Have you ever seen her before? >> No, sir. >> All right. That woman sitting [music] right there between them. Have you ever seen her before? >> Yes, sir. >> Who is that? >> My mother. Now you recognize your mother. >> Yes, sir. >> All right. Okay. Look at me, AJ. >> This time we're ready to proceed, judge. You may proceed. >> I still object. >> And your objections [music] noted for the record. Previous order of the court uh is is still in place. [snorts] May Jackson. >> Hey, J. [snorts] So, >> give me your hand. All right. [clears throat] >> A Jay was going through one of the most horrible situations a child could endure. He had gone 6 months without seeing his mother, and their reunion took place in a courtroom. But those would not be the only questions he would have to answer that day, as his account held the power to change his mother's fate. AJ, do you see you see these people sitting over here? >> Yes. I met these people yesterday for the first time and I told them today that Adriana was she going to have to answer so they can hear. >> Yes, sir. >> They want to know how Adriana. >> Yes, sir. >> Now, I wasn't there, AJ, was I? >> No, sir. >> Were you there when she died? >> Yes, sir. >> Can you tell them how she? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Now, I want you to think back to the day that she Okay. >> Okay. >> Who was at home that day? >> Alan Michael. >> Alan Michael. Who else? >> My mother. >> Okay. And where were you? Where where was everyone? Do it this way. Do you remember when you got up that day? Do you remember what happened? Would you just tell tell me what happened? If you tell me, they can hear. >> Yes, sir. >> All right. That day when you got up, what did you do? >> I don't know. >> Okay. Did you watch any cartoons? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Where did you sleep that night? Did you sleep in your bedroom or did you sleep somewhere else? >> I sle I slept in the living room. >> And what did you sleep on? [snorts] Was there a special bed that you slept on that day? >> Yes, sir. >> What was that? >> Just a bed. >> Just a bed like a camping bed? >> Yes, [snorts] sir. >> All right. And Adriana, where did she sleep? >> She sleep in the bedroom. >> Okay. Did your mom come home from work that day? that morning? >> Yes. So, >> what were you doing when she came home from work? [clears throat] >> I'm still sleeping. >> Okay. >> Did there come a time that you watched some TV that day? >> Yes, sir. [music] >> Okay. What did Adriana do that day? >> Nothing. >> Did she do anything to get in trouble that day? >> Yes, sir. What did she do, AJ? >> Spray some spray on the windows. >> Oh, yeah. >> On the day AJ spoke about what had happened to Adriana, he explained that [music] his sister had been spraying a substance on the windows, which made their mother angry with her. As investigators took a closer look at the family's [music] life, they discovered that the relationship between mother and daughter had long been troubled. One of Amanda's co-workers even stated that Amanda had once said she was extremely angry with her daughter and that she wanted to take Adriana's life. Although Amanda later claimed she had said it in the heat of the moment, it was still a disturbing statement for a parent to make. And tragically, it later became clear that it wasn't accidental. >> Why was she doing that? >> I don't know. >> Was she spraying any other spray that day? >> Yes. >> How did it smell? >> Awful. >> Awful. Okay. Where was your mom? Where was your mama when she was doing that? >> She was in bed. >> Okay. Did she wake up? >> Yes. So, >> all right. What happened to Adriana when your mother woke up? >> She got grounded. >> All right. Can you tell us how that happened? >> Yes. >> All right. Tell us about that. >> I can't remember. >> You can't remember? >> No, sir. Were you inside or were you outside? >> Inside. >> Okay. >> Did [clears throat] you go outside that day? >> No. So, >> now >> at some point, did you and Adriana go outside to play that day? >> No, sir. >> What were y'all playing? >> Tractors. >> Tractors. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Where were you playing with those tractors, AJ? >> I can't remember. >> All right. How is it that Adriana got drowned that day? AJ, >> can you tell me? >> No. >> All right. >> As the questioning continued, AJ was shown several photos, an attempt by the prosecutor to help the child better recall the events of that day. >> Now then, AJ, do you recognize this picture? And we will identify these A1A. Do you recognize this? >> Yes, sir. >> All right. Is this the road that goes in front of your house? >> Yes, sir. >> Where were those people working that day? Would you point with your finger where they were working that day? Okay. So, they were cutting these trees down right there. >> Yes, sir. >> All right. Now, where were you when your sister got drowned that day? Let me see. First of all, what is this right here? Are these these tractors that you were talking about playing with? Can you just put them right there? [snorts] Are those your tractors? >> Yes, sir. >> That one and that one? And is that one, too? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Now, first of all, do you recognize this? This old. >> Who made this? >> I did. >> Okay. Now, I see some writing on here. Did you Did you write that on here? >> Yes. >> Where did you make this? Do you remember where you made this? Were you visiting Miss Lynette one day when you made this drawing? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Will this drawing help you to explain to the jury what happened? >> That's all. >> All right. Do you remember what day you drew this? >> No. So, >> okay. When you drew this, did this help you explain what happened? help you tell the story of what happened? >> Yes, sir. >> All right. >> The prosecutor had been asking AJ important questions in between questions about the boy's routine and his toys. A way to make him feel comfortable and ensure he was speaking truthfully. But at this point, he began asking the most crucial questions. When AJ was separated from his mother, he drew the scene he had witnessed that day, something no one could ignore. Now look, AJ, this this yellow one has some writing on it. Is that your writing? That little small writing? >> So, >> all right. But the big writing is yours. If we use this this diagram right here that [snorts] just has your writing on it, did you do all of this and do all of this drawing? >> So, >> all right. All right, AJ. Now tell me, AJ, what is this right here? [snorts] >> My pool. >> Your pool? >> Yes, sir. >> The one that was in this picture that we just saw a few minutes ago. >> Yes, sir. >> All right. And who is this right here? >> Me. >> What are you doing, AJ? I was playing. >> All right. Were you playing with anything? >> Yes, sir. >> What were you playing with? >> That. >> Okay. What's that supposed to be? >> I can't remember. >> Okay. You can't remember? >> All right. What is this right here? >> A tree. >> Were you playing in the tree or around a tree? >> In the tree. in the tree. Okay. >> Now, what is this right here? Who is this or what is this? >> My mama. >> Okay. And what is she doing? >> My sister. >> How is she doing that? AJ, >> putting her hand over her face. Would you would you show me how she put her hand over your sister's face? Huh? >> No. So, >> you don't want to do that? >> No. So, >> okay. A Jay was once again retelling the story he had already told officers, but [music] this time in a courtroom and in front of his mother. Amanda could have stopped the trial and spared her young son from everything he was being put through. But she chose not to. [music] Instead, listening as her seven-year-old son recounted the events once more. >> Who is this? >> My mother. >> And who is this? My sister. >> What is this right here? >> My mother's arm. >> Your mother's arm. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. >> What does this mean right here? She did >> die. >> What? >> She >> She Okay. You mean your sister? Okay. What this too bad? What does that mean? That was scary. >> Was scary. When this was happening, could you see it? >> Was that a yes or a no? >> Yes. >> Where were [music] you? Could you get the path, please? >> AJ. So, >> if I drew a diagram right here, okay, if this is your trailer, this is the home where you live and this is the tree out front. The pool would be where? Over here. >> Yes. So, >> and the shed. Uh, what did y'all keep in the shed? >> Volleyballs. >> Okay. Balls. Would [clears throat] that be back over here? >> Yes, sir. >> All right. Now, and if this is the road that was out in front of the house, where were you when you saw your sister die or when your sister Where were you? You were here in this tree? >> Yes, sir. >> Did you stay in the tree or did you move anywhere? >> I moved. >> Where did you move to? Right here. Yes, sir. >> At at the corner here. >> Yes, sir. >> Where was your sister when you were there? >> Where was your mama when you were there? Right there. Is that when she did this? Is that the reason you're drawing this? >> No. So, >> all right. As the questioning continued, Larry asked AJ about the events that took place on the day Adriana drowned. A Jay was questioned about the firearm, where he was taken after officers arrived, the video police recorded of him, and most importantly, whether he knew how his mother became aware that Adriana was in the pool, to which he answered that he didn't, directly contradicting Amanda's version that AJ had called her. After Larry's questioning concluded, Amanda's attorney, Walter B. Smith, began questioning AJ using a slightly different approach, as his goal was to prove Amanda's innocence. While speaking with Walter, AJ stated that he had called his mother after noticing Adriana was in the pool, but said he didn't remember what Amanda did afterward, only that she did not get into the pool. Despite Walter's efforts, the evidence against Amanda, including the finger marks on Adriana's head, AJ's testimony, the troubled relationship between Amanda and Adriana, the doctor's statements that Amanda showed no emotional reaction upon learning of Adriana's, and the discovery that Amanda had previously lost a son named Alex under mysterious circumstances was impossible to ignore. In the end, Amanda was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole along with an additional 30-year sentence for aggravated abuse.