is definitely more serious than that. >> Yeah, I'm dealing with them for now. My kid in Duth, I don't know what county that is. Is that a hatchet? >> Yes. >> I don't even know if I own a hatchet. >> It works. >> I guess that's coming with me. >> So, what's going to happen is is your brother's going to get charged and and you're going to get charged for uh child because of the condition of the home. >> Okay. For most parents, their children are their most prized possession. But sadly, not all parents see it that way. From the neglectful to the downright abusive. Here's what happens when a welfare check leads police [music] into parents' house of horrors. On December 3rd, 2025, an 11-year-old girl told her school she was terrified to return home because her stepfather, [music] Zachary, kept violating an active protection order. But when officers went to investigate, no one answered the door. They tried ringing the girl's mom, Alyssa, and she admitted she was home with her other daughter. >> Is Is Zachary there? No, just in LA and about to be here. >> Okay. Has Zachary been staying here? >> No. >> He hasn't been here since he's been given that protection order. >> No. >> Okay. Do you mind if we come up and talk to you? >> Okay. [music] You gave me a minute because I'm not dressed. >> Yeah, we Yeah, that's fine. Um, we're here so we want to talk to you. So basically your your daughter's a reptude [music] intermediate and she says that she doesn't she's afraid to come home because [music] Zachary has been staying here. >> Okay. >> So Zachary has not been here. You're saying? >> No. >> Okay. All right. Well, I'd like to just kind of talk to you in person real quick and verify that and then um we'll fix see what you want to do with your your daughter over at Park Street. um either go down and get her or we can give her a ride back or whatnot, but um we want to verify that Zach's actually not here cuz he's not supposed to be. Okay. >> Okay. Give me a second to get her in a room, but I don't know if she can. >> All right. Sounds good. Thank you. She's lying. She's lying. You can tell on her voice that she's lying. So, this is Officer Hunter. >> Hey, I cannot find my keys. I'm telling you guys like >> Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on. What do you need? What do you need keys for to come to the front door and talk to me for? >> Oh, he wanted to talk to me because my daughter is saying that my four-year-old dad's here, but he's not. She got grounded yesterday. I That's the only thing I can think of. But I was in the shower. I have no teeth. I can't find my teeth. I have them. I just can't find them. So, it's embarrassing. >> Okay. I don't care about whether you have teeth in or not. I want to talk to you in person. I'm not going to let your daughter come back to this apartment till I talk to you and I see you face to face. Do you understand that? >> Yes, I understand. >> So, I don't care if you have teeth in or not. You need to come to the door and talk to me. >> I'll just tell you guys. >> Alyssa was more concerned about getting embarrassed about not having her teeth than the fact that her daughter was scared. But of course, the officers weren't [music] going to just abandon their investigation just because of that. Eventually, she came to the door as instructed. >> You still haven't gotten dressed yet? >> No. >> Okay. >> I was in quarantine. How can I >> So, where is where's Zach at? Zachary >> should be Taylor. >> He should be what? >> He's mom. Taylor's rock. >> Okay, then. Hello. >> So, he's not here. He hasn't been here. >> There's no concern. >> No, >> you would tell us. >> No, I promise you. >> There's not there's a concern about my daughter. I don't know what to do with her. >> Okay. >> Because she knows she knows that she shouldn't do this, but she's mad. She don't know why. I don't know. Someone told her, >> "Would you have an issue if we came in to a quick walk through her? Would that be Would that be a problem?" >> Oh, it's fine. >> It's fine. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Alyssa confirmed that it was just her and her youngest daughter in the house. Officers weren't convinced after she'd lied to them already, but they would soon find that the house was not even safe for young children to live in. We're going to we're going to end up getting a hold of her starting to see again. See if she wants to do everywhere in here. That's a problem. So, let me hold this somewhere. >> There was no sign of Zachary, but they were concerned about the drug paraphernelia they'd found, especially when it had been left out where the kids could easily grab it. They rang their supervisor for advice and filled her in on the situation, >> but we don't think they're selling or anything like that. >> I doubt they're selling. They look like if anything, they just use. So, if anything's in there, if anything's in there, it'd be personal amount personal use. But, I mean, like, what do you want to do with these kids? She's got freaking meth pipe and foil just laying on the bed and she's got a toddler in here and then she's got like an 11 12year-old over at the school. >> How's the like is a toddler walking around all that stuff? >> Yeah, like probably two or maybe three. She's old enough to talk and walk around and do her own thing. She'd go up that bedroom right now and grab that bike just laying on the floor. The apartment's disgusting. There's I'm pretty sure there's bed bugs hopping around everywhere in there. It's nah. It's filthy in there. So, >> and no drugs in Plane View. >> No drugs in Plane View. I wasn't going to like start microscoping. We were in there obviously looking for Zach. >> Right. This stuff is >> at least make a referral. Do you think you have enough for endangering? >> Not with this burnt coil and the pipe. Unless there was something in the pipe and if we pick it up and there's still left over in the pipe, that'd be different. But >> I would say take what you have in plain view because you have a right to take that >> and charge her with the paraphernalia >> and then make a referral to children services. The lead officer updated his partner and they came to the conclusion that Alyssa must have been smoking meth when they'd first arrived, especially as the dentures she'd claimed she couldn't find have been lying right beside the pipe and burnt foil. They then went back into the house to confront Alyssa about the drugs. >> Here's the deal. Is there any drugs in this apartment? >> No, there's some >> I know there's foils on the up there. >> Oh, I didn't throw it all away. I was I put the mayor a little bit before I got in the shower cuz I was >> Why would you put it in there? >> Cuz I was looking in my closet for bro and I saw it in there. I said >> you saw all the mo you just keep all your burn oil in the in the barrel. >> No, I saw them in the closet. I said there so I wouldn't forget to throw away. And [music] >> what drugs do you use? >> I use on ice, but I'm also boxing now. I got clean. You can ask the man. She helped me. Like I detoxed here a couple days ago. I would get clean and had >> So there's no drugs? >> No. >> The lead officer then asked her if she'd consent to them [music] searching the bedroom. He informed her they'd be taking the foils and the meth and asked her to stay downstairs while they completed their search. >> Look, I promise there's no drugs up there. If there was, I would have found them and did them before I found those in my closet. That's why the safe open cuz I was making sure there wasn't any drugs up there. >> Looks like a used narcine. So, that's cool. Someone overdosed. >> Needle covers back here. Some more burnt oil. See [music] this right here? Yeah, it's probably enough that if that kid came up here and got into that, that probably that feel like it, right? >> Yeah, definitely. >> So, it'll take a lot. So, >> we're going to uh we're going to arrest her. So, we'll arrest her. >> What do you think that is? [music] >> She says she's >> The time had come to arrest Alyssa and get her kids to safety, but it was the young girl's reaction to the arrest [music] that made the case truly heartbreaking. >> All right, Alyssa, I need you to do me a favor. Set the phone down. Stand up. Place your hands behind your back. You're under arrest. >> Why am I under arrest? >> Why am I underestimated? >> Felony drug possession and child >> child endangering. >> I know you need you need to have a nice safe home is what you need. We're going to do that. Bring your wrist. Bring your wrist closer. >> I found it in the closet. No, mommy. [crying and laughter] >> Please don't. >> Got the handcuff on the wrong way. This robe is throwing me off. >> No, don't. >> You just help me secure your hands really quick. I [crying] put my handcuff on the wrong way. >> Just take it off cuz the robes were >> Just take it off. >> Don't take my mommy too. >> I'm going to take this out cuz I let them look in the room cuz I didn't. Please, >> I feel [crying and laughter] >> Alyssa was charged with felony drug possession, [music] endangering children, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She later took a plea agreement, so the endangering children and paraphernalia charges were dismissed. [music] She was sentenced to 180 days in jail with 163 suspended, credited with time served, and placed on 2 years of community control. On July [music] 31st, 2023, officers were dispatched to assist the human services department with a welfare check on five children. The landlord had visited the day before [music] and discovered the kids were left alone and locked in the basement. >> Well, I don't know what you guys are made aware of, but we got some kiddos locked in a basement. Um, >> don't like their a landlord came yesterday to get pictures because she was going to be changing the carbon monoxide detectors. Um there's appeared to be some 19 to 20 year old females living in there who are not on the lease. Um she was about to enter the basement, the landlord, and the 19 or 20 yearear-old said, "Oh, there's a family living down there." The landlord said, "What? Like what do you mean?" Um and one of the females said, "Well, my aunt just died." So the landlord left it alone and she left today. She came back with her son with the carbon monoxide detectors to change and she needed to get into the room in a basement. The door appeared to be locked, so she busted it down and there were five or six kids in there. Um, an infant for sure. None of the kids talked. Um, none of the females said anything. Um, and she left >> and called us. >> The fe Oh, the landlord. >> The landlord. >> Oh, >> yeah. So, my understanding called us. >> My understanding is the 19 and 20-year-old are still in the home, but >> but we don't we don't think that they're they're kids. I don't know. We don't know whose kids these are, if they how long they've been locked in there or anything. >> The landlord had reported that the kids were living in unsafe conditions and some appeared to be malnourished. So, the officers and the HSD workers agreed that the kids were in imminent danger. That meant any locked doors would need breaching if necessary. >> Police, we're here to check the welfare of the children. >> Hi. Sorry to bother you. >> Police department. >> Yeah. >> Do you do you live here? Yes. >> You do live here? >> Yes. >> You have an ID? >> No, I don't. >> So, we're checking on the welfare of a few children. >> A few children? >> Yeah. >> There's supposedly children in the basement. We're going to check the welfare of those children. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Well, let me get their mother because you're going to communicate with >> We need to know who you are first. >> Yeah. What's your name, ma'am? >> My name's Nigeria. Why? >> Children, right? No, I don't have kids. >> Okay, then you don't have nothing to worry about. Let's get your information. You two we can talk. >> Okay, sure. We can come in. >> Nigeria apologized for the state of the house as she led the officers to the kid's mom, claiming they were in the middle of moving out. She took them down to the basement where the mom and her kids appeared to be living. >> Hi. Sorry to bother you. >> We We were called here someone was concerned about the welfare of the children. >> Someone was >> concerned about the welfare of the children. >> Are you their mother? >> Yes. >> Are all these children yours? Yeah, they're all mine. >> Okay. Do you have an ID on you, ma'am? >> Uh, no, I do not. Right now, >> do you own an ID? It's just not here or >> Yeah, just not here normally. >> Oh, where would it be? >> It's actually in the vehicle. It's not here. >> So, you live here in the basement? >> Yes, for right now. Yes. Right now, do stay here for a few days. >> Oh. Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to shine the light on a little one there. >> Um, >> so someone was was concerned about them. >> Yes. >> They were saying that the >> Do you know who that would be though? like who would be >> I don't know. >> Do you have anything with your name on it? I just I just need to identify you. >> The mom was eventually identified [clears throat] as Dea. The lead officer then told her why both he and HSD were there, but she claimed the kids were fine and she was always with them. It was beginning to look like the landlord may have been mistaken, but HSD still had to finish their investigation first. >> Hi, Dra. My name is Dakota and I work with Racing County CPS. How are you? >> Almost 5 years old. >> You're good, thanks. Thank you. So, I just want to talk to you. Are these all of your babies? >> Yes, they're mine. >> They are. And how old are all your kids? >> They're uh the oldest one, she is going to be 15. Then we have the other one. My youngest one is going to be one. The other one's going to be two. I have a seven and eight. >> And then seven. >> Seven. Eight. And how old is this one? >> She's one. She's She's one. >> Yeah. >> What about the other one? >> Two. >> Two. While HSD spoke to Dea and took down all the kids' details, the officers tried to figure out the connection between Desa, her kids, and the other woman in the property. >> I'm not related to her. I'm related to uncle. So, they're just here with him. >> They got kisses. >> Okay. And they just came here because there was a funeral for your uncle. >> Yeah. We didn't even have the funeral yet. That's what we're trying to explain this to. >> So, the father of these children, >> who is [music] that to you? >> My uncle. >> That's your uncle. >> Yeah. Yes. So he's deceased. >> No. >> No. Your uncle's alive? >> Yes. >> Who's your uncle? >> Brother. >> Who's your uncle? >> Which one? The one that just died. >> No. Who's the father of these children? What's that person's name? >> They are not all his kids. That's like two of them are. >> Okay. Who's the one you're related to? >> K. >> Quan. >> Yeah. >> Once they had a clearer picture of the family situation, the officers discussed what they'd found so far. But then one of the women started arguing with someone over the phone. So HSD asked the officers if they could send the other woman upstairs. >> So how you going to send somebody upstairs? But we don't live here. We don't pay rent here, right? That girl need to mind her business cuz I guess weird. Y'all want to search the whole crib and do all that for what? >> I didn't say that. >> So what do you go upstairs for? >> She said send them upstairs. >> She said she said >> that's what I'm saying. Send who? >> Because you're being loud and we're trying to conduct investigation in the basement. >> Investigation of what? possible child [music] or >> child if you'd like to keep heeding in the the investigation. You can go to jail. How about that? >> Okay, bye. >> All I'm asking you to do is to be quiet and go away. >> Arguing. I'm sitting here on the phone. This ain't got nothing to do with it was so difficult. >> Tempers eventually cooled as HSD completed their investigation and stepped outside momentarily. The women then got onto the subject of their landlord, who they'd realized must have been the one who' reported Dea. >> She says she don't know none of us, but like you don't know me, so why are you taking my money? >> Why are you taking rent money from me if you don't know me? >> It's okay cuz I still have evidence of paying her and I it don't matter. I got evidence her knowing that we live here, all that. I got evidence of everything. I got evidence her just in the house 5 minutes around cuz she the one did that out there. >> We already knew she expected like I had to put two and two together. >> She's mad. Like what is wrong with you? Like you just say you don't even know us. You telling me. So you telling people you telling people falsify stuff that's not even true. And you don't even like people say you don't know us. How you know? >> You don't even know me. >> He's on the other side. >> And you don't even know my children. >> You don't got a life. >> First of all, she was just talking about she didn't care about uncle dying. She didn't care about everybody else's children. She didn't care about others. But you care about all of us. What we doing here? >> Exactly. But you want us out so bad by tomorrow. Like girl, get out for real. Like you said, you don't know me, but you call on me for my children. No, at the end of the day, you don't even know me or my children. I don't even know you >> at all. Not from A to Z. Not from A to B. I don't know you, >> right? Like, she's so weird. >> So, you don't have life. >> You don't have a life. And that's the truth. People don't like to hear the truth. You You don't have a life for doing that type of stuff. >> Playing with somebody kids like that, that's >> that's not that's not cool. HSD then came back in to ask ASA about the identity of her kid's father. They determined the basement the family were living in wasn't appropriate and made the decision to have all five children removed. That meant Dea was [music] an unfit caregiver and could face potential charges. >> You guys can rock paper scissors on who tells me. [laughter] >> So I feel like I have cuz I don't feel like I have to like I'm obligated to give regard to this lady. Um, I really can I tell her something cuz I've been in this position. I think your best bet is to tell them the name or it's just going to go left. Everything's just going to flip right the over. >> Well, I don't know about that. But >> Okay. >> No. Yeah. I don't want nothing to go left. >> But it's uh like you said, I like you said, my best bet. Uh, it's a client. >> Will you spell it for me? >> L A H. >> Last name is Russell. I don't do is I don't like to give people names out when they're not here. You know what I mean? >> And I totally get that. >> I'm not trying to argue with you guys. >> So, here's here's a situation is you have a warrant right now. >> Okay. So, we're going to take you in and they're going to take the kids for until you get this sorted out. >> So, they need the parent the father's contact information so they can handle things. >> Do you know what that's for? >> Non-support. >> Non-support. And it's body only. >> Yeah. And it's body only. So, >> it's who? Body. >> Body only. So that means we have to take >> you can't find out. >> You have to see a judge. >> HSD was hoping to give Dea's kids to relatives rather than foster parents if possible. They took custody of the children in the meantime [music] and Dea was arrested on her outstanding warrant and charged with five counts of neglect resulting in great bodily harm. On February 18th, 2025, officers received reports of a couple identified as Patricia and James locking up their autistic teenage daughter in the chicken [music] coupe and holding a gun to her head. Officers arrived with a warrant to search the property. >> Hello, Patricia. >> I'm Detective Monlov. We talked on the phone. Um, I have a copy of the warrant for you that you can look over as well and I will uh kind of brief you if you guys are good. Um, who is there anyone else inside the house right now? >> Um, >> that we need to be aware of. >> I think James >> is James here. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um, >> when did he come back? >> I think today. >> Okay. >> Have you had contact with them or? >> Um, he's been here while I leave and I've been here while he leaves. >> Was he ever open? >> Huh? >> Was he ever open up in Durango? Um, I really don't know. I got a phone call from um I think it's called Access Health. >> Patricia was asked to secure the dogs, but once she went into the property, she seemed to be taking far longer than necessary. The atmosphere among the officers turned tense given the reports of the couple owning a gun. Hey, why you come back out? Is >> she talking to you? Is >> she talking to you? Ma'am, you need to come back out. >> What' she say? >> You need to speak up. >> Ma'am, >> we lost her. The dog. >> OKAY. COME ON. >> She's getting dogged. >> Yeah. Come on, babe. Come on out. >> I was trying to get the leash. >> So, yeah, he's going right to animal control. >> I got him. Can I just put her in that little one? >> There you go. >> Since Patricia clearly wasn't securing the dogs as instructed, she was asked to wait outside. Officers then ventured into the property, but James was still nowhere to be found. >> Hold that left. >> Yep. Ed, just cover that kitchen real quick. I'm going to cover this if you and Ed want to jump into that and then I'll ready go. >> I got stairs. >> Go with him. Go with him. We're going to back here. I don't like the way she was doing that. That was a stall. >> Yeah. >> And the whole dog thing. The one her one job was to get the dog and she walked right past it to come in the house. >> Did we announce? >> Not yet. Barington police. We have a search warrant. >> James, if you're in here, YOU NEED TO MAKE YOURSELF KNOWN. >> During their search, officers found cameras capturing everything that went on in the house. They unplugged them in case James was watching them on security camera monitors, but they felt certain he was hiding somewhere. >> With the search warrant, COME OUT NOW. IF YOU do not come outside, we cannot guarantee your safety. Go ahead and get 33. I got it. This is Farmington police with the search warrant. >> We're in front of this window here. >> We need you TO COME OUTSIDE NOW. >> YEAH. UM, >> HEY. >> NOPE. This is the only way in, I think. And I don't know about that door cuz I think that's a separate one, too. >> Bar, please. >> Open. >> Step out. >> I got I got caution coming up. >> I'm coming up. >> Get down underneath. Get down on your knees. >> Go to the ground now. >> Put your hands behind your back. >> Yep. With James secured, the officers were able to begin their search for evidence of the reported abuse. They were specifically looking for chains, guns, and any human waste in the chicken coupe that indicated the girl had been locked in there without being allowed to use the restroom. >> Found a padlock over here. A chain over here. >> You need a bag >> right here. Yeah. Want to bag them separately or together? Go ahead and do I'll separate. >> Yeah. >> It's outside right here in this. The uh padlock was right here. The chain was on the chicken coop. Meanwhile, the suspects were taken to the station for questioning, starting [music] with Patricia. But unsurprisingly, she had excuses for the allegations [music] the girl had made. >> So, the allegations that were brought up was she she said that she is only allowed to use the restroom at certain times. >> Okay. and that if she wants to use the restroom outside of those time out of those times, she has to get permission from both you and James [music] in order to either shower or use the restroom. Is that accurate or No, we were just told Well, see, it goes back to [music] >> Mhm. >> We're like, how do we do this? you know, and she just said, "You can't force her. Just let her [music] do it by herself." And so that's what James and I were doing. Okay. Um and then there was also allegations of um having to actually being locked in the chicken coupe out out [music] back. Okay. >> Tell me about that. She said that every every morning from um about 6:00 in the morning until 10 to midnight at night she would have to be locked in the chicken coop. I'm not aware of that. I know that um her chore was to feed the chickens and give them water and then I caught her a couple of times in there and she was busting eggs. She really messes with a lot of stuff. >> Mhm. >> Like what? Just everything. Patricia went on to say that the girl wouldn't do her chores or help with anything, and the only time she'd been in the coupe was to bust the chicken eggs so she could watch the ants eat them. >> But that doesn't explain [music] the reports of abuse that the officers received. >> Have you ever made her go out there for discipline and >> no, >> sit in the chicken coop or stand in the chicken coop? Okay. >> We just send her to her room or put her in the living room and tell her, you know, you're in timeout. Um, do you guys ever um spank or anything? >> I don't. James, it's it's his kids. He disciplines them. >> The female officer then interviewed James. She explained they were [music] reviewing the cameras they'd found to see if there were any images of the girl locked in the chicken coop. They were also searching phones as they'd been told the cameras could [music] be accessed from them. >> My phone doesn't even work on the cameras. >> No. >> Okay. that mine's aren't even tied into. >> Okay. >> So, I mean, I know that she's scratched herself, hurt herself, you know, cuz um I even took a picture of her hand where she had scratched it just because the allegations she's made in the past. >> Um and did you confront her about those scratches or why she did that? Yeah, she just I don't know. >> Okay. >> So, I'm like, so I said, well, go in the bathroom, clean your hand up, you know. >> And have you ever seen Patricia issue any type of physical um discipline to >> [music] >> letter. Yes. >> Since neither Patricia nor James were willing to confess, officers then searched the messages on their phones, [music] leading them to a chilling discovery. Huh? The investigation took 5 months in total, but the couple were finally arrested and charged with 14 [music] counts of child abuse. On August 24th, 2023, neighbors reported a toddler on the roof of his home after he'd been left unsupervised by an open window. He'd been up there for over 20 minutes by the time the police arrived. >> And this is our ladder. We >> brought over the kid was up there as a >> He's been up there for over 20 minutes. This is a vacation rental here. So, he's in >> Okay, I'll let you guys get out of there. Okay. Thank you. >> You guys still need the ladder. Go ahead. if you don't mind if you just put in my front yard when you guys are there. >> 10:20. >> Uh, I don't know. >> We don't need a police officer now. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Once he'd made it to the top, the officer [music] opened the bedroom window and climbed inside. But after talking to the neighbors, [music] they still weren't prepared for the mess waiting for them inside. >> Good. >> Hi. >> Hi, buddy. How are you? >> Hello. >> So, this this is Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. I'm going to try to go through here just to get them out of here. Okay. Yep. I was trying to Oh, wow. There's a hatchet. Okay. Okay. >> You want to uh just make sure he's secure there. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. You probably just put that on the corner down in the corner over there. Grab it. >> That's fair. I guess it's been here. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Hi, buddy. I'm going to make some noise. Okay. Have >> you reached through trying to push stuff out of the way? Looks like it's just a vacuum. See? Hi. Um, >> excuse me. >> Uh, your kid was on the roof. Almost fell down. >> No, he wasn't. >> Yes. Yes. >> There's no way he was on the roof. >> We just helped get him back in the window. >> What's your name? >> My name is Christie. I am pretty much naked, but there's no way. >> Hey, Christie, put some clothes on. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Can you tell me how that window was open? >> He had it open. He was on the roof and he's been here for a long time. Want to get covered up and then we can talk. >> Hold on one second, Grayson. Okay. >> Okay. Okay, we're going to go down here. Okay. >> Okay. >> I just want to let you know that I've had CVS here many times and it doesn't look like this. I've been here for a whole week straight, 15 hours a day. I'll let you call my boss if you want. >> I'll just meet you downstairs here in a minute. Okay. >> Yeah. I'm just going to find >> the officer went back out to discuss the case with his [music] partners and they agreed they were probably looking at child neglect, but he still needed to complete a thorough search of the property and first question the mother, Christy. >> Hi. So, are you guys ready to come down or what are we doing? Are we hiding whatever you guys were doing? >> Okay, why don't you come down here? What's your name? Jay. >> I'll let you pass me. What? Jay. Jay, come on down here. I'm on the way. Excuse me. >> We're not away from that happens. And so say if you were to get down here and get something he's not supposed to have, you know, maybe >> the cat's out >> choking something. We're asleep. We won't know what happened. >> Okay. So >> I don't even know what time it is. >> Here, I'll I'll talk to you outside. Just >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Sleeping was a lousy excuse to leave the child without supervision. Jay is Christiey's fianceé and she confirmed they both lived in the house. The officer then asked how long they'd lived together. >> He's lived here almost 3 years. I've been here for almost two. But >> what's little son's name? >> Grayson. >> Grayson. >> He's three. >> How long was Grayson in there all by himself? >> Usually only until I wake up. I work pretty late. He's usually up around 7:00 or 8. >> So like a range of hours. Like when did you barricade him in there? >> He was He actually fell asleep in the hallway. He usually [clears throat] does. So 10:00 at night, we put him back in there. But then he gets up when I get up. It depends. So I work for Family Dollar. I'm usually there open to close. So I go to work at 7 a.m. So Grayson I >> So yesterday you would have worked at 7 a.m. >> Yeah. I don't have a license. He drives me. So they get up with me and then I'm usually there all day. >> What time do you think it was when Grayson fell asleep in the hallway? >> 9:30. We had church last night >> and then you moved him into his room. >> But usually it's about 10:00. He'll fall asleep in the hallway watching whatever we're watching. >> Would you say that you're the primary caretaker or would you say that um would you say that he helps parents or or care or care for Grayson? >> Um he does. Okay. For the last couple of weeks, I've been stuck at work a lot because we got a new store opening up. We got new employees. True. >> My boss since I she has a license. I don't. My other employees don't know how to run the store. I've been there running the store. So lately, he's been here more with him. But usually it would be me would say half and half at least. I would only work average. I mean before the last few months or so it was uh 8 hour shifts and then it was 10 hour shifts and now it's 15 about. After the officer got a better picture of Christy and her son's family life and the responsibilities Jay had supposedly taken on, he went on to tell Christy what he'd seen in the house so far. But she acted as shocked as he was. >> This was one of the worst things I've ever seen. It it was like he's been kept in there like like a dog. There was a dog dish of food. Okay. Yes, he has a that's all that's in there for him is a dog dish of of food. Um >> Okay. >> When we arrived, the window was open. He was on the roof. Obviously, he's been throwing his toys down. >> Been doing it for a while. >> Yes. Um there's a hatchet on the floor in there. >> There's dirty diapers all over. There's poop rubbed all over the wall. >> I knew about the poop. I was supposed to paint the walls this weekend. >> Um it's just there's no excuse for it. And yeah, you said you had CPS here. Yes, I did. Okay. Well, and what was that about before? >> There was a call about Grayson playing in a cat box. It's in my bathroom. He thinks it's cat litter or that it's like sand, you know. Yeah. >> And the coloring on the walls >> is definitely more serious than that. >> Yeah. I'm dealing with them for now. My kid in Duth, I don't know what county that is. Is that a hatchet? >> Yes. >> I don't even know if I own a hatchet. >> It was possible that Christy genuinely hadn't known about the dog bowl or the hatchet on the floor. But that was no excuse for her son being left in those conditions. A responsible parent would have gone into the bedroom to check on their kid. >> Here. So, I need your hands back, too. Okay. It's going to be child. >> Give Carol and my mom a call. >> He's not the biological father. He's not related to the child. >> No. >> I'm going to go up and take a few more pictures of that room. >> Yeah. Bunny >> been arrested before. This is new. >> All right. Here. We're going to walk to this car here. Number five. >> We got like a weird cavity search or something. >> I'm not going to do anything like that, >> but I'll search your your pockets. >> I don't have any. >> The officer led Christy over to their vehicle and seated her in the back. Then they had a quick discussion about what to do with Jay. It was agreed any adult living in the house had joint responsibility for the welfare of the child. So Jay had to be arrested, too. >> So here's what we're going to do, Jay. We got to take you to the police department. Okay. I'm going to I'm going to put you in handcuffs to bring you down there. You can turn around for me. Not let me catch up. That's cool. >> What's that? >> I'll definitely not let you turn around. >> See? >> All right, Jay. Uh since we are going to the police department, the jail actually, it's uh before we go over here, do you have anything on you? >> Just a blue phone truck. >> Just a phone. Okay. >> Ring on the phone here. >> All right. Do you mind transporting my takes a bunch of pictures up here? >> Okay. Um so Jail and what's the um >> Oh, Kitty over there. I'll try to roost him back inside. >> What are we looking at? >> Uh it's going to be a child named >> Okay, we'll do. All right. >> Her name's Millie. >> Millie. [music] >> Millie. Once they got to the station, an officer explained to Jay he would be charged with child neglect, which would be a felony as Christiey's son was under six. Christy was charged with endangering a dependent. On March 15th, 2024, officers located a young girl who'd run away from her foster home. The poor girl was clearly terrified and at first seemed like she was going to run from the officer. He soon found out why. >> What's going on? Why'd you run away? >> I don't want to be there. >> Why not? >> She's She's scared. >> She's scary. Who? >> The one who takes care of us. >> What's her name? >> Tina. >> Is that your mom? Yeah. >> What What's scary about her? I'm scared to get in trouble because she goes to the extreme. She goes very far when she gets in trouble. >> Like what? >> What happens when you get in trouble? >> She lock Sometimes she locks us in a closet. >> Locked you in a closet for how long? >> The longest I've been here has been like 4 days. >> 4 days. When's When did that happen? Most recently. Uh, it was last year. It was around Easter. >> And what did you get in trouble for that made that happen? >> I was sneaking my sister's food. >> You were making them food? >> I was sneaking my sister's food that she gets from school. >> Why'd you get in trouble for that? >> Because I'm not supposed to >> make food. >> No. [snorts] My sister, she brings my little sister, she brings some she was bringing like snack snacks from school. >> Yeah. >> And uh and I was having her keep it in the bedroom so I could have some >> and so when she figured out she tased me and locked me in a closet for 4 days. >> She tased you? >> After hearing those shocking allegations, the officer went to talk to Tina Ramirez, the girl's foster mom. Initially, Tina talked about giving her kids a great Halloween and making them the happiest kids ever, but the kids were telling a very different story. >> Have you ever locked your kids in the closet? >> No. >> Okay. Why would they tell me they've been locked in the closet? >> All of my kids said that. [music] >> More than one? >> No. I've never locked any of my kids in the closet. >> Okay. >> I found this letter. I'm sure you've read it. It was in your closet. Yes. >> Tell me about these letters. >> Sure. Absolutely. >> I mean, why why is she saying all this horrible stuff is happening to her if >> she does that? This how she vents, >> right? I mean, she's Is it the truth? >> I mean, those are old. I don't know. Like, she's >> she's talking about being beat up. She's talking about having scissors to her throat. Talking about pulling you off of her and you telling her you would have killed her. >> That's when we had an altercation, >> right? We had an altercation >> with scissors. >> No, there was no scissors. She was coming at me. Okay. >> But we can't pull it off because she was holding my hair. >> Right. And yeah, that did happen. That did happen. Yes. >> Tina claimed she'd never spanked or hit her kids. And when [music] it came to feeding them, Tina claimed they got whatever they wanted. But the evidence wasn't adding up. So, she was asked about another incident in the letter. This one right here, I did take away the drinks um from her cuz she was sneaking them. She writes stuff like this all the time, sir. You can talk to her about this. She does this all the time. She'll tell you. >> So, why'd you keep this one like it's important? >> I didn't keep because it was in your closet. >> I mean, I kept with all your important papers. >> I kept all of these to show her and remind her, but I haven't got these out in forever. Sir, I'm being honest. Like, >> I don't think you are. >> I'm scared. >> Well, probably cuz you've been abusing your kids. >> No, I >> Look how skinny they are. You told me you feed those kids. >> I do. >> Enough. >> I wouldn't say enough. They like to eat noodles. How? What kid can get fat off of noodles? >> My kids. I feed my kids noodles all the time. They're fatter than hell. At least not skin and bones like this. noodles and crackers with it >> and spaghetti and meatballs and hot pockets and pizza and hot dogs and all kinds of nutritious things. Those kids are malnutritioned, Tina. >> Well, I give them canned uh vegetables. Does that count? >> That's healthy. Yeah. >> If Tina was feeding someone, it was clearly not the children. Since she obviously wasn't telling the officer the truth, he proceeded to read out part of the letter. And what the girl had written was truly heartbreaking. >> She loves my cooking. And my kids love my cooking. Dear God, I think she's going to kill me. I didn't do anything. You and I both know that. I have been talking to you, praying, and trying to be polite, helpful, and respectful. I've been shutting out all the bad thoughts, but it's no use. But I I won't let their negativity and discouragement stop me. This is my year for as long as I'm alive. I'm going to change, but I won't let anyone stop me. I want to change, but if she kills me, I know that I was making changes to make me better. I'm going to be kind and respectful still. She held scissors to my throat. Scissors underlined to my throat. She left bruises on my neck along with cuts from her nails. She cut the inside of my lip and now one of my front teeth is moving slightly. My nose is clogged with blood and my ear is bright red with plenty of scratches on it. And it hurts so bad. I can't lay on that side of my head. You know, I could get her in trouble for that. And the fact that she said, "I'm going to kill her with at least two people besides me that can verify that." Then she whispered to me, "If [music] Katrina didn't stop me, I would have choked you till you passed out. And I'm the sick twisted one. But no, I'm going to stay here just to prove what I can change." >> Yes, >> Tina. Combine that with the fact that these kids have run away seven times from you. >> Mhm. >> How is any reasonable person supposed to think you're not starving and abusing these kids? >> Okay. Mental abuse? I would say yes. Physical abuse? No. >> The fact Tina wasn't willing to admit to the mental abuse clearly meant she didn't think it was that bad. And as if it wasn't shocking enough, she then tried to pass off the kid's [music] skinniness as being due to parasites. But she hadn't taken them to see a doctor for it. Worse, they hadn't seen a doctor at all in 2 or 3 years. >> Are you feeding those kids enough >> enough? Okay. Can I ask you a question? >> Yes. >> What would be enough? Is three times a day enough? Two two to three times a day. So, >> cuz sometimes, like I said, in the morning, the girls will just have a glass of milk. Okay. But they have lunch and they have dinner. They never skip that. Never. We're circling right back around to if they're not skipping meals and if they're getting fed enough, I wouldn't be able to see their bones through their skin like that. >> Yeah. So, like I should take them to the doctor. >> Absolutely. I think you should have taken them to the doctor. You know, especially if if they're skinny because there's something wrong with them. >> You know, if they're skinny because there's something wrong with them, they need to go to the doctor. If they're skinny because you're not feeding them, you need to go to prison. >> Right. >> Right. They kept going in circles on the subject of food, and the officer was beginning to get frustrated. [snorts] But when he apologized to Tina for being unprofessional and told her he'd come back the next day, [music] her attitude became surprising. >> And since you walked in my door, you have made this process comfortable. >> I'm glad >> you're doing your job. >> Okay. >> That's your job. Serve and protect, right? >> Mhm. >> I can't be mad at that. All right. her job. Same thing. Serve and protect, right? >> Mhm. >> I I understand. I do. It looks bad. It does. >> It's cuz it is bad, Tina. It doesn't look bad. It is bad. >> The police are here doing a search warrant and DHS is taking your kids. >> I know. >> It's bad. >> And that's that's you know, I'll tell you something. >> Those two older ones have been taken from DHS. >> I know. not definitely from their bio parents, >> but a foster >> and they're terrified. >> Foster um they've been taken out of foster care before because that foster home got um investigated and then the third home that they didn't want them so they felt not wanted. >> And now the fourth home. >> And how do they feel here? >> I hate that. >> Clearly, she was trying to change his perspective about her, but the officer wasn't about to be blindsided. And there was one last piece of evidence he needed to ask Tina about before he left. [snorts] It >> works. >> I guess that's coming with me. >> Oh, I guess I do need to ask you a couple more questions. >> Yes. >> Several of your kids confirmed that you have tased one of these kids with that taser. >> No, as I was telling her earlier, we do them, right? And we even do it too with the dogs. So, physically, no. I've not >> like how close have you put it to the kids? >> Um, one time I got real close on accident because we were playing around, but as far as >> No. >> Okay. In the game, like how close are you? >> Oh, not that close. >> I know. But you're not telling me a distance like >> with inches. That's like 6 inches is what you just showed. >> Yeah. We pop it like Oh, it's like Did you find it? >> I did. >> Yeah. It's little. It don't hit them. During their search of the property, officers found multiple cameras around the house and [music] locks on the pantry and refrigerator doors. With all the evidence and Tina's story not adding up, they had no option but to arrest her and her husband [music] Anthony Ebizo. Tina was then done talking, but Anthony agreed to an interview. >> It's like I can't catch a break. It's like [music] >> I didn't know about this stuff until Friday whenever I got involved with it. Anthony, that's that's the first time I got involved. You know, maybe if you and I had spoke Thursday [music] and you were saying this situation's terrible and we need help, maybe this would look different. [music] But the police got involved and found the conditions the way they were and it's not good, Anthony. Okay. So, um, man, I don't I really don't know what to tell you other than uh you should have done something, I think. I'm thinking about like what should I have done? What should I have done? Because at the same time I well >> I did I did make sure I told her I was like hey like I asked her >> you knew what you were getting yourself into [music] man. I mean like you should have taken him to the doctor. You should have taken him to somebody a professional. >> I don't I'm not adopted. I'm not I'm not on their papers like that. >> I know that. But you you got to know the family before you even got married. >> You got to know the family and made sure that was something you wanted to be a part of. [music] >> So when you marry a woman with kids, those are your kids. Your stepdad. >> She always takes them to the hospital whenever before the start of school. >> That's for the babies, man. Not the big ones. The big ones need to go to the doctor. >> I thought she did that. >> No. And she told me that she thought they had parasites and that she never took them to the doctor even then. I mean, >> so I I [music] don't I don't think I don't think that the defense of you just didn't know is going to fly for this. Truthfully, >> when asked what he'd done to protect the kids, Anthony couldn't think of a single thing, but he did eventually recall an argument with his wife. >> First, I was like questioning like, why the hell do you have what why do you have to lock blah blah? And then she goes, "Well, it's because um they every single time trying to run away, stop trying to stop it from happening." Then then all of a sudden, cameras. Why do you have all [music] these cameras? Like what the >> Is that not you? Is that her? Like there's so many cameras. That's crazy. >> That is so crazy cuz I freaking argument about it. I argued with her. I said, "Hey, this camera like this is not family. This is some prison or something." >> Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. >> First of all, >> thank you. the the cameras. I was like, "Yo, okay, so much cameras." And she's [music] like, "Yeah, because I use the cameras to watch because that way because they kept asking after they finish eating." >> Mhm. >> They kept [music] asking like stealing food from little ones whenever they little ones are eating, they go into the kitchen and kind of give the little ones some side eye >> and then the little ones would just act like [music] they're full >> and then they the big ones take their food and eat it >> because they're hungry. Anthony. >> Tina and Anthony were charged with multiple counts of child and neglect. And Tina was also charged with assault and battery with a deadly weapon. On November 18th, 2024, officers were dispatched to investigate reports of a woman falling asleep while her 4-year-old son ran around the parking lot unsupervised. [music] Even more worrying, it was the second time it happened in a week. >> Where's this child at? >> He's at room 225. How long uh was >> Yeah. How long How long was >> forever to wake her up again? >> That's her. That's you. >> Yeah. She >> Come on down there. Come on. Let's go. >> She wasn't at her for >> Who? Where's the kid at? >> 225. >> Okay. Ain't >> mine. >> Okay. How long? >> How long was the kid out here for? >> For about 10 minutes. >> All right. Your kid was gone for 10 minutes and you didn't know? No, >> I didn't. The door was locked. >> Where's the kid at? >> Right here. He's fine. >> I don't want it roast, dude. He's >> How old is he? >> He's four. Your four-year-old was out here running around for 10 minutes and you was in here sleeping. >> I didn't. He was by the door when I fell asleep. Come here. I'll show you. >> You work? >> He was right by the door. >> Where you work at? >> I do door dash every day. I pay for this room every day. >> What time? What time do you door dash? >> I do it all day long and I take a break when you come. You can come in the room. >> This is disgusting. I'm not going I'm not coming in [laughter] here. >> You have to sweep. >> No. This is It's nasty and it stinks. >> It's because it's >> This is disgusting. >> It's clean every day. I'm like, "Oh, because I just used the bathroom." I do. I am a human. >> My room is clean. I'm clean. >> The woman, Sherry Showwater, made the excuse that her son was just being a kid and playing, but that still didn't explain why she'd not been keeping an eye on him. [music] She must have realized the officers weren't impressed because she then started pointing fingers. >> I'm not the reason why this all looks like this. I'm not the only person. Well, all I hear so far, and I've been here a total of about a minute, is the blame game. >> I'm not the only person that lives in this place. I'm not the only person that was in the treatment. I'm not the only person to take care of him. I'm trying to >> You're here now, right? >> Okay. So, he's your responsibility. >> Yes. I'm just trying to relax, but she needs the gun because she wants to fight with me all the time. She doesn't like me. That's why she called the cops. >> Well, no, because your son got out and ran around. >> Yeah, she always fighting with me. She wanted to fight with me about my daughter. >> Okay. Well, I'm not worried about that today. I'm worried about him. >> He's saw him. >> I went grab him from school cuz I couldn't get him awake cuz he fell asleep when he got he got to school. He's possibly autistic. >> Okay. >> But the door was locked and he pulled it open. We can't get a lock until Thursday. Wednesday cuz he was paid Wednesday. >> So then don't you think that you should be up watching him? >> I didn't mean to fall asleep. >> What happened? >> Not twice in a week. Who all lives in the room? So, it's just you, your husband, and it >> was my daughter, but my daughter got kicked out, and she's in the hospital right now. >> How old is she? >> 17. >> It turned out it was Sherry who'd kicked her own daughter out, but when confronted about it, she was quick to [music] point fingers again, this time at her husband. The officers remained unimpressed with her parenting skills. >> So, you don't even want to be a parent? >> I do. >> That's fine. We'll we'll get somebody watch your kids. Um, >> what's going on with his diaper? Does he need another diaper? >> No, I just changed him. I >> We'll get clothes on him. Get some clothes on them. It don't look like it. You got your four-year-old out here running around in the parking lot. >> Hey, buddy. >> Hey. Hey. [laughter] >> And you can't you can't even control him. He's out here running around in the parking lot. >> Come here. Come here. >> I try. I went >> shoes socks with like What are we doing? Get shoes and socks on them. >> I don't know what the other one is. >> Find it. Look. >> My whole life. >> Did you whole life? >> You'd think you'd want to be better and take care of your kids then. >> She continued to make excuses, but the officers had had enough of her lack of accountability. They' called CPS since she clearly couldn't look after her son despite her arguments to the contrary. >> It was an accident. [crying] >> If it was an accident, would I mean, it happened last week. I've got him in the sitting by the door. >> Well, you got to be able to control your kid and you can't, obviously. >> Yes, I can. >> No, you cannot. >> Yes, I can. He has health problems, too. He has health problems. >> So, let him run around in the field in the parking lot where cars are driving around. >> My thing is, why did the puppy call my husband when he got out? And my daughter. When the officers spoke to the woman who'd called them, they revealed it was in fact [music] the eighth time Sherry's son had gotten out on his own. It was no surprise that CPS were similarly unimpressed when they arrived on scene. Damn >> it. Really? >> Yes. So, you're familiar? >> Yeah, we know Sherry very well. Sherry Showwater. >> I guess it took them about 10 minutes and they yelled at her five times through the window for her to wake up. >> Sher, where's his dad at? >> He's at work right now. I'm sorry work. >> What? >> I don't want to go to jail. >> Sherry. My god. >> I don't want to go to jail. >> This has been nonstop since you've had your kids back. >> I don't have my daughter. My daughter Where's she at? Hospital. She went by the >> Because she was sleeping with the Hispanic men around here. >> Yeah. And my mom said I have no say over it. [crying] >> You were in charge of her. So, you didn't know as a 17-year-old, she was sleeping with a man. >> No, I didn't. I tried to get Sherry. >> Hey, remember what we just talked about? This is >> I'm not always. >> So, where's dad? >> I don't have any stuff. How can he get out when you're in a room that's 250 ft? >> This door does come open last. >> But where are you? >> I was right over there. >> They said it took them four times to knock on your door. >> I work You know, I work all day long. I told you this when you guys >> Yes, I know. >> 2:00 in the afternoon. I'm done WITH THE EXCUSES. >> I'M NOT I'M TRYING TO CAN I EXPLAIN, PLEASE? >> You door dash during the day. >> YOU DON'T NEED TO BE sleeping at 1:00 in the afternoon. Jerry continued to plead, but it was far too late to avoid a trip to jail. She seemed reluctant to call anyone to get her son, as if she thought that might prevent the officers from taking her [music] to jail. But eventually, she called the boy's father. >> Sherry gosh, stop. >> Cedric already got orders from his [music] sergeant. Hi, I'm Ashley Ward from Children's Services. We were called out here because this happened multiple times. >> If I'm here, why are you taking him? >> I'm not taking him. I'm going to get >> We should be We should be taking him. >> Hey, I was at work. So, >> come on. Come on. >> Give him the boy and then come on. Let's go. >> Just do it. You're going to have to >> step on out here. It's nasty in there. I'm not going in there. Come on. >> Come on. >> So, listen. He gave you a walk order. If you don't come here right now, we'll arrest you for >> She's coming. She's putting her flip flops on. >> All right. Come on. >> She's putting her shoes on. >> Okay. >> Okay. Come here. >> I get it. I get it. I get it. I know. going to do. >> Pull your pants up. Let's go. >> Head over to the car. This way. This way. This way. >> Why does these people got to sit down and stare at me? >> They can sit out here if they want. We're going to do in the front. All right. Cuz I don't know. >> What do you got on you? Your phone. That's it. >> That's my phone. >> Jerry was charged with endangerment on September 9th, 2025. A worried neighbor noticed there was no adult to pick up a young boy when he got off the bus. So, she took the kid back to his home. Even more worrying, two younger kids answered the door and said they couldn't wake their dad up. >> You want that call? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Give us a second. We'll come back and talk to you. >> Make sure they're okay. >> Yep. >> Hey, buddy. Where's your daddy at? >> Hi. Hi. Sheriff's office. There's a warhead back there, too. [crying] >> Hi. >> Hi. >> Hi, guys. >> You know, your kids said they couldn't wake you up. >> Sorry. >> Come on. Let's go out here. We're going to talk to you. >> All right. >> I got them. They're fine. Go talk to my partner. >> What's up, guys? High five. Hot five. >> I want my dad here. >> Yeah. >> Are you going to give my daddy a chill? >> No, we're not going to do that. >> As it turned out, the 18-year-old who'd been asleep wasn't the children's father. The youngest ones were his nephews, and the oldest was his brother, and they all lived with his older sister who was at work. The female officer stayed with the family while her partner went back to the neighbor. >> Yes, ma'am. Everything looks okay. Um, we which trust you today? >> Um, >> his sister usually is there every day to pick him up. >> She's not there. >> Yeah, she wasn't there. >> Yeah, that's the weird part. Um, the house the house is a mess, huh? >> He said dad was there, but he was sleeping. I guess that's who he was. >> He was passed out in the back. >> Okay. >> Um, so so I'm going to just do uh I'm going to reach out to children services real quick. That was kind of a mess. >> Yeah, that's you said. >> Is there like another adult? I've only seen the boy that's here like once. I I don't see him often, but I I only ever see sister. >> That's it. >> Yeah. I I've never seen dad. I've never seen mom. >> Okay. >> So, yeah, it really when I when he opened that door and there was two other little babies and then how the house looked, I was like, >> no, I had six and that that just pulled up the heartstrings. Meanwhile, the female officer spoke to the kids [music] and found out that the 18-year-old had another sister who hadn't come home yet. There didn't seem to be a responsible adult in the home. The officer started talking to the children as well. Have you guys eaten today? >> Uh, nope. >> You haven't eaten anything? >> Well, we I went to school and I eat something. >> You ate something at school? >> Yeah. >> Do you know if your little sister ate anything today? >> Um, no. >> Where's your little sister at? No, she's coming right in from school. >> Where? >> I don't know. She just called me. >> She's supposed to be here at 3:00, ain't she? >> But they said I had a problem. They have a problem with the bus. I don't know. She's coming in. She's coming with a friend's mom. >> The 18-year-old's older sister was the mom to the two youngest kids. And when the female officer gave her a call, she said she was on her way home from work. Meanwhile, the younger sister was dropped off by her friend's mom, who the male officer went to have a chat with. >> So So here's the problem. Do do you know where her parents are at? >> No. >> Have you ever seen her parents? >> No. >> Okay, that's the problem. There's probably six kids in the house. >> Yes. >> Right. >> One who's 18 who has none of them are that has kids. Who's the older brother? >> Yes. >> And no parents. >> Well, there's an older sister, too. >> She's nowhere to be found. >> She's anywhere to be found. >> Well, she's at work. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, we're here. >> Like I've seen all >> We are here. We are here for a reason. We are here because we got called here because one of the kids walked out of the house and said they can't wake up their uncle or their dad and there's the living conditions are not very ideal. >> So, uh here's the thing is even if even if she wants to call you to come pick her back up, I have to get that okay by children services. >> Okay. I'm a foster parent. >> That part I understand. >> I just wanted you to know that like if >> like so so if do you have a contact number or anything? Once the officer had finished taking the friend's mom's details, he then went to talk to the younger sister who was driven there. He wanted to know where their parents were. >> Uh, your older sister should be here. Is she the one that takes care of all you guys? >> Yes. >> Okay. Where's your actual parents at? >> My mom. >> I'm sorry to hear that. How long ago did she pass? >> Four years ago. >> Four years ago. >> So, who actually So, who actually has guardianship over you guys? >> My sister. >> Is it legal through the courts? >> Yes. >> Okay. No dad, I take it. He doesn't live here. >> Okay. So, your So, your sister's one that has guardianship over all you guys. >> Okay. And I take it you also take good care of your your little nieces and nephew once. >> Okay. All right. Well, uh I got to talk to my partner. He's just called me on the phone and I have my other partner inside which I got to go talk to her. Okay. >> What's going on? You can look at me. It's okay. You don't have to be embarrassed or anything. What are you so upset about? Robber. >> No. No. I'm sorry. I'm sorry that happened to you. >> Yeah. I know. It's probably probably a really hard time without your mom. >> The 18-year-old again confirmed he was supposed to be the one looking after the kids. The officers found cleaning products and other hazards left around the property, but when asked about it, the young man confirmed he did know to keep things out of the kid's reach. Finally, his older sister arrived. >> So, we got called here because your um little brother. >> Nobody. Your little sister was not here to get her off get him off the bus. So, it's another person, one of the neighbors took him down. Okay. When they took him down, we said, "Hey, where's your sister at?" Goes inside the little your two little kids come out and say, "We can't get dad up." Is that dad or is that brother? >> That's brother. >> They call him dad. Mom. You're all right. You're all right. Take your time. >> So, tomorrow is my brother's birthday. [laughter] My mama passed away four years ago. This month. >> The 22nd of this month. My mama was years four years ago. >> Okay. So, so one of your brothers have already died. >> My mom. >> Your mom. Tomorrow is your four. Your mom's >> No, tomorrow it's my little brother's birthday. He's about seven years old. >> Okay. Sorry. I'm tracking now. I apologize. >> That's all right. It doesn't. So the thing I do is work cuz I got my two kids. >> Well, after my mama pass away, my daughter is in Guatemala and I have to take the responsibility of everything. >> The older sister said she worked two jobs and was always out of the house from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. which was why she had to leave her kids with her 18-year-old brother. The kid's father would just take them during weekends, but that didn't explain why the kids hadn't eaten. >> There's no food in the house. >> I know. I mean, I I see some like food that you guys order in. >> Yeah, there's no food at home. >> I know. This this run out yesterday. >> I There's no There's no I didn't see any clean clothes. >> I know. >> Okay. >> There's no nothing like that. You understand that, right? >> Yeah, I know. I with them >> with my brother older brother. They help me cuz I work a lot and I pay all the bills by myself >> and it's a lot. >> And I know >> and that's a lot. >> So, I do have a couple questions for you. And actually, this other deputy is probably going to have a couple more questions for you. Um, do you have an ID? >> It's not valid. Is that in your car? Can >> you go get it for me, please? >> Thank you. >> Oh, you got a United States passport? >> Yeah, I'm born here. >> Okay. So, you're born here? >> Okay. >> So, so you were born here? >> Yeah. >> All right. Your your little brother, your your brother was not? >> Uh, my brother and my sister born here. >> Okay. So, they were born in Guatemala. >> Yeah. Okay. It was genuinely heartbreaking considering that the family was genuinely struggling, including the [music] eldest sister. But the officers also can't ignore that the kids had no food and there were items laying around that could potentially cause them harm. >> Can't hear you. >> I said the mess of what they do. >> It's I mean, kids are kids, right? >> I know. And I know it's >> Kids are kids. However, that's that looks like it's it's cleaning supplies, right? [music] And they can they can get they can die from that. It's poisonous, right? And and what's up with all the air fresheners? >> I got them from work. >> Okay. All right. But again, you know that those are dangerous around kids, right? So So you got to be a little cautious and especially if your brother's not watching, right? Cuz it's his job now to take care of him >> when you're not home, right? Cuz he's 18, right? You're 18, right? >> Can I have a conversation with you outside, please? >> Yeah. >> What was your [music] question? You guys take it off the kids. >> He doesn't need a K9. He's here's >> what's happened. >> We got a detective coming out here. Um, so what's going to happen is is your brother's going to get charged and you're going to get charged for child endangerment because the condition of the home. [music] >> Okay. >> Uh, we have to notify children services. All right. >> Okay. A list of whatever my kids think my kids >> I have to cla I have to get that cleared by children's services. [music] Okay. I just cannot say yes. Children's services has to agree to it. All right. Okay. That is where we're at right now. I am trying to give you some respect, give [music] you some time with your kids. Okay. I'm not [snorts] listen to me. Listen to me. Listen to me. Okay. Look, I'm not saying that you're a bad mom or anything along those lines. Okay? You're a very you're a very busy mom. All right? You work two jobs and you're not only taking care of yourself, you're trying to take care of your kids, [music] you're trying to take care of your little sister, your brother, and you're trying to take care of your your big brother. You have a lot that you're trying to deal with right now in life, and I get that. >> The officer went on to explain that there was help available and that once she [music] got out of jail, child services would be in contact to try and work with her to get her kids back. [music] She was given time to say goodbye to them before being arrested and charged with child endangerment. Although there are instances when parenting mistakes [music] are accidental, there are some people who just aren't supposed to be parents. Don't forget to like and subscribe and turn on notifications for more videos like this. [music]