Get the room safe. >> Hey boys. Come on. >> Hi guys. What are you doing? They're just in there by themselves, which is probably why they're smearing poop on the wall. >> Where are they supposed to be napping at? There's not a bed in here. >> Homes are meant to be a safe place for children. But what happens when officers have to step in and discover the horrors that some children are forced to endure? >> The baby cats. Oh, the baby cats. >> What happened? Oh my god. Do you think these living conditions are acceptable for children? >> No, I don't. >> No. There's trash everywhere. There's animals. There's animals that are not being taken cared for. Unacceptable. >> It gets cleaned up every day. Listen to me. >> No. No. No. No. No. No. There's no way. >> These were the moments when cops found helpless [music] kids in houses of horrors. We begin with a case when a mother in a psychotic episode called the police in desperation. They had no idea the reason behind it. She had just tried to take her daughter's life. >> Is anybody else in the house? got multiple pressure on it. >> Oh, >> it's a it's a butcher knife, too. Tell them it's a butcher knife. >> Well, tell me what you were thinking. >> Something just tell me to do it. >> What do you What do you mean by that? >> Voices. >> Voices. >> I went to the knife and I took her in the bathroom and left me. On April 21st, 2025, officers received a call from a residence after a mother told police that she had just her three-year-old daughter. Upon arrival, officers prepared to storm the residence if there was any delay. But a chilling revelation awaited them to move everything. >> This building right here. Are you sure? The GPS are shown in here. This is it, right? But I don't see a building number. >> See? I see a head. >> Sheriff's office. >> Come out here. I'm >> out. Anybody else in the house? >> I got >> Is anybody else in the house? >> My daughter. >> Your daughter. Anybody else? >> Is there anybody else in the house? >> No. >> Hold on to her. >> I got her. >> Here. I have a little child here. >> Let's put her in the car. >> You got her? >> Yeah, I got her. >> Anybody else in the house, ma'am? >> My daughter. >> Who else besides your daughter? Nobody else. Is she okay? She's bleeding. She's >> got multiple >> [screaming] >> I'll put pressure on it. >> I got multiple 37. >> Hey, Maddox, we can go in. We got multiple wounds. >> Open the door. >> I don't want to move her. >> Have a seat. >> Is she a patient or not? >> No, she's suspect right there on the right. >> Got multiple child. >> You got any wounds on you, ma'am? >> Do anything. >> You're not hurt at all? >> Let's do 68. Let's get ready to roll. I don't I don't have >> So, we're just going to go. >> Okay. >> How much bleeding do we have? >> A little bit only, but multiple. Come on. Let's go, baby. Come on. I got you. >> Okay. You're going to be okay. All right. Okay. Let's get to be okay. All right. >> Oh, it's a It's a butcher knife, too. Tell them it's a butcher knife. It's like 8 in. It's a butcher knife. I don't think we need >> Hey, do me do me a favor. Check out the house again one more one more time. Just make sure nobody else. Hey, do me a favor. You going to go with the child? >> Initially, the suspect surrendered without resistance, but the scene officers walked into was horrifying. [music] A child lay severely injured, covered in multiple wounds, and despite everything, they were still conscious. >> No wounds. I can see. You want to check her? >> Hey, are you hurt? >> No, nothing. >> Just on her hands. Nothing on her chest. >> Where's the medic? >> The blade. Can I get a picture of the blade? >> Come on. The blade here. Where's the blade? >> I heard it was about Here it is. Right there. >> It is my hands. >> Yeah. >> About 8 in blade. >> Yeah. I'm assuming that's the line on it. >> Yeah. So, don't move anything else. Leave it all here. I >> All right. Hey, do me a favor. And you're in the back of the car. Okay. Come up. Get up. This is legit because I have a a mom that her child at least 10 times in a bath. All the is superficial, but they're definitely the knife's in the bedroom in the bathroom like they're saying about 8 in knife. So, we're securing the house right now. Got somebody in the back. It's a legit call for >> Do you have ID with you for now >> to where? By the time investigators found the child's father, he had just returned home after picking up his son from school. But as officers began explaining what had happened inside, a look of fear took over his face. He didn't need to hear everything. Knowing his wife's mental state, he already feared the worst, what she might have done to his own daughter. >> We took our daughter to school. We got home. We slept for a little while. We went to access of Medicaid, picked up a daughter, dropped her off, and then we pick up my son. >> Isabella. >> Isabella Hernandez. Yes. >> No problem. >> No, no problem. >> So, who told you? Are you just coming home now? >> I'm coming home. I'm picking up my son. >> Nobody called you. >> Nobody called me. >> Okay. >> Did she have any mental health issues? >> Yes. >> Apparently, she called on herself saying that she hurt her daughter. She's been taken to the hospital and that's what this is on. >> Where's my daughter? >> She's at the hospital being treated on. >> What did she do? >> It looks like her a couple times. She's She's walking. She's talking. She's breathing. She's just cut. She was fine. She was crying when we got there. We talked to her. She was standing. She was walking. She's in good care right now. She's at one of the best pediatric places over in St. Mary's. Okay. >> Okay. >> But she obviously she's under arrest until we figure out what the heck's going on. >> She's schizophrenic. >> So, she's taking medication. >> Yes. They're on the island. Last week, I took her to the hospital because she said she was feeling like herself. She kept her for 3 days. They put on >> Okay. She made comments about children. She made comments about herself and yeah her comments about she felt like she thought it was just a thought and I said let's go right to the hospital so I took her back to the hospital they kept her for 3 days and they released her. >> You haven't seen any physical violence before just comments and thought only that one time when she >> How long you guys been married? >> 7 years. >> You live here too? >> Yes, I live there. Here's my ID. Okay. >> Can I go see my daughter? >> Look this just happened like 10 minutes ago. So we're trying to piece everything together. If you would just give me a minute, I'll give you some directions on best course of action. >> That's my daughter. >> Just got some marks on her back and stuff. Looks like from a knife, >> but she was walking, talking, and crying, conscious alert, which is good. That's a good sign. But she's she's she went to the hospital like probably 20 minutes ago. >> You took to the hospital, too? >> No, she's still here. >> Can I see her? >> No. Give us a minute on that. How old is she? >> She's three. She'll be four in July. >> The woman's husband provided officers with additional details, explaining that the incident began after she made accusations against him. He also revealed that her mental health had been deteriorating over time, reaching a point where she had been hospitalized multiple times due to repeated episodes. Just days before the incident, she had been released. >> This is This is dad. This is her husband. >> Dad, there's no other kids in the house. It's just >> 16y old, but he wasn't there when these guys weren't here when it happened. >> 16-year-old and the father were not in the house. It was just the mother and the and the three-year-old. >> Um, >> I'm sorry to meet you in this uh circumstance. Sorry. It's like chaos when we first get here. We're trying to get everything as as closed out as possible. Uh, your child left here is priority to visit the hospital right now. She's doing X-ray. The medics were here right away. I got to say, we walked that house. As far as I'm concerned, it was a pretty fast thing cuz she opened the door. We took her control. When he saw got the child, >> she herself. At least she had a moment of clarity at one point and said, "I know what I'm doing is wrong. Let me call >> and get her help." She was Baker acted one time, >> December. >> But most recently, he brought her in from voluntary on Monday. She got out on Monday. This Monday came out on Wednesday. >> Thursday got pro for possible schizophrenia issues. >> No, she takes a medication for schizophrenia. It's It's on the island previously. They gave it to her in back in December. It's on the >> She was diagnosed with schizophrenia. >> They didn't give her a diagnosis. They just gave her that medication. >> You said she has made a comment. >> That's why we took her on Monday. She made a comment that she didn't want to be in this world no more. And she felt like a child. So I said, "Let's go to the hospital." So we took her to the hospital. >> Was TCF never notified or came out? No, she had to open a case because that's what started everything on me saying that I was a child and all that. They came out, the detectives came out. >> She made the allegation. The detective came out, DCS worker came out. Everything was said that she has a problem. >> I know. He said, you said that you're not married to her, but you guys been living together as a family >> for the past 7 years. >> Yes. >> And you never had a problem with this until >> Never. And when she when the baby was born, I noticed her brain started [clears throat] >> like postpartum issues. >> Exactly. Detectives are coming over right here right now. I don't know what they want to ask your questions. They're probably going to ask you the other stuff again. It gives them a little bit of background who she is. We were able to get a hold of DCF. >> I got to take my daughter away from me, right? >> But we have to notify them. I don't think >> obviously it's an assault child. >> So, she's going to be Baker Act again. >> I was there at the very minimum. >> As officers questioned the woman, they tried to piece together what had happened inside the house, but her answers were disturbing. They revealed a deeply troubled mind. one she claimed was influenced by voices telling her to harm the young girl. >> Are you okay? >> Do you remember us? >> Remember talked to you a couple months ago about what's dad's name again? >> Remember we came out to the house and talked to you. Are you feeling okay? Dizzy or anything like that? You need any medical attention or anything? No. We want to talk to you for a minute. Is that okay? You're not feeling good today, are you? A lot of things going on. You want to talk to me about what happened? I don't know why I did it. >> You don't know? Well, tell me what you were thinking. >> Something just tell me to do it. >> What do you What do you mean by that? >> The voices. >> Voices. And what what were they saying? >> They told me to do it. >> What were they saying? >> They told me to. >> They told you to. >> And how did that happen? >> Do you remember the incident? Look at me for a sec. Let me ask you this. What were you doing before that? >> I was sitting on the couch at the Were you on the couch? Were you watching TV or anything or? >> No. >> What was she doing? >> She was sitting I don't know. >> You don't know? What's your daughter's name again? >> Isabella. >> Isabella. Was she with you or was she in another room or >> No, she was with me. >> She was Were you guys talking a good time or >> I don't I don't know. >> You don't know? Are you doing okay now? Are you still hearing voices? >> No. >> You're not? Are you having trouble hearing me because you're hearing something else or are you hearing me? Okay. Don't Don't start banging your head, sweetheart. Don't. Do you have any injuries or anywhere? No. I notice you have some on your your shirt and all that. Was that from her or >> That's not from me. >> That's not from you. How did you her? What? What happened? You were sitting on the couch and then what? I went to the grab the knife and I just took you in the bathroom and that's >> At this point, the suspect told officers that the incident had taken place in the bathroom, something that immediately caught their attention since the girl had been found on the couch. This suggested she had been dragged through the house. When asked why she had done it, the suspect claimed she needed to do it to get rid of her daughter. >> Oh, so it h you did it in the bathroom, not cuz we we found her on on the couch. So, we were wondering how she got out there. Do you know? I took her out there because they said on the phone to help her. >> Oh, okay. So, you called you called 911 and they told you to help her. What did they tell you to do? >> They told me to apply pressure to the wound. >> And how many wounds were there? >> I don't know. >> You don't know? Was there more than one? >> I think so. >> You think so? Did you see a lot of >> No. >> Where did you get the knife from? >> From the kitchen. >> So, you went to the kitchen and got the knife? >> Mhm. That's >> And then And then what happened? >> I just took her in the bathroom and I >> Is there any other reason why you did that? Did you know her? >> I don't know. >> You said the voices told you to. >> What did the voices say? >> I told you. He said to her. >> That's all. Just to her. >> Did they say to do anything else? >> How long have you been hearing those voices? >> For a while. >> How long have they been telling you to hear? For a while. >> For a while. Is this the first time you thought about doing something like that? >> No. >> When was another time? >> I don't know. >> You don't You don't know or you don't remember? >> I don't remember. >> Are you taking your medications? >> I didn't take my medication today. >> Today? Did you take it yesterday? >> Yes. >> And did you feel like this yesterday? >> No. >> I don't I don't know. >> You don't know? What were you trying to do when when you there? What did you think was going to happen? >> I don't know. I don't know. >> You don't know? >> No. >> Do you think she could get seriously like that? >> I don't know. >> You don't know? >> Were you trying to hurt her or what were you trying to do? >> I was trying to >> You were Did you want her to go away all together? >> Yeah. >> As the investigation progressed, officers quickly realized this was much bigger than they initially thought. The suspect revealed that this wasn't the first time she had thought about harming her daughter. There had been other attempts, moments that pointed to an ongoing pattern, one where the child had been in danger for far longer than anyone knew. >> Did the voices tell you that or no? >> They just told me to. >> Did they tell you to stop her? >> No. >> Then why did you stop? >> I don't know. >> Cuz you actually stopped and called 911, didn't you? Why did you do that? >> Because I know I did something wrong. >> You did? I you knew that was bad. >> I think so. >> What do you mean you think so? You made the call, right? >> Yeah. Can you take these off? >> I I can't take them off. Did they tighten up? >> Yeah, >> they did. Maybe I can get somebody to loosen it for you. Would you like that? >> Yes. >> Okay. Let me ask if I can get the deputy to loosen your cuffs for you. >> Have you talked to your doctor about hearing the voices lately? >> No. >> No. What do you tell them when you talk to them? >> They hear me. Like when you talk to your doctor cuz I remember when I was here last time when we talked you were going to see somebody. >> I guess everything was fine. >> Well, you said today is not fine. So something happened, right? The voices telling you to do bad things yesterday. >> Throughout the day. >> Throughout the day today or yesterday? >> Well, okay. >> What were they saying yesterday? >> I don't know. >> How far is this? Sometimes I can train it to think that different things. It just comes. >> Does it talk to you or does it just like over and over in your head? Like how does it what does it sound like? >> I don't know. >> The woman appeared to be in a distressed state making it difficult for officers to obtain clear information. With little to go on, they turned back to her husband. He explained that days before the incident, she had expressed unusual thoughts. But since she hadn't shown any visible signs of an episode, everything seemed normal. However, it may have been a strategy to be left alone with her daughter. >> Or does it just like over and over in your head? Like, how does it what does it sound like? >> I don't know. >> They're not comfortable. >> Sir, so here's what you're going to do. Deputy Barkin is going to is going to send you a request. It's a link, so just click on it. automatically opens the phone for you if you can put the videos you have in there right to that system cuz once you send it to him he can see his computer he can see everything >> I can I can look at everything >> thank you very much I appreciate it >> so what is your understanding of what happened >> uh Monday she told me she didn't want to be in this world no more she was thinking of crazy things telling me to help her if I can help her I was like help you what she well another thing I've been thinking about is I want to bellow and I'm like let's go to the hospital so I took a volunteer >> that was Last Monday. >> Last Monday. >> A week ago. Okay. On Thursday, did you pick her up from the hospital? You picked her up from the hospital. They gave her >> top of the schizophrenic medication. >> Has been How long has she been taking that now? >> Oh, since December. Since I stay Baker actor. >> Okay. Before she went to the hospital last Monday, was she taking her medication? >> Yes, I made sure it regularly. >> I made sure. >> Was she take it every day? Multiple times a day? Twice a day. Okay. So, how has she been since Thursday? >> Good. That's why it shocked me. She's been perfectly fine today. We took her this morning to the school. Okay, we came home. We took a nap. We went picked her up and I dropped her off cuz I got to pick up my son from the bus and I said, "I'll be back." She was perfectly fine. I come back with my son and I see this. >> At this point, officers questioned the child's father about why he had left her alone despite knowing his wife's condition. He explained that he believed she was doing well that day and that everything seemed normal, just a routine without any signs of concern. >> What time did you pick up Bella from school today? >> At 2:30. >> And then you just dropped her off, right? >> Right. I'll be right back. >> She was She seemed fine. >> Like what does her find look like? I guess. >> Well, since that medication, she's been disconnected. She's forgetting things like in another world. >> Um, and my understanding is you have a video surveillance on your phone. What of what can you see on that? >> I can see the part where she went to the kitchen, came out with the knife, walked Bella into the bathroom. I don't have a camera in the bathroom, so I can't see in the bathroom. >> Yeah, I gotcha. Can you see them coming out of the bathroom at all? >> She came out alone. You want to see it? Yeah, sure. Why not? >> I downloaded them all cuz the cop wants me to send it to him. No, that's when she was putting the compress on her back right here. It's got to be this one. >> What? >> You see how she's acting? That's new. That's totally new. >> Like holding her head like that. >> Yeah. >> Is she playing headaches right now? >> No. None. [crying] >> She's calling the cops. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Why? Why did you come home? >> Because I I lived there. >> Oh, you were done working or whatever? >> No, I was picking up my son from the school bus. We picked up our daughter. I dropped them off. I said, "I'm going to go pick up my son from the school bus cuz he I got to go to the IBIS center." Then I came home. >> So, you were here with them prior to going to get your son, right? >> Is everything okay? >> Everything was fine. >> How long were you gone to pick up your son? >> It took me about 30 minutes. Let's start from this morning when you guys woke up. Did you wake up first? She wake up first? >> I woke up first. >> Okay. So, you took your son to school at 5:00 and then what do you do? >> And I come back and we get Bella ready and we take her to school. >> Did both of you go to take her to school? She acting fine then? >> She was complaining about anything? >> Nothing. >> As the investigation progressed, the husband explained that his wife had never mentioned hearing voices before. He did express concern about her behavior in the days leading up to the incident, but on that day, everything seemed normal. However, during the brief time he was away, he later checked the security cameras and saw her leading their daughter into the bathroom holding a knife. >> And this whole time up before you pick up Bella? >> Nothing. >> Does she look like she took her medication? >> Yeah, she did take it this morning. >> So, you know she took it. >> I know for a fact. >> Did you see her take it? >> Yes. >> You guys both pick her up and then what do you do? >> Came home, dropped them off. I said, "I'll be back. I'm going to go to JJ." >> Did you go inside with them and all that? How long were you inside with them? >> 15 minutes. >> Everything looked okay. Did was Bella getting something to eat or anything? >> She was getting her food ready and I said if she don't want to eat it cuz Bella's a little sick, she has a cough. Give her She calls them pizza pepperonis cuz she loves pepperoni. >> Was Bella fussy or anything? >> Not at all. So >> normal 33y old, you know how they are. And in the videos you see her sitting down doing her doing homework. She even called me at 3:16 telling me that she don't want to eat. And I was like, "Well, just give her pepperoni and let her she'll get hungry. She will eat." >> Can you do us a favor too and screenshot that? And uh when you send over the video, send that over to Did she sound upset or anything? >> No. No. Just her disconnected. >> Was Was Bella crying in the background? Nothing? [music] >> Nope. >> So when you got home, were we already here? >> Yeah. C's already here. I saw the tape there and I'm like, what's going on? >> Okay. Is that when you first looked at the videos or whatever? >> Yeah, that's when it started like, let me see what what happened. >> Okay. Why Why do you have videos all through the house? >> Yeah, that was her idea. >> At one time when uh schizophrenic got real bad, she was accusing me of her and all that. DCF came up to the house. I showed them the videos. She's like, "No, there's something wrong with her. She needs help." >> But it was her idea to put the videos in though, right? >> Yes. >> What was her thinking on that? Do you know? >> To catch me doing something to our kids. >> Okay. So, she was doing it to watch you. >> Yeah. >> Did you have any concerns or fears about leaving her alone with her or anything like that? >> As when she got out of the hospital th Monday when she told me that. Yeah. I was afraid. I even didn't go to work because of it. She was back to being just disconnected. Is that you still thinking of harming yourself or Bella? She's like, "No." >> Does she hear voices? >> She never told me that. >> The husband insisted his wife had been taking her medication as prescribed, something that helped keep her condition stable. But officers began to question that claim because moments later, he revealed a critical detail. That morning, she hadn't taken one of her medications. >> Don't ask too quickly. Just take a second because we're trying to understand why all of the sudden the click cuz you said she had her medication this morning, right? >> So, that should have helped her. >> She didn't take Prozac this morning. >> She took her. schizophrenic medication. >> Yeah. >> But what what was the Prozac given to her specifically for? Do you know? >> When when she went in this past week, >> but you don't know why. >> No, they didn't tell her. They didn't tell me. They just put her on that medication. >> She took her schizophrenia. >> Yes. >> But all you know is today she didn't take that. >> She's going to take it in the afternoon cuz it makes her feel too weird. She feels her head being he is heavy and disconnected. >> Have you ever had a thought that this might happen? With what happened last time, the only fear I had was her doing something to me in my sleep, but never to the baby. >> She never said she she's >> to me, she loves this. Excuse my language out of that child. She never ever laid a handle on that child. She would get mad at me for tapping. >> She get frustrated. >> Do you notice something different about her? Like cuz I know she's been hospitalized before, right? >> She'll sit like let's say I'm there and she's here. She'll do this >> zone completely out and then I ask her, "What's on your mind? You okay?" She I'm okay. >> She never told you she heard voices before? >> No. >> I've never heard that come my ask her. >> Yes. I said, "Do you hear any voices? Do you hear thoughts telling you to do things?" And she's like, "Only time was that Monday." >> What did she say the voices were telling her? >> No, she didn't say they were her voices. She said that she she was thinking that she didn't want to be in this world no more. And she also was thinking of taking a knife and Bella. She told me those words exactly on Monday. That's why I said, "Let's go to the hospital." And I took her to JF Kennedy. After all this has happened, what was your thought process of leaving her alone with Bella? >> When Monday she said that, I was afraid to. I didn't even go to work last week because of it. I stayed home. I That was my manager that just called me. Thursday when they released us, she seemed back to just being disconnected, back to her normal self. >> Nothing since she got out Thursday. >> Not nothing. I've asked her, "Do are you still having those thoughts? Are you thinking about them thoughts?" "No, I'm not." It's like, "Okay." >> As the investigation progressed, officers questioned the couple's older son. He explained that after his sister was born, his mother began to act strangely. He recalled moments when she would stare at him in a frightening way. Over time, he grew concerned for his sister's safety, sensing that something might happen. >> We're just kind of trying to figure out what happened today. >> Going to be honest, I was in my room all day. >> Fair enough. All right. >> Did go down to eat cuz I got a tad bit hungry and I was going to cook me eggs. Looked kind of normal as someone on pills for stabilization. What's her normal like these days? >> Depends because at first she was just normal for like a few years. It all started when Bella happened. She started like accusing my dad of things that never happened. She thought he poisoned her when that didn't happen cuz like we got child protective services involved and they were like she's just delusional because schizophrenia runs in her family. After that she left a few times, came back a few times. So, what's her normal look like when you've seen her over the last couple of months? >> Zoned out because she's on pills. >> Okay. So, that >> What's she on pills for? >> Schizeria, I think. >> But you didn't notice anything out of her her normal this weekend. >> Ever since she was put in the in the psych ward for saying I don't feel safe around Bella cuz she said that to my dad and which they went instantly to the psych word as they should. And it turns out uh one of her things were giving her depression or one of her things the side effect was so they gave her pills on top of all her other pills. Once she had schizophrenia, I basically predicted all of this. >> When you say you knew something was going to happen, when was that? >> I remember like before she was on schizop pills, I felt a tad bit scared around her. Even though her lashing out wasn't at me, I felt like a presence behind me sometimes and I thought she was going to be behind me to me, but never happened. It was one of those things, but it only appeared like once or twice. >> What? What appeared? What do you mean by that? >> A presence being behind me of like lust, but she never did anything cuz she was downstairs. >> At this point, the boy's testimony became crucial, revealing that the girl was not the only victim. There had also been attempts to harm other members of the family. >> Well, you specifically said you thought she was going to you though. Why would you think she would you not you not with something? What? >> I don't know. That's it. That's all I thought of was justing. That was a while ago and nothing happened. That's when the skitso kicked in and then that's pretty much all that led to now. >> She DCF just got to talk to her for a second. >> Hi, Mom. I'm Stephanie. I'm with DCF. Are you willing to talk to me? Okay, that's it. >> That's it. Thank you. >> Okay. So, you got to get out of the photo of you. Okay. >> Just step off. At this point, officers concluded that the young girl's condition had improved. With only fragmented memories, she described being carried to the bathroom by the suspect and recalled moments when she was hurt. >> Can I talk to you for a couple minutes? Is that okay? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Why do you have a band-aid on? >> Water. >> You want You want to give me water? >> No. The sauce. >> No sauce. Is it good? >> What happened here? What happened? >> What happened? Why do you have a band-aid? >> Look, a scratcher. >> You got a scratch? What's under the band-aid? >> A kitty cat scratching me. >> Your kitty cat. There's no kitty cat here. Who did that? >> A doctor. >> You got a boo boo at the doctor? Why did you go to the doctor? What happened to your bath? >> You want to show me? Oh, what happened? >> There. What happened? >> Mommy show me. >> Mommy took you in the bathroom. She took you there? >> Yes. >> What did she do? >> Mommy and doctor. >> Mommy's at the doctor. >> This is mommy and doctor. >> I told her that her mother's in the doctor coming out. >> But why? Why did you go in the bathroom? >> Poo poo. >> You had to go poo poo. >> Yeah. Did mommy go in the bathroom with you? >> Yeah, >> she did. >> Yes. >> What did she do? >> Mommy had her face. >> She had a face. >> No. Mommy had a face. >> She had a face. She had fangs. >> Oh, she had fangs. >> Yes. >> What kind of fangs? >> She had fangs. >> Was mommy upset? >> Yeah. >> Why? No. >> No. Mommy. Mommy. Mommy. >> She's crying. >> No. Mommy. >> Why was she holding her head? What happened? What was she thinking about? >> Mommy blow. >> Mommy blow. >> In the end, the suspect was charged with attempted first-degree murder with a deadly weapon. Up next, when a report is made that a child is supposedly being kept against their will by their guardians inside a home in a deplorable [music] state. >> Being kept in the home. She's not does not come outside. She's not being fit. >> Oh, she definitely being fit her out here. And I have to do her hair. This This is DCF. >> Yeah. I I don't need a warrant for DCF. I regarding child safety. Grab your thing. Says you are positive for uh >> what? You have an arrest warrant for child uh without without great bodily harm. >> You have an arrest warrant for child stepfather. When officers arrived, they found a house that appeared disorganized. The mother was outside drinking with her partner, but the child was nowhere to be seen, raising further suspicion. >> How are you? >> Hello. >> Are you Crystal? >> Yes. >> Okay. I'm Jordan. I'm with Department of Children and Families. Um there's a report um that we have a child here um and that she's being kept in the home. She's not does not come outside. She's not being fed. >> Oh, she's definitely being fed perfect. She does my hair and I have to give her hair. >> Okay. So, I do have to interview you. Um um as well as uh I believe his name is Torrance too, the father of her. Um and you have to see you have to view your home. I have to see where she sleeps. Um take pictures because he's also saying that your home has environmental hazards. It's very cluttered inside currently right now because we're doing laundry and stuff. >> Okay. So, so and then I bring an officer for my safety regarding the report. He will have another officer show up as well. >> Um, >> what what a warrant. It's This is DCF. >> Yeah. I I don't need a warrant for DCF. I It's It's regarding child safety. >> I don't How do I ma'am? >> Do you have any dogs or anything in the house? No dogs. Okay. And then this is Ayanna. She's a training CPI um child protective investigator. And so here I was about the other day to go get her physical for school cuz I already got her and everything. >> And I found a place and I found a place where I can pay $20 to go. >> Look in that refrigerator. Tell me if she need >> Yeah. No. Yeah. >> Yeah. It's just line for today. So, everything is torn apart so we can find all of our laundry. >> Happens. We all >> And when when will you be getting the physical? >> It was going to be today because I can walk into the clinic all the way until 8:00. I was going to go pay my rent at 3. Right after that, we were going to go get dressed and get that physical done today. >> And I don't need an appointment. >> Initially, the mother was identified as Crystal. Investigators attempted to gather information about the girl's absence from school. Crystal provided several explanations, but none of them offered a clear answer. And then regarding uh you all just getting um the physical and stuff which started in August. What was the what was the what was the delay? I got my passport for you guys. So I've been trying to figure out how to get the password to that so I can get back on it cuz I finally paid everything for you guys for the uh they had given me money for EBT and then I had to pay it back. So that was our time we had to pay back. It's like $530 something like and that was a big deal on us because our rent was not small. >> So we didn't get her ready for school because we had to pay back. >> Yes, pay that back. But I should be able to get her registered after I get this this call. >> So, um, how often are you all having your beers? >> I don't really drink that often, but very rarely do I actually come out here and relax. >> Yes, he does. But he's always out here, you know, doing his thing out here. I mean, when I'm at work, he's in and out of the house making sure everything's okay because, as you can tell, he's been doing so long and everything cuz it's a hot mess after all this raining and stuff. >> When officers asked her to go inside the home, Crystal began giving different explanations about the hardships she claimed to be facing. What they found inside the house provided the evidence needed to confirm the neg and mistreatment the child had been experiencing. >> Understand that this is why he's telling you that um I can't hear your confession. this. Sorry. >> I'm so I'm literally finally getting there. You know what I'm saying? I finally finally got my license back and everything. And I finally got everything. We're all that doing one thing, man. Finally getting the house ready. Finally pulled out stuff we didn't even know we had anymore. >> Finally getting stuff out of her room so we can finally redo her room. Oh, we got one more thing, man. So [ __ ] >> Me too. I just want things to be normal. We finally got there. >> Um Dad, do you work? >> No. >> He's a stay at home guy. He has a lot of pain in his joints. So just >> I was about to say I just met I'm just meeting you. So I unfortunately I have to get to know you in a way. I know there's crazy questions but you know that's the basic any substance use that you will I do I do have drugs from besides the alcohol >> and also before because it came in as environmental hazards the whole being cluttered and um Tori being technically what they want to call malnourish I'm have to take pictures of your home and take pictures of Tori okay >> okay that's fine to mind you she probably needs a newspaper Once officers stepped inside the home, the reality slowly began to unfold. The conditions where the child had been sleeping were devastating. It was a shocking discovery, one that made it clear the young girl could not remain there. >> So, unfortunately, >> unfortunate. Um, there's no problem. >> Fortunately, um, right now we're going to have to, you all are going to have to, um, call, make some calls, family members, cousins, Um, there will be a safety plan put in place because the home has to be cleaned up. This uh it's way too far. It's way too It's >> I'm not leaving. She has to You have to get your home cleaned up. Um, and I won't I will not be leaving here until someone comes and picks up. Um, so we have to get someone to come to make you care for home. So you and dad can take some time to clean up, get everything sorted >> and in a fashion that is safe for her because although >> that she shouldn't be on there. >> Yeah, that's what's coming up. >> But also what I was doing today but after she ripped it up. >> Yeah. But >> understand this is respect to you both. Like I don't think you all are bad parents. I just think you need some assistance. But also >> also that sheet should have should have been off not not a day ago, not yesterday, the day before. That she should have been off weeks ago. I can just tell by how um the mattress >> Yeah, the mattress is not. And for that mattress to be already here when you all moved here, that's also a problem because that's why there's a possible signal under description. >> That's all we have right now. >> No, I'm saying if we can't afford what we supposed to let us sleep on the floor. >> No, you're No, you're not. But I when I viewed your home just now, you all have a bed and there's a couch. Unfortunately, apparently it's going to have the second one. At this point, investigators were trying to give the family a chance. They proposed a safety plan, an agreement meant to improve the situation. But things took a turn when a toxicology test was conducted, and the results revealed a new discovery. >> You're you're you all have a bed. It has a sheet on it. Fine. >> And I'm only >> That's fine. That's fine. And also back in the room, >> also I want you all to know I'm saying all this to say that I can tell that you all need services and that's what the department does. My goal is not to remove your kid to cause trauma to your kid. I don't that's I don't agree with that. I'm not a fan of that. I can put services in place. You all have to >> do the services. You have to be willing and wanting to do the services for this to go in a better place. Because if if it's not and something else reoccurs or the home doesn't get clean, unfortunately, my next step is more intrusive. >> Hey, I can't hear you. >> I'm not tripping. Right. >> That warm that space. I mean, that's not there. That's not there. >> There's a line with a C right up here. >> Yep. >> Oh, please Jesus. No, >> that's what I'm trying to figure out myself. >> So, what does that one say at the moment? Uh, it says I can tell that you're positive for THC, but I'm just trying to figure out if your thing says you are positive for uh what? >> Then that must be there, isn't it? But I smoke. >> No. >> And that's it. Oh my god. >> Well, I know one thing. Guess what it's time to do? >> Quit. >> Either quit or or go get my dang on car. >> I'm quitting. I'm quitting. Yeah, I think >> because that's that's it. >> Yeah. >> As the investigation progressed, the child's removal was ordered and the situation appeared to be resolved. However, 6 days later, after a review of new evidence, a new court order was issued. >> Do you take any medication? >> No, I don't. >> The only thing I do is Yeah. I propol and I have a gummy >> gummy. Regular? >> No. No. Like my regular like vitamin gummies. >> Okay. >> Hands up. What the hell happened here? >> What the hell happened? What's going on? >> You have a warrant, >> huh? >> You have a warrant for your arrest. >> I got a warrant for my arrest. >> Yes, sir. >> How in the hell do I have a warrant for my arrest? >> Well, we'll explain everything to you in a second. >> Can I make a phone call then? >> Not right now. >> Torren's what? >> Okay. 575. All right. >> How would I have a warrant for my arrest? >> You have an arrest warrant for child uh without without great bodily harm. So, >> do would you like to talk to a detective today about your charges? >> My lady, >> what the >> At this point, an arrest warrant had been issued for those responsible for the child. When officers arrived, they located the man. His reaction was immediate. He seemed unable to believe what was happening. >> Why would I have a war? It's a It's an investigation and the detective has more information about it. So, if you'd like more information, then you're going to have to talk to the detective. >> Is there any children inside? >> No. >> No. Nobody's here? >> No. Uh, you lock my door? >> Yeah. >> Anything on you that's going to hurt us or poke us? I'm going to take your cigarette. Go ahead. You got your last rag. >> All right. Thank you. I want to know. >> Wow. And these people just left from here. Face the car for me. >> Yes, sir. Can I sit on that bubble or something? >> Have you sit down in just a second, but he's got to go through you one more time. Okay. >> All right. >> Okay. Do me a favor. If it's easier, you can lean up against the car. Put your chest on the car. >> All right. >> If my hips does. >> Okay. I'll make this quick. Just widen your stance a little bit for me. Thank you. >> Well, this has all the perks of the case. Uh, and again, like we can't really get into it without >> All right, >> let me scoot your There you go. >> There you go. >> It is it a bond or something? >> I don't know. >> I'll let you know when I know. Okay, hang tight for me. >> So, I don't know what's happening. >> All right. So, um, would you like to speak with the detective in regards to this case or do you want to just get processed at the jail? >> I told to the detective if I ain't going to jail cuz >> No, it's you're you're going to jail regardless. I'm not going to sit here and lie to you. You have a warrant for your arrest signed by the judge, which means you're going to jail if you want to speak. I don't have particulars about the case, right? I just know that you have a warrant. If you want to speak with the detective about the reason for everything, you can do that. Um, she's willing to speak with you. If you don't want to speak with her, then that's fine, too. >> Okay, let me Where she at? >> She's going to be at the station. >> So, do you want to speak with her? >> Yeah, I'll talk to her. >> Okay. >> When officers arrived at the house, they were unable to locate the child's mother. A search was quickly launched to find her. It was a tense moment as Crystal attempted to defend her actions. >> Crystal, stop. >> Put your hands up. >> Stop. Avenue. >> Can you grab my bag for it? And what do you do? >> You grab your bag. >> Bring it. >> Yep. I'll grab it. >> What is that? >> You have an arrest warrant for child neg. >> What? I'm doing everything I can to get everything ready. Everything's done. >> Where's your bag? >> Right there. The pink one. >> This one right here. >> Everything. Yeah. Everything is completely done. I've been working with them. >> I've been doing everything. >> Okay. Well, they issued a warrant for your arrest. So, and we didn't want to come in here like this, but the fact that you were coming and trying to get the jet away from us. >> Oh, no. I wasn't running from you guys. I was hiding my stuff. >> Sorry. >> She saw us coming and ran here, so we didn't mean to come back. >> Yeah, you guys already picked up a key. >> Yep. >> Now, what happened? All right, you're headed off. We take you to the station. You can talk to the detective. >> I'd rather talk to the detective. >> Okay, >> cuz I'm doing You guys can walk through my house and look at everything. I need my baby back. >> I mean, we're unfamiliar with >> We're unfamiliar with the case. It's It's the detectives who are the ones got all the information. >> I want to talk to detectives. >> You want to talk to detective? Yeah, that's fine. >> We'll take you to the police station. see what I can do. >> Okay, we're just We got to hang here for a second cuz a a female officer's coming. She's going to search it prior to us getting into cigarettes simulator on this side. >> Okay. Anything in the backpack that I need to know about? >> Not that I know. >> Any weapons or anything? >> I just ask. >> But um I might have a pocket knife in there for protection. >> Okay, that's fine. the copper. Here's there's a lighter that's going to be right on this side and my cigarettes right there. >> Sweet. Yeah, that's awesome. >> Where's the cigarettes? >> On this other side right here. >> In the end, Crystal and Torrance were charged in connection with the mistreatment of a child without bodily harm. Crystal's bond was set at $30,000 with court orders requiring random substance and alcohol testing. Meanwhile, Torrance's bond was set at $40,000 and he was ordered to undergo substance and alcohol testing twice a week. Up next, when officers were called to check on the welfare of a dog, they had no idea they would uncover something far more disturbing. Children living in conditions that put their lives at risk. >> Do you think this is a safe environment for these children to live in? >> Um, with water? Yes. >> How long How long you been without water? >> Uh, two weeks. About a week. >> A week. So, the mom has prior DCF cases. They've taken the kids a couple times. The mom just informed me if DCF gets called again that we are taking the children. >> And no water, no food. Every fridge, one fridge works and it has nothing in it. The other two are covered in mold and reek. >> So, is is you two as adults, your response to make sure those necessities are there or get it. On January 23rd, 2024, officers in Bunnel, Florida, received a call from a landlord reporting concerns about a tenants's treatment of a family dog. What began as a simple animal welfare check quickly turned into something far more serious after officers made a disturbing discovery inside the home where three children were living in deplorable conditions. >> The homeowner of the home and they haven't done nothing. Uh, >> I had the dog that's just >> Is he friendly? >> Oh, absolutely. Oh, yeah. My boxes. I had him. They came over. I said, "You're not allowed to get him. He needs to go to a vet. He's got an air problem." My >> whose dog is this? >> It's her dog. >> It's my brother. It's my brother, Michael. >> Nobody here. This individual said, "I have paperwork." >> But I told him they can't they can keep him for now. >> He got He has to go to bed >> cuz right now my brother locked up and the dog be roaming. I guess >> he come he come scratching on my door. Last week it was 38° at 4:00 in the morning. Let him in. >> He's threatening me. He come after me with a pipe. >> Who is it? >> Say, "Hey, how you doing?" >> Willie. >> Okay. So, yesterday I when I got over here, if you guys remember me pulling up, it was initially tell him he have to go because number one, y'all got all this stuff back here. Like, this is where y'all, you know, storing stuff. And then the city is contacting me and my brother's locked up from the >> How long has Willie been staying here? >> So, they've been here since I want to say November. They haven't paid anything. There nothing really. His sister gave him the okay to stay here. >> It was his sister. >> His sister. >> So why did why does she have permission to do so? >> That's what that's all right. >> Yeah. So that's what's going on. >> The suspect who had been reported was 41-year-old Willie London. He had allegedly threatened someone with a metal pipe following a dispute over the care of the dog. According to the landlord, the report was also based on the overall condition of the [music] property. >> All right. Your wife's pulling up the uh the video. If by chance there is some type of altercation with the said pipe, you want to grab it. >> Can you guys let me finish sentence? >> If by chance there is some type of video that cooperates your story of this pipe, are you wanting to pursue charges? >> Yeah, I want them out. Yeah, absolutely. >> And we want against the whole family over to get the dog. >> She says, >> "Okay, that police said get off my propert. I'm with her. It's not your property. You're a squatter. I have permission to be here." Well, like he he kind of has rights to it now. He's claimed residency, so that's civil. >> So, explain to me. So, your dog went to him last night. Is that normal? Like him taking the dog overnight every now? Like, is that normal? >> Yeah, this is back and forth. >> Okay. So, you guys like let the dog go between the houses? >> Yes, but he come. >> So, the dog didn't come back. All right. >> Okay. So, then he brings the dog back over just a little bit ago. >> No, he didn't bring it over. I told my son to go over there and get the dog because he said, "I ain't giving the dog back. I'm keeping the dog." I said, "You can't keep your dog." Because guess what? If a dog bite somebody, it's on me. If the dog bite one of them ladies now, it's on me because it was it was me to let them have that. So, it's my problem now. >> If they take responsibility of the dog, they take responsibility. >> Okay. If they take responsibility, if anything happened over there, what's wrong with that dog? It's on them. I don't know. It wasn't like that when I came. >> So, if he if he's like, "I'm not giving the dog back." Guess what? If he's If he's saying that, saying, "No, you're not getting the dog back. I got it." >> That's what I did. >> So, at that point, it's his responsibility. So, how did how did he come over and start yelling? >> Yeah, he came right over here in front of the yard. He came right He came right over here and like he talking trash, you know what I mean? Threat me and all that right there. >> When you say threatening you, what was he saying? >> You he piece of y off, this and that off, your lights, but I got the bills and stuff right there. >> I'm not I'm not worried about that. So, with >> with the threats, did he physically threaten you in any way? >> It's like this um >> it's it's a yes or a no. I mean, if he didn't, he didn't. If he did, then tell me what he said. But if he didn't say anything threatening towards you, if he's just in sitting there calling you names and just being rude, >> a threat to me. Anything he said negative, it's a threat to me. I look at it. >> At this point, after the report of a threat against a neighbor, Willie claimed he had been threatened first. He even alleged that his children had seen weapons, but the situation quickly escalated when officers connected this to the earlier report about the condition of the house. New concerns emerged. The children may not have even had access to water. what started as a dispute was now raising serious questions about their safety. >> If I say that you're an a-hole, that's not if like let's say you and me are having a verbal altercation and I say, "Hey man, you're an a-hole." >> Okay, >> that's not a threat. >> It's it's vulgarity and it's not very nice. >> If I look at that as another way of >> getting upset, that's I feel like >> that's not So that's not Once again, I'm ask Did you threaten any violence towards you? >> Any violence? >> Yes. >> Like >> any anything violent? He did like this with his gun behind him and he got a gun. >> Did you see a gun? >> Yes, I did. >> You did? Yes, I did. >> Are you 100% sure, >> man? The man the man had a gun like that and he gave it to the old lady when y'all coming up. I went in the house cuz the gun you guys the kids, they seen the gun, too. But at the same time, >> so we have multiple cameras in the area. We'll check to confirm that. Okay. So, did he threaten you with a gun >> or was he just moving it because it it could have possible? >> He let me know that it was a gun like this. He was doing torching like this and I got kids around while he's doing that. Now, the gun could have went off or whatever something. Come on now. And he had no right to be coming over here because Oh, that's not your property. You this out there pointing. You can't do that. That's that's that's like a threat to me because my kids. Can we on camera work something out civily while he keeps the dog until we fix this problem? Because if you have papers for the dog, I'll get it back. Willie, this is a problem. She's going to go through DCF. There's no water. She's going to end up >> got turned off. >> Yeah. She's going to end up losing kids. Honey, I need to try to not make that happen. >> I know that, man. >> And I don't want you catching a child barge because of it. She's been warned. this. I feel like she's bringing you in all the mess, but the children say you're the fiance. >> Yes, ma'am. But at the same time, man, I've been doing so much to try, man. >> You are doing a good job, man. We got nowhere to go. >> So, let's fix the dog right now and let's just let him keep this dog. >> Why you got to he Why you got to keep the dog for? >> Well, you want the dog with all your problems? >> What problem? The dog over here with us. That dog is like family to us now. Come on now. >> Okay, if you're able to financially take care of it, >> we could. As the exchange continued, officers began to see the situation from a different perspective. Beyond the conflicting accounts, what became clear was the instability of the home environment. The suspect tried to justify his actions by referencing the presence of his children. However, his explanation did little to ease the situation. >> Do you have >> I get a check from the government? Huh? >> Watch the bee. Honey, do you do you um do you have papers that show the dog's yours? >> It's it's not showing mine. >> But I need a bigger picture. Will, you got to save this house. I'm trying to save her right now, but it's I'm doing this by myself. >> I see that honey on me. >> She's going to end up making you catch a charge with these kids. >> I know. That's why I'm >> That's why I came over. I mean, I'm not >> That's why I'm doing everything. >> Just because I'm a woman doesn't mean I'm pro woman. This is bad, really. That house is bad. >> I love bad milk. >> This dog is the least of the problems. You need to let somebody take care of this dog so you can get on your feet. >> Hey, it's like this. Um, >> Alex, I'm going to need you to go do a walk through of the house. Alex, you got to walk through. This is a major DCF case. They need to be contacted immediately and she's probably going to be 10:15 for child. There's two prior DCF cases and they told her if they came back they were taking the kids. So we need to work on that first and foremost and then we'll do it with the dog. There's no running water on the fiance. >> Okay. So we do a walk through the house real quick and I'll talk to Michelle to see what we got there. >> Okay. I'm going to have go through with me cuz she's the representative of the property. No, they've been renting for three months. >> She doesn't have an expectation of privacy. >> Ask the mother to walk in. >> So, the mom has prior DCF cases. They've taken the kids a couple times. The mom just informed me if DCF gets called again that we are taking the children. >> That house is horrible. There's no running water. There's nothing. So, if we can get your girl from the county on the phone real quick or whoever it is you call with DCF, expedite that and they might want a 1015 mom for child. >> At this point, Willy's behavior drew attention due to the way he handled the situation. At the same time, the case began to reveal new evidence about the household's troubled routine, suggesting that the children were not attending school due to emotional instability, possibly caused by the poor living conditions. >> Well, I know you sign the case, so it's not like I >> Yeah, but she's 108 and she'll always come to calls. The girl that works for the county. >> Yeah. What's her name? >> Oh, Teresa. She doesn't work for DCF, >> but she does cases with them, right? >> She does. No, she's a behavioral analysis unit. So, when you have a baker, she comes to talk. >> Well, she definitely needs to talk to him because he is psychosis. The kid sitting down. Asperger, autism, they kicked him out of school cuz it's mental instability. >> We don't need Teresa to 10:15 on our child. >> No, I know that. I just want DCF to know what's coming right now and see if they want to come out with the names of the mom. They might want to do an emergency call out. >> Okay. based on what she just told. You can bear with me with the dog. I'm dealing with bigger stuff right now. The dog and any other possible things that came into play are the least of it. It's the children and these living conditions. So bear with me. >> Thank you. Thank you. Can I >> I'm going to ask one question and okay, I'm going to need you to lower your voice because you're going to incite relief and if I have to fight him and get hurt because of your mouth, we're going to have problems. I mean, the kids come home for a good time. The dog door lock, they'll walk for an hour. >> I got it. >> I'll be back for all those statements. >> The situation was one of the most deplorable investigators had ever seen. Inside the home, there were no signs of food or water, and a strong odor was coming from the bathroom, which had reportedly been left in unsanitary conditions for over a month. It was a recurring issue with records showing that the children had previously been removed from the couple's care due to constant mistreatment. >> So, you're aware we're looking at we came here for reference to an act assault between neighbors. >> This is all still last night. >> No. So, that this this neighbor um was given permission by the female who is the brother of the homeowner. The homeowner is in prison. The female was given this gentleman permission to take the dog to get his medical care. this family, the ones we met last night versus >> all the ones from last night. >> Um, is saying, "No, it's my dog. We have papers." Whatever. It's not. Okay. Now, the point while doing that and finding out about this ault, which isn't legit, which isn't legit. Um, I based on camera, the aold's gone. So, they just want them all trespassed. Not a problem. While doing that, we found out the deplorable living conditions of this house. And here's some pictures for your perusing. Do you see us on their way? We know it's a disgusting mess, but is there running water? >> No water. >> No water, no food. Every fridge, one fridge works and it has nothing in it. The other two are covered in mold and reek. Um, the there's no running water at all. The toilet is full to the brim of >> So, I explained to Michelle that the house can be that dirty and it would be okay, but the rest of it, no. There's not >> basic essentials. >> There's not one ounce of food, Jeff. There's no milk. There's no eggs. There's no butter. There's peanut butter. There's no food. Zero. There's nothing for them to drink. There's no dairy. There's no water. And she's had the kids taken away multiple times. The is all the way on top of the toilet full of poop on top of poop on top of poop. >> There's flies all over it, which means it's been going on for over a month and a half. So, it's probably one of the worst ones I've seen. And for me to tell you that, get ready. According to available information, the children had not been permanently removed from their parents custody due to efforts to improve the family's situation. However, those conditions were not met. Instead, the situation worsened. Utilities were cut off due to non-payment and basic necessities for the children were not being provided. >> DCF was out with her before with their last case and they told her if she has one more encounter, all of the kids are being immediately pulled. So, that's why we called. She has pending pending cases. What we need to hear is we need a detailed report of what you're seeing and then um I mean does does it show where it's charged with? >> Absolutely. When you walk through you'll see it. What I don't want to do is charge Willie for it, but once DCF comes here they might want it because they're living as a family and he's allowing all this to go on. >> Are you arrest or you >> Yes. Times two. >> So uh are they allowing us in the house? I think we still have consent going. >> Absolutely. >> It's going to talk for her niece update. >> Okay. >> Ma'am, >> will you do a walk through with us so I can have you separated with just the detective here with you and me and the kids outside? >> Do I have to? >> No, it'd be better if you did so you can explain where everybody stays. >> Yeah, I'm going to walk through with them too, man. Let me be a part of this. Let's see. You sure? >> Come on, Willie. Come on. >> We'll go in this door. Away from that fridge. This is detective trailer. Let's go do a walk through, bud. >> How long you lived here, Willie? >> Um, well, my little sister, she was standing here. >> Uhhuh. >> And um the project was standing the project and and we got the project. >> Did you guys Did you guys live in church at one time? >> South South Chapel. >> Yeah. 42 South Chapel. And then when did you move here? Did you guys move here together? >> Do we all move together? >> Together. Okay. And when was that? >> We had nowhere to go. Well, everybody didn't leave together because we have to have like I say so before we can get in. We did not break in here or anything like that. Okay. Um we've been getting a lights on. >> Who's Whose house is this? >> Well, right now I It's I guess it's her house. >> You guess are y'all paying rent? Um, we fool to pay the rent because she want us release cuz the water won't. We need the water on to pay. And why we want to live here and she know the water ain't on. >> How are we going to rent? >> We like them. >> We everything but you want us to lease. >> Okay. >> And we ain't have no tr you don't have any water. Let's Let's take a walk through. Let's Let's take a look. >> Once officers entered the residence, they were met with undeniable evidence. The house had no running water and the electricity was unstable, making even the most basic needs impossible to meet. In the kitchen, the refrigerators were filled with spoiled food covered in mold and insects. Nothing was safe to eat. Then came a question. When asked if they believed the home was safe for the children, the response was unbelievable. >> Let me ask you this. Now, you've been here for say about 2 months. Do you think this is a safe environment giving the basic necessities of these children to live here? I know you adults can make their own decision, but these children can't. Do you think this is a safe environment for these children to live in? >> Um, wait. Water? Yes. >> Well, there there's no water. >> I guess she want yours at least. >> Okay. Well, how how long you been without water? >> Uh, 2 weeks. About a week. >> A week. So, you're lacking water. I don't see very much food in there. Uh, you know, you did open to use, but there's tons of food. >> But do you think it's a safe environment for children living in? Well, right now, how looking right now? Yeah. Probably not. It's not right now. >> I agree with that. >> Hey sir, can I please sir before you continue? Um, you think it's right to have somebody stand here with everything messed up like this? >> Michelle, >> can I talk to you for a minute, please? >> On purpose, man. >> I need to get with Michelle. All right. We met last night, so you know where I am. Dr. Taylor, >> you're so I got to ask you, what's the story with this house here? How h how long y'all been living here? >> We've been here since late October. >> It's October. Okay. Who else? >> And she knew we were there cuz she she came. She said, "Okay, I'm going to work out something." She said, "Rent's going to be She said, "What are we going to say for rent?" He told her 500. She said, "Oh." She said, "Well, I'm thinking maybe like 680 or something." She's like, "Let me go." >> Who is she? >> Okay. >> Let me go get some papers, whatever. She's like, "And then we'll drop a lease." She said, "Because I'm I always like to give somebody a chance." So we then we I guess you know she went to the hospital whatever which I mean the they knew we was here the whole time but I we need the water on you know how hard clean house no water we get water we drink it >> and >> so you guys moved in in October right >> so >> his brothers kicked me out and my abuser lived right across the street and I couldn't stay like in I I can't go anywhere cuz I don't know where he is. He's going to my face. As the investigation unfolded, the children's mother was identified as Michelle Sophia, but her statements didn't match what officers had seen. Despite the conditions inside the home, she insisted her children were not going hungry. >> How many children do you have? >> Three. >> Three. And And your oldest is what's what's your oldest? >> 17. >> Okay. And that's is it uh is that would that be? >> Everybody thinks that. >> And so how old is >> 11? >> 11. And how old? 12. >> 12. So, two girls stay in one room. >> Yeah. >> Boy, he's closer. I'm sorry. >> Yeah. They they stay in one room because >> Okay. Two girls stay in stays in it. All right. So, how long have you guys been without water? >> Um, it was on for a little bit. >> A little bit. How long has it been off? >> Uh, probably about like a week. >> A week. Okay. And so, I mean, how are you guys using bathroom? Cuz that's it's just I mean, so what's going on with bathroom? >> Yeah. We uh you like like my kids, they go to friends houses. Um go to laundromat. >> There you go. >> Um and then there's lots of places to go to use the bathroom and then like like the boys, they go outside. >> Okay. So, I I did a little walk through, you know, let me walk into the house >> and I'm going to ask you as a mother, do you think the inside that house is safe and a good environment for your children? >> As long as I'm there. Yeah. >> Okay. With the conditions as no water. Now, I looked into the refrigerator, too. One refrigerator's got not off. It's got rotten food in it. We know about that. And then you got a small refrigerator with just condiments, you know, no milk, just mustard, ketchup, maybe jelly. >> Don't you do you think there's some issues here? >> You see my children, they eat fine. Okay. >> Okay. I'm not saying >> sometimes we have to go on a daily thing cuz I get my food stamps on the 20th. He gets his on the 15th. So we're able to keep food. My kids eat everything. So I mean like they don't go without eating. And so if if >> money on him right now, >> if they're going to get lunch, what were they going to eat for lunch? >> Well, we have to go to the store. Y'all stop us. We going to the store. >> At this point, Michelle continued explaining her side of the situation, insisting that she was trying to fix things, but investigators quickly noticed something concerning. She didn't seem to understand the severity of the situation. >> That's where we're going to send the kids to the store, but he also couldn't send the kids to the store, but he's got money on for them to go to the store to get the food. Sometimes you have, you know, it's day by day. I don't work because my head's in my head trying to hit me and this whole county is against me and what's hurting. >> Well, I don't have any issues with I don't work. I just trying to find out what's going on here. I you know I I have to be I have to watch out for the wellbeing of everyone. Children, adults, everything else. I walk in that house. It's just it's just it's kind of not not the best. We was going through the house today because the state the city man whatever said we had to clean out the yard. So for me sorry being her didn't really do nothing >> to the inside the house. So I just started pulling everything out and then >> yeah it's a big mess cuz I I took everything out everywhere. >> Um >> I got mad because then trash got m >> but we have a concern here because there's no running water now. Now, how you live, how messy it is, that's that's, you know, that's that's your thing. But there are conditions in there that can like mold that can be affected to your health that can be affected to your health when exposed. >> Um, you know, we got we got the decayed food that's in there that can be affected. There's decay. >> Oh, yeah. I don't really >> Yeah. You know, it's it and and there it there's >> there's things piled everywhere but could fall on your head or >> the one room stuff stacked to here could fall and things like you know dangerous dangerous conditions of that house. >> You know for two adults you know they you might get this one >> not. >> Is there any current DCF cases with your family right now? >> So DC has never investigated. >> No. I mean, yeah, it's closed though. Like there was when um my my ex tried to kill me, you know, Flagger County, the state of Florida makes it a woman's fault that if she's getting it's her fault to have it on her case. So they took my kids and they >> How long you and Willie been together? >> Like two years. >> Two years. So you both lived up for on South Chapel? >> Yeah. >> Whatever happened to South Chapel? >> Well, he didn't live there. He visited. He he didn't live with me. >> Okay. >> Cuz he obviously he wasn't allowed. But um they uh they didn't want me living in there because uh we had roaches cuz the house is dirty. >> They kicked you out cuz you had roaches? >> Yeah, cuz my house is dirty. They said it's because of infestation. And the pest control man cuz like right now I'm like I'm barely breathing cuz uh you're making me very uncomfortable. But um he tried to come in my house and I told him I was in a room. That's it. And I said hold on. And I already called Willie cuz I can't be around people >> without I need to know I'm safe. And the pest control man just said I got to do something. and he walked in my house and so Willie got him kicked him out of my house and they said it wasn't cool and they kicked me out >> because I gave them they said I need proof he didn't live there which I >> So that was the housing authority. >> Yeah. I provided that Willie didn't live there. I provided um like my rent was up to par like my rent was paid and then when I tried to pay my rent they said they wouldn't accept it and then um they gave me a renewal of my of my lease and I said um I was getting late on it. I haven't pulled it out yet and they said, "Don't worry about it. We won't take it anyway." And he just >> I don't know. I'm not I'm not mad too mad. I like my house, but at the same time trying to live like I can see him from my door. So >> So I I want to I want to let you know that right now the reason why we're here, we're concerned because that house inside is not in a condition. There's a lot of things. >> Will he see us on the way? >> Yeah. Willie said his aunt she take him home. I'm okay with that. And and you know there's we don't see any running water. >> There's not much. >> There's no there's no food. I know you understand you got to go and get some food, >> but there's nothing there any >> and it's just it's and kids are in school, so we're a little concerned about >> At this point, Michelle admitted that her children often did not attend school due to emotional reasons, confirming the suspicion that they were experiencing ongoing issues largely caused by her actions. >> Well, they've been through a lot and they know. How long when's the last time your children were in school? >> Uh, >> excuse me. Um, >> you know, Bob at Banish. >> Yeah. Well, give us just one minute. I'll be right with you. Okay. >> So, so that's our concerns here. So, you know, we're uh >> the only reason they miss school is if they miss bus, I can't get around the park. >> So, they miss the bus. >> If they miss the bus, but no, I'm saying the previous times they miss school is if they miss the bus. And then uh >> if uh really bad anxiety so sometimes I you know I let her stay home because she gets upset if something happens at school. Girls be picking on her and stuff. She has problems >> when I know somehow someway through family friends and everything else. You managed to get in here and I guess it was a friend of yours a sister something like that. Hey we're moving out. You can come on in. >> Well you know if they let you in that that's that's that's a legal way of entering. >> Okay. So when they left, I am assuming that you and Michelle with the children are going to soul >> people in this house, >> correct? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Now that doesn't mean >> that doesn't mean that everything in this house belongs to you. It does not. >> It means they're giving you permission to stay in here. So see so these cars and everything you get you still can't do because they don't belong to you. >> Okay. So I ain't have to clean this up. But what it is, you you you assume responsibility to >> to make sure this home, this structure is safe for the kids for kids and for adults, you know, it's up to you. I mean, you know, you have no running water. That's But when you have kids that they got to have running water, they got to have electricity, they got to have fresh food, they got to have water, they got to have all the basic necessities of life. >> Yes, they do. >> And and >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Many of those things aren't there. >> Yeah. And I tried. I don't >> Many of those. So is it's you two as adults responsible to make sure those necessities are there or get it. >> Call someone call DCF. Call somebody said, "Hey, we need help. We need this. We have no running water." That's your responsibility. >> Just put it down right there and I'll pick it up while you're still cuffed in a few minutes. Don't put it out. I'll give it to you. Turn around. >> I'm going to give you realies. Okay. Whatever. But you have to be cuffed when you get in the car. >> I ain't want to get cuffed. So I >> You're not going to jail. Get over there. >> I didn't want to get cuffed, though. >> Well, that's just how it's going to be because I'm going to let you sit with her and I'm going to give her a cigarette and I'm going to try. >> Am I um >> as of right now, you are not under arrest. I promise you. >> Okay. >> DCF makes that decision, not me. >> You, her, anybody. They make that decision, not me. >> Officers knew they had to act immediately. The boy was still inside the home. As they removed him, something became clear. He seemed relieved. >> Bud, are you getting some clothes? >> Hey, are you getting some clothes? >> Just getting whatever I can haul. >> What you need, baby? Did you get everything? >> Yeah. >> Get what you can take. Go ahead. I'm watching. >> No vapes, no nothing. Don't get in trouble. >> I don't do that. >> Come on. >> Yes. >> I'm There's bugs and they get in my clothes. Come outside, baby. Is that somebody I can talk to for you? >> Maybe. All right. Um, one sec. Okay. What' you say? >> There you go. But don't go back in there cuz I don't want this on my clothes. >> Okay. Come out here with me cuz I don't want to go back inside. I want to get that stuff on my clothes. >> When did you When did you turn? >> 3 months. >> What? Where do we get this? >> Huh? 13. >> What in the god's name, sir? >> You can pull that out so somebody we don't we don't realize. >> You got any more airsofts in that bag? >> No. >> Any mech 10 grenades or bazookas? >> No. >> Let me see. >> Tell me the truth. >> I don't got none of those. >> You're the only one not going to jail here. >> So tell them the truth. >> You're the only one. >> There ain't nothing left in that bag. >> What you going to show me? Leave it here. Let me see it. >> Don't get in trouble. >> I'm guarant you do not want to look in there. >> Why? No, it's not because of there's a weapon in there. There's a something else. >> You going to tell me about [music] toy you just ordered on Amazon? >> Yeah, that's what it is. >> All right, then we're good then. That's all I'mma find. >> Yeah, that in my wallet. >> I'm always smarter than you boys. You can't be smarter than we. I work with damn with damn 200 men. There ain't nothing in here you're going to shock me really. Look at me. I promise you, you decide if you go in the system. Okay? If it's wrong, don't do it. If the car is bad, don't get in it. If it's dope, don't smoke it. Those are your choices. I can't control your choices. I can just help you get you on the right path. Okay? Don't cry. We're going to fix it. Okay? You're going to be 18 and you can get away from all of this. All of this. We could even go and see if you can get into the military. See, all you need is a GED. We can help you. Don't cry, baby. We can help you. Okay. >> In the end, 41-year-old Willie London and Michelle Sophia were charged with counts of endangerment, thirdderee felonies under Florida law, along with a misdemeanor charge for filing a false police report. Next up, when officers received a report that two children had been locked inside a room for over 12 hours, a situation marked by the irresponsibility of a mother who saw nothing wrong with it. >> You see how it's kind of like >> hard to see through? >> Okay, >> it's kind of like got stuff smeared on it. You know that that's human. That room is completely caked in it. Not to mention the entire house is absolutely filthy and disgusting. Just horrendous. Kids are in. Those kids were up in that room, locked in that room, taking a nap, no furniture. Babies. >> Those are your babies. >> No. [screaming] NO. [laughter] My baby. >> On September 20th, 2024, officers from Oklahoma responded to a call about two young boys, ages 3-year-old and four-year-old, seen it in an upstairs window of an apartment. Upon arrival, police discovered the children locked in a bedroom for over 12 hours a day covered in with room and children in horrible conditions. >> One likes to tear apart their beds. >> Mhm. >> And so we had to throw them both out. >> Mhm. >> My brother just sent me money. I'm actually going to be once my wife gets home buy some beds. >> They keep tearing up the mattresses. >> Can I ask you a question? You're her mom. >> Have you ever like how often do you go inside their apartment? >> Usually about once a week or so. I don't visit her very often. I work two jobs. So, >> do you see that window right there? >> You see how it's kind of like hard to see through? >> Okay. >> It's kind of like got stuff smeared on it. You know that that's human. That room is completely caked in it. Not to mention the entire house is absolutely filthy and disgusting. Just horrendous. usually. >> But those kids are in Those kids were up in that room, locked in that room, taking a nap. >> No furniture. >> Well, they break furniture. >> The children break furniture. >> Children break furniture. They're in the middle of potty training. >> Huh? >> At the hospital baby. >> They're what? >> They're in the middle of potty train. >> Look, there is no excuse. There's no excuse for this. This is a felony crime that's occurring right now. >> So, no, you can't talk to her right now. Okay. I need you to just give us some space while we investigate it. All right, I'm not going to run you off. I'm not going to be mean to you, but I just need to give you some space. She's going to be fine. She's safe back there. She might be a little hysterical, but she's not going to get hurt. She'll be fine. Okay. Uh, apparently, uh, we have a wellness check. >> What? >> Okay. So, your kids are upstairs. You said >> they're upstairs. We've been trying to paint the rooms because, um, they keep smearing crap. >> The [ __ ] door. We need to go. cover the door. >> When officers entered the home, they found a deplorable scene. Clothes and trash covered the floor. As they heard the children's voices, the father attempted to distract them, trying to prevent investigators from reaching the room, but the attempt failed, leading to a shocking discovery where the children were found. >> Okay, so we're just here to make sure the kids are okay. >> Yeah, they're perfectly okay. I can go get them down. >> Can I come with you? >> Yeah. What's your head? >> But let's keep trying [laughter] to get, you know, keep the room safe. >> Hey, boys. Come on. >> Hi, guys. What are you doing? Come downstairs for me. Okay. >> Yeah, we're going to go a show and [ __ ] on the walls. >> We've been trying to keep painting them. >> Okay. Um, how old are they? They're just in there by themselves, which is probably why they're >> smearing poop on the wall. >> Yeah, we have a camera right there. >> Uh-huh. >> We're always checking up on them. >> Okay. Um, >> we make sure they do three story rooms a day. >> Yeah. Are you guys like kind of in over your head? Maybe. >> I mean, I I work at nights. >> Okay. The wife is taking care of the boys, making sure. >> Where's she at? >> She's currently getting her glasses. >> Okay. Well, come on. Come on back downstairs for me. >> P. So, yeah, it's poop. Um, we've been trying to get painted and we've been trying to use a rug doctor because I can't try and get them potty trained. >> Mhm. >> How long have they been in that room? Oh, they were supposed to be taking a nap. >> Where are they supposed to be napping at? There's not a bed in here. >> Yesterday, the autistic one likes to tear apart their beds. >> Mhm. >> And so, we had to throw them both out. >> Mhm. >> My brother just sent me money. I'm actually going to be once my wife gets home buy some beds. >> At this point, the boy's father claimed they were just taking a nap. That's why they were in the room. But something didn't add up. When officers looked inside, they found no furniture at all. The space was empty except for waste scattered across the floor. It was a scene even the officers had trouble believing. >> They keep tearing up the mattresses. >> Uh-huh. >> How long have they been in that room? >> Oh, so they've eaten. They were supposed to be taking a nap. >> Where are they supposed to be napping at? There's not a bed in here. >> They just tore it apart yesterday. The autistic one likes to tear apart their beds. >> Mhm. And so we had to throw them both out. >> My brother just sent me money. I'm actually going to need to work my way home. >> Yeah, this one keeps they keep tearing up the mattresses. >> Uh-huh. >> Can't believe trying to start this. >> Hi. >> Do we have some pants or something we can put on there? >> Yeah, I got it. All right, let me go get my glasses. >> I can't really see. >> Hey, baby. Where's the kids clothes? >> That's not the answer I need. >> Yeah. He said, "Why is she?" >> Wait a minute. I didn't know her. >> She's the one who puts up the stuff for them. >> May I ask who called in the wilderness check? >> I'm not sure. >> I just recently finished. >> Call her back and ask her where some shorts are or some >> pants. They ask her for breakfast. They like the bites. Give me one second. >> As the investigation unfolded, the evidence left little room for doubt. The children's stepfather had allowed them to remain confined for hours, hiding behind the claim that they were simply taking a nap. But for officers, the reality was clear. This was a deliberate act and it pointed to a serious crime against. >> Do you have any weapons or anything on you? >> No, just my phone. Just turn around. Put your hands behind your back. on. >> I'm placing you under arrest for child endangerment, sir. >> What? What? >> Yeah. >> You're their father, right? >> I'm their stepdad. >> You're their stepdad. Well, you're the one that's responsible right now for their welfare and everything, right? >> They were supposed to take a nap, >> huh? >> They were supposed to be taking a nap. >> They were supposed to be taking a nap in a room that's covered in with no furniture. >> But I already >> Okay. Well, you know, I'm not I'm not questioning you or anything like that right now. >> You have the right to remain silent. We'll read you your rights. Okay. Just give me a minute. Come out here to my police car. Can you give me a minute? Get that calmed down. Have a seat. I'll go get you some shoes here in a minute. We're going [snorts] to need to go in there and collect evidence at some point or another. Um, would you be willing to give us consent to go in there by signing a search waiver to collect evidence? >> Yeah, >> you would be willing to? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Loosen these bits. >> Come here real quick. >> How about I just take them off for right now? Then I'll put you back in there cuz this is probably going to be a pretty lengthy process. But these will go right back on if anything stupid starts happening. Okay. Okay. It's just giving me or whoever else needs to go in there permission to go in there and take pictures and collect evidence and stuff. Okay. >> Hold on one second. >> I was going to stay right back there. >> You're fine. You're fine. >> At this point, officers moved in to arrest the boy's mother. In a moment of desperation, she fell into denial, unable to accept what was happening. >> Hold on, baby. Hold on. >> Hello. >> My mom. >> Okay. Do you stay here too? >> No, it's just me and the boys and her dad. >> Come here, baby. Here. You okay? Where's your daddy? >> Yeah, we're we're step right outside. >> Astronomically unacceptable. So outside. >> The cat doesn't get >> I don't care about the cat. >> Okay. >> Yeah, it's better off inside. >> [ __ ] told you about clean. >> Come here. Those are your babies. [laughter] >> Those are your babies. >> What's going to happen to you? >> Right now, DHS is on the way. [laughter] >> Do not cry to me. >> I'm not crying to you. I'm crying my damn children. >> I literally couldn't even stand in that room. >> I've been telling him to [ __ ] clean it. I'm trying. Mommy screaming for her and going to do [laughter] no good right now. >> Mama, >> who has access to that camera? >> Mommy, >> who has access to that camera? >> Me. My husband. My brother-in-law when it comes to babysit. >> They're taking [laughter] DHS. [laughter] Didn't >> Yes. I don't know. Take out. [laughter] >> Can you at least tell me what's going to happen or what? Who called it in something, please? [laughter] >> No. [screaming] No. No. >> As the investigation progressed, officers tried to piece everything together, how the situation had reached this point without any family member stepping in. Questions were raised about those who should have recognized what was happening, including relatives who had a responsibility to protect the children. >> Would I have [snorts] any trouble out of you if I take you out of handcuffs? >> No. >> Okay. Have you been talked to about the search waiver yet? >> Yes. >> Okay. uh you have the right to say no. You don't have to give us permission to go in there and gather evidence. If that's the case, we're going to get a warrant anyway. Uh we won't have any issues getting that sign. It just prolongs the process. Okay? And this shows your cooperation with the process as well. So, like I said, you have the right to say no. You do not have to give us consent. >> Might as well say yes. So, you're going to do it anyways. >> So, I'm going to write my name on here. I'm not that that's not coercion or anything. I'm just letting you know that that's what's going to happen. We're going to get in there regardless with a warrant or with your consent. But, this just makes it a little bit easier. Uh, so go ahead and read through here so you understand you got the air on back here. >> Yeah. >> All right. [snorts] Um, just sit tight. Okay. If if you start acting up or like doing anything weird, I'm going to have to put you back in handcuffs. Okay. >> Can I ask you a question? You're her mom. >> Have you ever like how often do you go inside their apartment? >> Usually about once a week or so. I don't visit her very often, but I work two jobs. So, >> do you see that window right there? You see how it's kind of like hard to see through? Okay. >> It's kind of like got stuff smeared on it. You know that that's human. That room is completely caked in it. Not to mention the entire house is absolutely filthy and disgusting. Just horrendous. >> But those kids are in Those kids were up in that room locked in that room taking a nap. No furniture. >> Oh, they break furniture. >> The children break furniture. >> Children break furniture. They're in the middle of potty training. >> They're at the hospital cuz the baby's >> They're what? >> They're in the middle of potty training. >> Look, there is no excuse. There's no excuse for this. >> This is a felony crime what's occurring right now. >> So, no, you can't talk to her right now. Okay. I need you to just give us some space while we investigate it. All right. I'm not going to run you off. I'm not going to be mean to you, but I just need to give you some space. She's going to be fine. She's safe back there. She might be a little hysterical, but she's not going to get hurt. She'll be fine. Okay. At this point, the suspect was taken into custody and transported to the police station where the booking process began. >> Can you go around? >> Can I up here right now? >> Yeah. >> Well, this is headquarters. You're going to be interviewed up here. Uh maybe a couple hours or so. All right. >> We're going to that elevator right there. Okay. >> Yeah. Well, let's get upstairs first and I'll take you in there. Okay. just out here. They don't want him in a room. >> I didn't get directions on where to take >> the bathroom. >> Oh, yeah. Bathroom. Bathroom. >> My bad. >> Yeah, you're good. Here. Let me take you out of those real quick. They won't let you have your phone back for a minute cuz you're out there. I'm sure. Do they take Yeah, your phone? They took their phones, didn't they? Yeah, they took their phones. >> My mom's my >> mom's phone number. >> Yeah. >> Uh I don't have it. My phone >> if you knew like if there's a way I could get it for you. I would write it down for you, but I assume the only place to get it is your phone. >> And you get the memo. >> Oh, okay. You should probably talk to your supervisor if they didn't pass on the memo. >> Oh, yeah. >> Is it closed? When do they open again? >> What? >> The jail. >> Uh, tomorrow morning at 6:00 a.m. >> Okay. We'll leave them by the door first in with their paperwork. >> I'll be on my way out the door at 5:00 a.m. >> Oh, okay. Perfect. >> So, they should get them tomorrow. >> Just wave at them as you go by. I'll be like, "Hi." You know how long the processes are? >> Do what? >> I'm sorry. You're asking me how long the due process is? >> Yeah. >> Oh, this is so the whole processes will be like a year. >> Okay. >> For today, it'll be till the judge says more for like this right here county. Like you'll be out of county and dealing with DHS within a few days. I don't know what you do get. Yeah. So, you'll get you'll either bond out or you'll get overlord out eventually. >> In the end, a 24year-old man and a 21-year-old woman were charged with multiple counts of endangerment following the man's bond being set as $150,000 and his wife's bond set as $75,000. Moving on to the case, when officers received a call reporting that three children were being mistreated, they had no idea what they were about to find. children lying in bed surrounded by filth, insects, [music] and severe unsanitary conditions. On September 28th, 2023, police, social workers, and EMS were dispatched [music] to a home after receiving a disturbing report. Three children left in filth without proper beds or basic care. >> Go ahead and open the door. >> He can't he can't get up. I hear her back here. Right. >> Thank you. >> Hey, babe. Mr. Parsons, you want to cut? Okay, there you are. >> So, we got EMA out here. They're going to check on the kids. Um, we're also going to get some information, see if we can get APS. Um, >> as another form of assistance um, I don't know if EMA wants to come out or wants us to walk them out, but so EMA is going to evaluate them. We'll get all your information for APS. And then I guess your wife, where she at? >> She's back there. >> Okay. >> Hey, um, EMA is here to evaluate them. And then if y'all want to come out here too, we have two other officers that are going to talk and try to get APS. So we need everybody's information for APS because they give resources for adult protective services such as like your husband's help. >> Come here, Brandy. >> I mean, we're making a huge impact on the >> Yeah, we are all >> Come here, Brandy. Michael's a sweet. [screaming] >> Let Michael be, please. >> Okay. All right. Well, if you'll come out here cuz EMA is going to need your kids names and Denver. >> Okay. >> Is that hers? >> These are hers. >> Get the lives here. >> When they arrived, the father was slouched on a sofa, detached from the chaos, [music] while the mother cleaned one of the filthy rooms with help from a relative. The scene was horrifying, but they hadn't yet seen the worst of it. >> Okay. >> Cuz I I don't have I'm going to go back there. >> Yes, you are. You've been here for almost two years. >> This person, what's your first name? >> I need my ID and stuff, baby. >> I I can write it down. >> Can I go, you know, wash my hands and stuff, please? >> You know, your kids day the birth and all that. >> Yeah. [crying] >> You have your ID? >> Yes. >> It's whatever y'all want to do. Whoever y'all are talking to or interviewing or whatever y'all want to do. >> I'm trying to hold this up here. >> Who you charging? That's all I need to do. >> Who are y'all charging? That's why here to talk to everybody and interview. Now, the mom for sure because she's able-bodied. >> Okay. >> But I wanted y'all to see it yourself, too. >> Part of the conversation >> cuz she's the mother-in-law. >> Mhm. >> And and able-bodied. >> That's the mom. That's the dad. You see his >> keep >> um and then there's one that's a felony neglect and then um it could be cruel to the children or the other two. Um, there's one for exploitation of a disabled. I don't know if it's disabled persons or adult. I'd have to look it up. >> But her feet are have been like that >> and that's something the doctor's actually been looking at. >> She um wants her to have therapy and I have that to get that set up. >> Say, you need to be checked out. >> That whole shelf right there is my medicine. seizure medicine. >> Yeah, I seen she had a seizure the fifth. >> Sorry. >> That's bleach. Bleach are smell. >> Oh, no. I know. I smell that. But there's another smell. >> I got to You see what I mean? Like naggets and stuff >> clean. And they let her. >> It's just two >> like this across. >> Which one? Which girl stays in there? >> Which one was her? >> The only girl. The 10-year-old. Yeah. She was in here. >> You got a picture of her in there? >> No. When I walked in, they were um >> see you got no body camera. >> No, cuz it was on the charger. And I as soon as I came in this morning, I was called to call. Um now defax, I think Miss Jones took a picture of her. She was standing on the pile naked and I think Miss Jones snapped a picture real quick. What's that smell other than the poop? Did you spray something or >> I know >> for you? >> Cardiac and you have diabetes. >> Where the two me and her? >> Yeah. I had to look up the address to make sure we were going to the right place and I seen the um the call. Oh, I seen that she had just had a seizure. Well, I seen she was unresponsive. >> It was pretty scary. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. We had a 18-year-old that just moved out. >> Mhm. >> Oh, that was the eldest. >> Yeah. >> Okay. I thought so. I was like four. There used to be four of them. >> So, >> the eldest is the one that trash. >> Where's the the two boys sleep at? >> It's even wear diapers, buddy. At first glance, the situation seemed manageable. But as the officer and the social worker looked deeper, it became clear these children were living in appalling, unsafe conditions. [music] This was no isolated case of messiness. It was long-term, deliberate neglect. >> Kind of bad. You mind if he walks right back here? >> They just have to look like they look at him. Hey, baby. Hey, wake up. Hey, girl. >> They got to check you out. Okay. You're a hard sleeper. They got to check you out. >> He shakes. >> I don't know why. >> I think he might be autistic, too. >> Yeah. Yeah. They do that. He was like that earlier. He just shakes. See? >> Does he feel cold on his skin? >> He shakes like that with his autism. Okay. You say he's soaking wet? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. He pees. He pees in his in the bed. Like when he's sleeping, he'll pee. >> Yeah. cuz he wasn't wet when I brought him back here. So, so it's okay, baby. He He don't wear no diaper or nothing. >> He does, but he he didn't put one on him. I didn't put one on him this morning because he >> you know, we had just gotten up and he had just gotten up, but then he went back to sleep. >> Suspicious person. >> I mean, you guys remember this hill. >> Yeah, I know. >> And his doctor Yeah. I'm trying to get that room cleaned up and is why I've got all those bags and stuff in there. I'm getting it. Are you keeping that? >> I have been. Yes. >> That ain't that smart. >> No, it's not. And I'm trying to get it clean. >> You know, you got >> about her cuz she's been eating and breathing it in. >> Don't take it personal. She don't know. She >> um we changed that around because um when Chloe was or when her sister was in here, she didn't want Chloe to come in there when Chloe was um not out of her room. Yeah, we did that. Yeah. Um and we weren't trying to, you know, keep her locked in there. We just, you know, and we don't even lock that door now. She's just not in there now. >> That trash was wall to wall. There was no space to walk in when I came the first time. decades. >> She was in that tent naked. Girl, girl, they had her in the tent. >> The police actually hit him. >> Come here, baby. Come this way. >> No, you're fine. You're okay. All this was trash. And she was when I walked in, she was pulling her out of the tent to put her clothes on. >> As the officer and EMS entered the room, they found a child that was half asleep and was trembling. The sight left them [music] stunned. It was instantly clear just how deep the neglect ran within those four walls. Soon after, the officer voiced her concern for the girl who had been forced to breathe the toxic air inside the musty room with feces, maggots, and cockroaches. >> Yeah, I said she don't know. She She wipes her poop everywhere and she spit. She don't She don't know. >> Bless her heart. >> But I do have to spit. >> I don't have a TV in case. >> But that's why I'm worried about her >> walk that way, buddy. maybe getting the body because she's been eating it and breathing this in. >> Last time she >> in a pile of >> so I took her to the hospital but don't >> that old lady's room is immaculate. How do you as an adult let other children live like that? You can at least try. >> She's being able body. >> Yeah, her room is clean. That's what pissed me. The room with the little boys sleep. Her room is nice. >> I'm calling you back now. >> Can they say anything? She she is walking in the crowds now to get that order. So I can go ahead and take them to if y'all just stand by for her to at least say she's got it in her hand. >> She's going to >> Yeah. >> Take have to sit with her too. >> Unless you want Unless they can take her from the hospital in her to >> Yeah. Sorry. There's like four people talking. >> It's the same. >> But she's walking in there now. We all going >> I just I just called her. >> What' she say? >> She said she's walking in to get order now. >> Just don't walk in. >> Oh, >> I'm going to the bathroom. >> Sorry. >> You know, we're not trying to hide nothing. >> Yeah. No, no, no. You good? >> You're fine. >> I'm handicapped. I can't make it to the foot. We use both hands, don't we? >> Yeah, I understand. >> My anatomy is not the same as the normal. >> Look, mine mine neither after kids. >> No, I mean, I've got >> I know. I'm just being silly. Before a woman, it never goes back the same. >> Yeah, I understand that. My mom, she had to have a history because of all of us. >> I forgot we do got that other adult, but she I think she can take care of herself. The other one with the ID in the back. >> She looks biracial. >> She's autistic kid. >> Yeah. How old is she? She's she's a kid. >> That mom had >> takes care of her. Oh, she's 30. Yeah, I'm 89. She can take care of herself. They just dress her like a child. I'll go talk to the mother-in-law about APS. >> I see. >> Adult protective services. That'll be for you and for her. >> Can you step outside? They're going to talk to you. She's 30. >> She's 31. >> 31. Okay. >> Yes. >> If you'll step outside with them. Hey. >> Hey, babe. Yeah. APS. The third child was eventually located. That was the final straw before the officer spoke to the father and told him what would happen from that moment onward. >> So, I'm going to get APS out here for her. I'm going to go ahead and tell you what's going on. The two able-bodied people are going to go to jail. The only reason you are not is a little sympathy. I feel that maybe you didn't realize how bad your daughter had gotten. Um, I'm going to get APS out here to help you. I'm gonna get APS out here to help her. But um let me tell you, 10 years, this is the worst I've ever seen. Okay, y'all need help, but somebody has to be responsible. Okay, >> it'll be cruelty to children. Um and they'll have >> they'll have a hearing. No. Yeah. >> So, >> listen, you're not This is how it works. Okay. Defects is going to get them until you get this clean. Is there somebody that you can call? >> We got a brother-in-law and her brother-in-law. >> Okay. >> And Jo, my my brother-in-law Jolie. They can take the kids even. They got they got a nice >> Okay. >> Decent place. It's not the biggest. It's a single wife. >> Okay. >> But their kids are pretty much they they live with >> Who can handle her? >> Her sister can. Her sister is a trained >> See, I'm I'm not trying >> Her sister's a trained caretaker. >> Okay. I'm I'm not trying to be mean, but I'm a mom and somebody somebody has to step in. When I say you can't walk to that room, she could not in that room. She was laying in maggots, flies, roaches, and that's what she was sleeping in. You understand? >> And they just they keep me in the dark because I can't go I can't get up and move. >> The way that yard the way I basically just come from the bed to here into the shower. I can't. I haven't been in that kitchen in a long time. I've never been back there at all. Not past that threshold. I've always expected my mother-in-law and my daughter. >> And that's why I'm holding them accountable because your mother-in-law is right across the hall from her sleeping in feces. And I'm not talking about a little bit of that she smeared. This has been this is a whole long stretch of maggots, roaches that she's laying in. Okay? I don't know how much longer she would have. She's breathing all that in every day. So, when DeFast gets out here, if they're cool with a family member, I'll get numbers from you. And if a family member is going to take them, great. That's even better for them. Um, we're not trying to be difficult. And then, um, we'll get APS out here to help you. They'll start sending hopefully nursing care, CNA, something like that out here. >> What about my wife? I mean, >> I'll get your number so she can call you and everything else. Um, >> you like to pay her to take care of That's going to call APS today. But something's got to give. >> That's I'm getting APS out here. But maybe she needs some help. But at the same time, you can't lock your child in that room with all that. When I went in there, that's where she was laying. That's maggots, roaches. That's where your daughter was sleeping. So that's the issue. >> I told her. I told her. I mean, I spent almost $3,000 the last place we looked at >> for something similar, and she promised me that it would never happen again. >> Well, that's why I said I'm not not trying to be difficult, but I'm a mandated reporter and I'm a mom and I got to get them somewhere safe and clean and healthy. Um cuz the last thing I want to do is leave and she in that room. >> Yeah, but it's clean and you take it or >> you say your brother can clean it? No, I got brother-in-law and sister and they're going to lose you. >> As long as they get it clean, that's that's going to be defects is only concerned. >> How long is I mean, how long could she be in jail for? >> Um, today is Wednesday, but they have a hear she have a hearing Friday. She should have a blind hearing Friday. They have it Wednesday. Monday, Wednesday. >> Nobody leaves her from jail until she >> she has a blind a blind hearing. >> Mhm. >> But they can put her in jail right after the hearing. No. Somebody pays your bond. You move off the SSI. SSDI. That's all we survive. That's it. I'm begging. Please don't take her. Just don't take it. Give them a warning. They're They're willing to They're going to clean it. >> The father was begging desperately to shield his wife from arrest. But the officer had seen enough. No would undo what those [music] children had suffered. >> Okay. There's no way I can give a warning for that. >> I got nobody else. I promise you, I got nobody to take. >> I'm calling APS out here to get you some help and start that up. and and she might need help taking care of all of y'all, but >> she does, but she don't she doesn't deserve to go to jail with this [ __ ] She's been trying and advocating and asking for help from family members. We've been screaming and asking for help from everybody. And the one person that was helping us, she took off. >> My daughter, she took off to go move in with her sister. >> Mhm. >> But she had every right to. >> Yeah. Cuz she's not responsible for y'all. Y'all are the parent. She can't raise y'all. >> Yeah. >> And that's why I'm getting APS involved. And then they'll send somebody out here to help you and help her back here. >> That's still a help. She's 10. >> She can't f for herself. >> She's looking for y'all to take care of her. Just like you look for your wife to take care of you. Somebody has to take care of her. And nobody is. And that's just being honest. She's left in that room to eat and sleep in it and be covered in roaches. So >> believe me, I'm pissed at her and mad. I just don't know what I love her. I love all my This is devastating. >> Yeah, I understand. Well, this is the route we're going to take cuz somebody has to be accountable. There's two able-bodied women in this room. And before I I don't mean no harm. Before I take care of my husband, I'm going to take care of my child. So, they're going to be held accountable. We're going to get APS out here to help you. DeAs will be out here. And if they're cool with you calling your family so that the kids are somewhere familiar, I'm cool with that, too. >> Get one. Okay, >> uncle. >> Okay, just drive here and stay with me. >> Okay, my uncle James. >> Okay, you can start. That's your phone. >> That's not mine. Can she at least come in here and give me my stuff and where you take her? >> Yeah. Where's your phone? >> It's all in in there. It's in the bedroom somewhere. >> Okay. >> I got a I got a a meter for my diabetes. >> Oh, okay. >> That's back there. >> Okay. >> I mean, at least can I say bye to her, please? >> Yeah. Is this the only firearm that you have? >> That's the only phone. Yeah, that's the only firearm. It's on his chair. >> And what about his phone? >> His phone is on his chair, too. >> And my phone is sitting in front of him. >> Does he have the passcode to it? >> Do what? >> The passcode. Does he have the passcode to it? >> My phone? >> Yeah. >> And she said you could call whoever you need to. She said the same thing as you. She's cool with family getting here, so that'll be up to defects. And I'm about to make a report with APS so I can get them out there to look after y'all. >> So, how is she how is she neglecting him? >> The entire house is in disarray. He can't take care of himself, so she's supposed to take care of him, but there's trash everywhere. The worst part was her children, so that's why she's being charged for that. But we went to see if we could get him some services because >> Yeah. >> She's been disrayed. >> Yeah. And there's another nonverbal autistic adult here as well. and her she's her mother also lives here. So that's his mother-in-law, but she's going to jail also. So we may need services for the other non-verbal autistic adult. >> Miss Jones, I'm on the phone with APS. I can call her in just a minute or if Lyn can call her. >> All right. Let you know. >> Yeah. Just see if we're going to take her. >> What's going to happen soon? The defax person will ride to the hospital with the girl. >> She will. Or either family. I told him to start calling the family. If Miss Jones don't like that family takes them, then we can at least we'll have them here. >> Are there any safety concerns like guns, animals, dogs? We can send it to you >> for a fire investigator. >> There was a dog in the house. I don't know where it's at. It was here this morning. So, yeah, just safety concerns, right? >> No. You got family coming? >> Yeah. >> Okay. How long? >> How they want to know how long is before you guys get here? >> We're just leaving Har. Okay. and I'm on the phone with APS for you and for her. >> Both women were charged with three counts of firstdegree cruelty. [music] Next up, what seemed like a simple welfare check after a neighbor reported concerns about [music] the care of animals at a residence revealed a disturbing case where 13 children were living in a home overwhelmed by trash. >> Come the baby cats. All the baby cats. >> What happened? >> Oh my god. Do you do you know why this this is happening? >> Why I'm getting information? [music] Do you have no idea? >> No, ma'am. >> Do you think these living conditions are acceptable for children? >> No, I don't. >> It it gets cleaned up every day. Listen to me. >> No. No. No. No. No. No. No. There's no way. There's no way. >> On August 10th, 2025, officers in Ohio received a 911 call reporting suspected animal cruelty at a residence. What initially seemed like a simple welfare check quickly revealed a disturbing situation. But once inside the home, officers realized it was only the begging. Officers discovered that children were living in precarious conditions, surrounded by filth with smell of garbage, human waste, and decay filling the air. >> Hi, how you doing? >> Good. How are you? >> Doing good. >> You guys have a cat that's hurt? >> Yeah. >> A kitten inside that's paralyzed that got thrown down the stairs? >> Uh, I don't recall that at all. >> Do you guys have kittens inside? >> Yes, ma'am. >> All right. They're all fine >> at the moment. Yes. I just I haven't checked them out. >> Okay. Well, let's check them out. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Do you have any dogs inside? >> Um, no, we have one. >> Is it foot up? >> Yeah, she should be in the backyard. >> Okay. >> Ella got me wet. >> Okay. Can you not do that at the moment? >> Um, yeah. Is Piglet in the backyard? >> I think Yes, ma'am. Sorry about the house being a little dirty at the moment. I just I got home. >> You're fine. >> Yeah, we're about to see the cats are upstairs. >> Oh, hey. >> Initially, officers who just observed the house noticed multiple signs of filth and conditions entirely unsuitable for children to live in. However, as the investigation continued, particularly regarding the possible situation of the animals, officers discovered that things were far worse than they had imagined. [music] Other children were found living upstairs. >> Always eat >> because the dog is not Yeah, still coming. Always be a big >> It's not okay to say that. >> Okay. Is the >> my dad? >> Is the dog our mom? >> Yeah. >> Dogs outside? >> Yeah, in my backyard. Sorry about that. >> Are Are these all your kids? >> Um, no, ma'am. I have five. Yeah, the other kids is my sister-in-law's. >> Okay. Where are the cats at? >> Upstairs. >> Upstairs. >> All right. Let's go check on them. And the baby cat is my cat. >> And honey. And two of the cats. Guys, THEY'RE >> not feeding them that much. >> Wow. >> Good. >> Sorry about the mess. >> Actually, come come outside here. >> What? The guy leave some space over here. >> The baby cats baby cats. [crying] >> What happened? >> They're right here. >> What happened? >> Okay. I need I need you outside. >> Yeah. >> Oh my god. At this point, officers realized that it wasn't just five children living in the house, but a total of 13 minors confined to small rooms covered in filth. Many of them showed signs of injuries and were without adequate or clean clothing. A situation so alarming that even the officers were unsure how to proceed. >> Tab, I need your opinion. I need you to go inside and just look around and tell me what you're thinking >> about this entire setup in here. >> It seems like >> But I need you to go upstairs. I'm the police officer. >> What's your last name? >> Um, all very >> stol. O L I >> V I E R I. First name >> Angel. >> Date of birth. >> March 16th, 1997. >> March 16th, 97. >> 1997. Yes, ma'am. >> You live here? >> Yes, ma'am. >> What's your phone number? >> Uh, >> what's your Bud, get inside, please. >> All right. All right. >> Okay. >> All five of your children live here? >> Yes, ma'am. >> I need their names. So, my oldest is um >> last name. >> Data bird. >> Gabriel, come on. >> All right, you got to go inside. All right. No. Keep your first go inside. Keep your sticker. Go inside. >> Keep your sticker. Go inside. Get a sticker. >> I don't have any. I need you to go inside. Okay. >> As the investigation progressed, officers realized that the three adults could no longer be seen as merely responsible for an isolated incident with animals. Instead, it became clear that 13 children were constantly at risk due to the conditions in which they were living. The parents of five of the children were identified as Angel Olivieri and Cassandra Lambert. >> Can you get off the phone, please? >> Huh? >> Can you get off the phone, please? >> I'm on phone. >> Okay, that's fine. Okay. I don't know of what I need information. >> Uh, >> next my twins says, "Uh, >> next, >> my my son Uh >> and then my youngest my youngest youngest son is baby. >> Okay. What's mom's name? I want my wife's name is Cassandra Cassandra Lambert. And we're we're not married, but we're engaged. >> Do you know her date of birth? >> Uh the same as my my >> July 1st. >> Yes. Uh 1998 is her is her year. >> What year? 98. >> 98. Yep. 1998. >> July 1st. >> Okay. What's Cassandra's phone number? >> Um sorry about that. I'm on the phone with her right now. I'll cancel it and then >> she's at work at the moment. >> Do you know why this this is happening? >> Why I'm getting information? You have no idea. >> No, ma'am. >> Do you think these living conditions are acceptable for children? >> No, I don't. >> No. Okay. I understand. I'm not I'm not trying to talk down on you. I'm not trying to make you feel like less of a man or a person or to feel bad. It's one thing if adults want to live in filth in their own filth and not take care of themselves. You're adults if you want to live that way. These kids didn't sign up for that. >> The situation shocked even the investigators. Three adults were living in the house. Yet none had made any effort to maintain a safe environment for the children. There was no doubt that this constituted a crime against the well-being of minors. >> Okay. Well, there's plenty I see plenty of adults in here that could get their asses up off the couch and start cleaning. The amount of flies in there, there's diapers all over the floor. There's trash everywhere. There's animals there's animals that are not being taken cared for. Unacceptable. And we we will not have that. >> I hear you on that. >> Hang tight. >> I'm sorry that >> it's not I You don't need to be sorry to me. You need to be sorry for your kids. >> No, I know that. your kids. Angel. Angel. >> Angela. >> Did you used to live on 14th Street? >> Uh, east side. >> The 43604. 33614. I I don't where I at I used to live in downtown the PL's. >> Yeah. >> A while back on the 14th. Okay. >> All right. Turn around for me. >> At this point, the first adult, Angel, had been arrested immediately. As the case unfolded, another woman arrived, apparently the mother of one of the children. She was visibly nervous, her fear evident. She knew that the authorities had uncovered the true conditions inside her home. Why am I getting high? >> You have over here straight. in your pocket. >> What's wrong? >> Do you live here, ma'am? >> Do you live here? >> Yes. Yes. >> Okay. So, we got a call here that there was something there. a cat got thrown down the stairs or something and was injured. When we go inside and see what we saw, the living conditions here for this house and these kids being here, we we have a big big problem. >> Yeah, but no, it get it gets cleaned up every day. Listen to me. Listen. >> No, no, no, no, no, no, no. There's no way. There's no way. No way. And like I told him, he's in cuffs right now cuz he has warrants. He has four warrants. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I'm not sure. >> I don't have any, but you can check. >> No, that's fine. We we'll eventually grab your information and all. And like I told him, I'm not trying to don down on you guys. I'm from the east side. I grew up here. >> I'm not somebody who had it made in Sylvania and >> I get people go through [ __ ] I get I I understand that. I'm not trying to talk down on you guys and make you guys feel >> feel a certain type of way, make you feel like a bad mom, a bad whatever. I understand that. But at a certain point, >> too far is too far. >> I know. And that's what I be telling you. >> I I understand. I understand. So you That's That's where we are right now. Yes, sir. >> Okay. So, we're going to get some stuff figured out. >> So, do I go clean the house or what? >> Can you bring me my uh Never mind. Just hang tight for me. >> So, your children live here as well? >> Yes, ma'am. >> How many kids? >> I have eight. >> Eight kids here? >> Yes. That's what I'm saying. Can I go clean? Like I >> Hold on. Hold on. I understand. Just give me a minute. >> Hey, did y'all Okay. On here, I want you to write your first name, your last name, your date of birth, your phone number, your so I put it on. >> After that, I need all of your kids' first name, last name, date of birth. >> In the end, the three adults, Angel Lambert, Cassandra Lambert, and Angel Olivier, were arrested and charged with 18 counts of juvenile cruelty. They were restricted from having any contact with the children. [music] Investigations also revealed that many of the children did not have birth records. As a result, all the children were placed into the custody of the state of