This is as serious as serious gets and we need to understand what what's going on here. >> I may have shot her son in the head. >> I can see I This is eating you up. This is eating you up inside. Okay. >> We need to get this figured out. Stop. >> It's over. Where is that kid? On December [music] 30th, 2022, while most families in Rock Island were settling down after Christmas, police in Rock Island got a strange call. [music] >> Okay. What can I help you with? >> Okay. So, I stay in the state of Florida. Okay. >> Okay. >> I don't know how to I don't even know how to go about this situation. Did y'all get anything that a little boy may have shot himself in the head? >> I mean, not that I recall. >> Okay, I'm [music] asking this because it's a really concerned for me. I'm not going to lie. I don't know what to do. This situation is serious to me. I don't know how you guys would approach the situation. I don't want her to know that I made the call, but I'm very concerned. >> Start your first. Okay. >> What's going on that you need like help with? >> There could possibly be a child that is deceased >> that no one [music] knows because this is why I feel like you guys don't know about it because it's going on every day by [music] >> Do you know what address that this kid would belong to by any chance? >> If I gave you that information, would you know that I >> I don't believe so. I I mean, we're just really busy right now, so I'm just trying to get this as quick as possible. So I can have an officer call you and they can kind of hammer it out more. Okay. >> I just don't want her to know. I don't know. >> Okay. What What address does it happen at? >> My safety is involved in this. >> Um 1728 20 and 12 Avenue, Rock Island, [music] Illinois 6121. The information from the anonymous caller was vague, but the police still looked into it and found nothing wrong at the time. But this wasn't the end. It was only the beginning. 8 months later, in July 2023, another call came in. This time from the Department of [music] Children and Family Services. >> My name's Hannah and I'm with the DCFI and we got a call um that was a little concerning and they wanted a welfare check done. Um, but we don't do welfare checks and just didn't want to leave it alone. Um, and I think you guys have already had a call about this, but one and it was just odd to us. Um, it's uh 1728 20 and a half avenue. >> Okay. >> And we were told that the mom sushi su hi. >> Hang on one second. >> Okay. So, the mom >> Yeah. So, um, my caller is a friend of the mom, and the mom told the caller that one of her children, Zion Staples, >> had [music] shot himself in December of 2022 and that the body is in the basement of the home. My the person that I spoke to said that they had called the police and a welfare check was done, but the mom reported that um >> or first, hang on, let me go back. What's mom's name? >> Sushi. S U S H I. >> What's her last name? >> Staples. >> Oh, it's Staples, too. How old is Zion? >> 9 or 10. >> So, the mom's saying that he shot himself and died from it and he's in the basement. >> That's what she told my call. >> Hold on. Let me check. >> Let me just check call history and see what it >> Yeah. >> What? Uh, do you know when we went and did the welfare check? Was it like this week or was it like a different [music] month? >> I I think within the past two weeks. >> Oh, I don't show anything. >> So, where did you get the welfare check information >> from? My caller. Just your caller. Okay, hang on a minute. Looks like we have been there for something similar. It was about a month ago. Um, has DCFS had anything with juvenile name Zion at [music] with this person? Do you guys have a case at all? >> So, we don't have anything open. Um, we have a history, but it's been a few years. >> Was there a Zion in that history? >> Yes, >> there was. Okay. And a male >> male Zion. >> Yeah. Well, cuz uh from what I can see last time we went there, the the mother Sushi said that she only has four girls, so we'll send somebody over. >> The stories didn't match. DCFS records confirmed a boy named Zion. While police believed no such child existed, one side feared he was missing, the other side believed he had never been born. But one person could clear all of it up easily. Sushi staples. [music] How can I help you? Hi. >> Are you Miss Staples? >> Yes. How can I help you? >> So, we got kind of a weird phone call. Um Mhm. >> Do you know Latricia? >> No. >> No. >> I don't know anybody out here. >> Some lady called DCFS. And >> what? >> And kind of made some claims that you had a child that accidentally shot themselves. >> Absolutely not. >> No, I It sounds crazy to me, too. That's what >> I am so sorry about this. My ex-husband, his new girlfriend, this broad is off the [music] chain. I have went down to Rock Island and filed a police report on her. Okay. >> I have went and put a restraining order on her. >> What's her name? >> Uh, her name is Tony. This girl is never in it. She has so many different Facebook pages she stalks me from. She has [music] made up different names, called me from different numbers. I have changed my number, try to do everything I can, >> right? Unfortunately, I can never seem to get them served because they're always bouncing around in the Chicago area. >> Oh, okay. They're not even down here. >> They're not even out here and it's been a constant >> Have we been here before? >> No, you've never come to my house for anything. I've been here for 7 years and never had a problem in Rock Island. >> Yeah. I I didn't know you were >> I work I work at Genesis Hospital. I'm a patient care tech. I'm a student at Eastern Iowa Community College. I have a business in Davenport. This girl has made threats towards me on Facebook, posting her gun up, saying that she's going to come to my attending. >> With this new information, it was clear that Sushi was being targeted by someone, but this was the first time she heard that the person behind it all had gone to the police. What she didn't know was how bizarre the allegations against her [music] were. >> So, they they made some allegation that you had a son and he shot himself and he's in your basement. Now you think look look where I live. >> I No, I get it. Just so I can check the box off. Can I look in your basement real quick and I'll get out of >> No, you need a search warrant to do that. I'm sorry. I'm not about to have my rights violated because someone makes uranous obligations like this. >> I know. [music] Like I said, it sounded crazy to me, too. I'm just up here seeing if you know we have to investigate it. No, no matter how crazy >> if you want to do that, I would suggest you go through the proper protocols. I'm not about to let some crazy woman who has now has my husband >> make Uranous accusations like this and have my rights valet doesn't get >> that is not okay. I have four girls in here. >> That's what I'm just asking. I'm not four children. >> I'm not trying to blame anything on you. I'm not saying this is true. I'm just I was just asking. Okay. >> This is nuts. >> That's all it is. Okay. >> Um >> I have four children. Her ex-husband's new girlfriend's been causing her issues. She thinks that's who it is. >> I'm going. She's been harassing my job, harassing my place of business, harassing my children. I'm sick of it. >> Okay. [clears throat] >> I've tried to get a restraining order against her. Tried to get one against him. It's never ending. I cannot have any peace where I live. >> And you guys only have girls? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> I have four. Do you want to see them? >> No. No. They said it was a son. I was just curious if that's even true. >> It's not. Okay. >> I this this is I'm just >> I'm It's a never ending story with these two. >> I like I said, I'm not I'm not trying to bother you anything, but we get a call. No matter how crazy it sounds, we still got to come up and see if there's any truth. >> And this is crazy. >> It is. >> This is very crazy. >> Okay. >> I have been living here for 6 years. I've never My neighbors have never had a complaint. Don't you think my neighbors would have heard some some something like that, they would have made a call or said something to somebody? >> I would believe so. Yeah. Just think about it. It don't make no kind of sense. This girl is psycho. >> Okay. >> She's harassed my job. >> Do you know her phone number by chance? >> No, I don't. >> I don't know her phone number. >> Okay. All right. Well, sorry to bother you. Okay. Like I said, we get a call. We We got to show up. >> They They done got to the point now where they don't have my phone number, so they emailing me. Okay. I have spam emails here from [music] these people. I'm going to go down here. The last one I got was [music] Let me see. >> Does it have a name on it? >> Yes, it has his name on it. I have to go [music] here. This is the last one I have. And this gotten to the point where they're emailing me because they don't have a contact phone number on me. This is how bad the harass has gotten. [music] But until I can get Rock Island to Cook County to serve them and actually find an address on them, >> right, >> that's going to be a problem. >> So, they keep having me come back to court until I can get an address on it. >> I'll add some notes just in the call that I was here and that it's a harassment thing. So, we don't have to keep [clears throat] coming up here. And >> thank you. >> All right. Sorry. Sorry to bug you. I just like I said, we got to call even if it sounds crazy, we got to come see what's going on. >> Yeah. This this day this I don't even know what to say about her. It's never ending. All right, >> I have door cams here. >> I saw that. >> So, I'm [music] here. I ain't got nothing to hide. >> Okay. >> Armed with this new information, the police had to look into the person harassing Sushi and her place of [music] business. However, the records from DCFS were still confusing. Zion existed on paper, but somehow not in real life. At least not from the front door. To find out more, it was [music] important to get through that door. So, the officers showed up the next morning, this time [music] with a search warrant in hand. Little did they know, this seemingly simple story was about to get a lot more complicated. This wasn't going to be a simple welfare check anymore. Hello. >> Hello, >> Sushi. Can you come out? >> What's going on? >> Well, just step on out. I I'll explain everything. >> Hey, my kids in here. >> Okay, I understand it. But we have a search warrant for the house. >> Thank you for your cooperation to be upfront with us. >> Okay, hold on. So step on out. Step out. >> What part of the house do you all have a search warrant for? [music] >> The whole house. >> The whole house. Do you need to step out? >> Step out. >> Okay. Let me I'm I'm going to open the door. >> Well, I'll walk in casually. We're not going to tear up your house or anything. So, >> calm down. My kids are in here. How many? >> Four. >> And where at in the house? >> They're upstairs. I just made them go upstairs. I don't want to scare my kids. Can we just Can we just calm down? >> The officer is going to walk in there with you then. I got a copy of the warrant here for you. >> Can I see the warrant, please? And I can call my lawyer. >> Can I see the warrant before we walk any further? >> We have a valid search warrant. So, >> I understand, but you haven't let me see it yet. And you're walking through my >> right here. You don't run out. You don't Yeah, you're not. >> Okay. Okay. I'm trying to see. >> So, I need your phone to >> my phone. That's not my phone. >> Hold on to that. So, which which rooms are your kids in? Obviously, not >> They're upstairs. I am very cooperative. I'm not >> fine. You're fine. You're fine. >> Look, I'm scared. >> My kids are here. >> Go upstairs and check. >> My kids are here. I'm just trying to I don't see my kids here. >> Ma'am, are there any adults here? >> Huh? >> For safety reason, I'm going adults up there. >> No, it's all girls. I'm Look, I'm shaking. Okay. We get it. >> My My kids are here. Can we just calm down? >> We just got to make sure that for our safety. You don't know me. I don't know you. >> So, we want to make sure that the house is safe and then we'll go from there. Okay. >> I'm in one spot. [snorts] [clears throat] >> I don't know what what does this say? Describe. Let me sit right here with her. >> Can I call this Can I call my Police department. [music] Police department. [music] Hello >> [music] [music] >> alone. [music] >> [music] >> I don't care. >> [music] >> Sounds hollow. >> It's all sealed. [music] That's empty. [music] [music] I think this other side is >> [music] >> You would have to first weld [music] you all the suspicions out. >> The barrel in the basement looked like it had been welded on and unused for years. [music] And despite the officers searching, there was nothing else in there that would point to the story the 911 caller gave. The basement was all clear and Sushi's statement was starting to make a lot more sense. But then the officers sat down with her and uncovered even more details about what might actually be going on here. >> Sit right here in just a second. >> Okay. >> She was asking about medication >> because my heart is just You guys are here. My kids are upstairs. I'm separated from them and I'm like my heart is just [laughter] >> pounding through. >> I totally understand. Can I get you a glass of water or something? >> Would you like one? >> There's some some uh I can't even see the cups. Uh, my kids were making dinner. >> Okay. >> So, okay. >> You got cups in here, though? >> One of these? >> Uh, yeah. It might be some in the cabinets or something. >> I'll get you a glass of water. >> All right. Before I [clears throat] talk to you, okay, since we're here for a search warrant, okay, >> I don't know what's going on. >> I'm going to advise you of your rights and then we can talk. Okay. >> All right. You [clears throat] have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court. You understand your rights? >> Yes. >> Okay. Do you know why we're here? >> No, I don't. I don't know why you're here. >> Okay. [clears throat] >> Cuz I'm really scared cuz my kids are upstairs >> and I don't know what's going on. >> Okay. >> I just should I call my family to tell them to somebody to come. >> Well, you're you're not under arrest or anything like that. Okay. That's that's why I'm sitting here talking to you. Okay. >> Okay. I'm scared to death cuz I don't know what's going on >> and So, the reason we're here, okay, is cuz we're investigating a call that we we had, okay, the officers came out and talked to you last night, correct? >> Yes. >> Okay. [laughter] Um, we have to handle that real seriously, okay? Cuz the allegations are that you have a son and that he's deceased and he's here in this house. Okay? So, that's that's where we're at right now. Do you have a son named Zion? >> No, I don't. >> You've never had a son named Zion? >> No. >> Are you claiming benefits for a kid named Zion? >> No. I haven't gotten any benefits for anyone. I just recently went through a situation where a young lady stole my identity and she falsely filed my taxes and my informations and stuff like that. and I've been working with the FBI. I've been working with the IRS. It's been a lot of things popping up. And um >> um have you had any interactions with DCFS up in Chicago? >> I did. >> Okay. >> False calls that were made. >> Okay. Correct. >> Um one of the calls from 2021, DCFS came out to your residence in Chicago and there was a Zion Staples there. along along with your four daughters >> and then another young boy. >> Who's his father? The reason I'm asking you, okay, is that do you go by Sushi Pikes? Is that another maiden name? >> Yes. >> Okay. See, this is the paperwork from um >> Can I get It's your It says Dion sister. >> So, >> oh gosh. >> Um you filed for public aid. >> You got your daughter. >> Getting benefit since I was in Chicago. So, I'm not sure. I told you my identity was stolen. >> Mhm. >> My taxes were illegally filed. I went through a whole thing with the IRS. That was not me. But who is this Zion that was interviewed by DCFS up in Chicago right in the presence of all your other children? >> There was no staples. >> No one was interviewed. Where where did you say someone named Ryan Staples? >> It was >> because the call was made about my son Krell by his father. It was never made about a Zion. But when they went there, there was >> a report. >> The only child that they spoke to because it was regarding him. >> We had kids in the neighborhood come over. >> Some of those kids that were implicated were not in fact our children. They were there. >> So, you're saying there was a kid in your apartment that was not your your kid >> named Zion? >> I didn't say his name was Zion. No. >> Somewhere here. We've got to clear this up with this Zion Staples. >> Yes. And >> benefits. Listen to it. Benefits being put in his name that you're receiving from. >> I haven't received any benefits. >> And then also involved in this. >> I haven't received any benefits. That's what I'm telling you. Someone has stolen my identity. I have proof of that. If you go in my phone, you'll be able to see the messages between me and the FBI agent in Milwaukee. So, um, but this is separate from that with the DCFS call >> because somebody is obviously claiming benefits and getting food stamps. So, but they're getting food stamps for your your four daughters and >> and I've been having a hard time with that because I can't get any because of that and I've been working on it. So, >> so is um who's your actual son? >> What's his dad's name? >> Oh god, this is embarrassing. Do I have a right to call my lawyer since I'm not under arrest or >> Well, we're still talking to you right now. So, we're not going to let anybody make any phone calls right now cuz we're just we're talking right now. Okay. Like I said, you're not under arrest. We're just trying to get to the bottom of this of why these allegations came forward >> because I have a stalker. I have a stalker. >> My stalker. >> My ex-husband's girlfriend. She's been posting on Facebook. They have tried to extort me for money. They know I have a pending lawsuit against the Department of Child Services for 1.5 million. They have threatened me. I have tried to go to the courts down here in Rock Island and get a restraining order against them. >> I have tried to have them served. I have not been able to. He was whooping my ass every day. I fled to Rock Island. >> There was an order of protection that was valid that you took out against him and it was served, but then it was vacated. >> How? >> Just back in June. >> How was it vacated? They said I wasn't able to serve. They said it was said it was successfully. It said it was successfully served and then it said it was vacated. Did you not show up for the second court date? >> Um I had to work that day. >> Then that's why it was vacated. It was served for the emergency and then when it came when it came to when it came to the to the big one, you didn't show up. So it was vacated. So it was successful. >> He told me I had to come back and I didn't have time because I worked two jobs at Genesis. >> Mhm. >> Sushi wasn't just going after her ex-husband's girlfriend Tony. She was also going after DCFS, the very people who called in the welfare check. According to her, Zion only existed in her records because of the person who stole her identity and is profiting off it. And despite asking for help, she's never gotten any. >> Okay. Are we going to find anything in your house that has Zion's name on it, birth certificate, social security card, or anything like that? >> Nope. [clears throat] And who do you think's making these allegations? >> It's this girl. She's been stalking me. I have evidence of all of that stuff. >> What's her name? >> Her [clears throat] name, she said, "I finally got this whole attie." She put this on Facebook and posted a gun and said that she was on they were on their way to my residence. I have been trying to get away from them. I fled his abuse. >> What What if I told you that it's not from them? >> That girl make up many names. I'm telling you, she's persistent. This is some like out of a Lifetime movie. She makes up so many names, has so many pages, so many aliases. Okay? >> So, if she said that that wasn't her, if she gave you another name, it's her. I don't have enemies. Okay? I've never had a problem here in Rock Island, ever. >> Okay. Did you Did you grow up in the system? >> I did. >> Okay. Can you >> Why do you think I'm trying to protect my kids? >> Can you think back to a person that you were really close to back then? >> Not really. I only keep in contact with a couple of people um that's a cousin of mine that grew up with me in the system. >> How about >> what are they? No, >> you weren't in um >> I mean >> a home in Chicago with her >> in Chicago. No, I lived in a home in Addison, Illinois. >> Yeah, Addison, Illinois. >> That's >> Was it like Frank Frank? What was the name of it? >> Who >> what was the name of the institution that you were with? >> Uh Lutherbrook Children's Center. >> Okay. >> I don't know who this person is. They had so many cottages. We had nine buildings. Mhm. >> So if there was other children there, if we were in a separate cottage, we did not have a cottage with them. >> Who did you message last night after the police uh came? Who were you messaging with when the police after the police came last night? Send them a video of the police even being here. >> Uh I sent it to my family member. >> Who's that? >> Who's my family member? >> Uh >> well, cuz we're seizing your phone. Okay. >> I understand you're seizing it, but That's like I should be able to at least call my lawyer still. I shouldn't be held in my own house and not be able to call my counsel. >> Well, are you requesting a lawyer right now? >> Um >> cuz if you request a lawyer right now, we're done talking >> and then what? You're going to arrest me? >> I don't know what we're going to do. We're going to search your house. I got to search this house upside down cuz somewhere here we need to get to the bottom of this Zion this Zion thing. >> And this [clears throat] is coming from other this is coming from other people. This is people call and make allegations against me. People do this every day out of >> spy. Let gave pretty details. She knows you. She knows your whole all your kids. She if if this person gave this information, your question to them should have been. If you knew about this, why are you just now reporting it? >> She's reported it a couple times. >> Reported it a couple of times. >> Back in June, an officer called and talked to you. >> And when did she said this supposed to happen? >> You tell me. >> Well, I'm I'm asking you because she's the one. >> I mean, you haven't given us anything besides that somebody stole your identity. >> Because I don't have anything to give you. Are they at the back door or they at the front door? >> All right. They're they're probably your dog. >> Okay. Cuz I don't You want me to give you something? I don't have anything to give you, sir. >> But you're saying you don't know who this girl is, but right now >> I don't People envy me every Okay, hear me out though. Right after that officer left last night, you texted this person and was talking to them. >> Taking pictures of now. Well, we have to take pictures of the whole house and then we'll [clears throat] search just to show that we're not like breaking stuff and everything else like that. >> Destroying your place. >> So, you were pissed off that the officers were here and then you >> I didn't know who it was because I thought it was this girl that found my number again because nobody has my number. So, I thought it was hering harassing me again. That's why I told the office. Then who did you text? And >> I thought it was Tony. Catch a break from this. >> We have the whole text thread between you two right after the officers left. >> It's pretty personal to each other, too. Like you guys very well know each other. >> But I thought >> it's talking about somebody's daughter. It's talking about it's going back >> because people are they say crap about your kids for what? >> But you guys know each other. It's not a random just I'm texting a stranger getting mad. It's you two know each other. You know what? People come after me all the time. And these are the same people I lend my hand to. I've paid for lawyers for people. I've helped people do things. So, people envy you all the time. What can you do about it? People purposely want to destroy you. What can I do about that? >> Okay. And that could be, but that's where we need to put some explanations to some things here. And especially with this >> uh with this little with this 10-year-old boy. >> Okay. And she wants to what? Do what to me? Do what? >> I don't know. You're You're the one accusing of that. >> This is these are people that I've helped. Okay. >> Who what people >> who pro probably nine times out of 10 anybody in your I'm sorry in your reports I have been a genuine person to. I have helped them. Okay. >> Mhm. And if anything is in that text thread, all you can see me saying is, "I've never done no wrong to you." >> But who was that? >> I was so upset last night. I was texting a lot of people because I was upset that the police were here. I was rattled. My kids were disturbed. We didn't get any sleep last night. Can you imagine how many >> Well, the officer was only here for like 4 minutes. So, >> he was here for 4 minutes. But you know what? That was 4 minutes of my kids seeing this officer ask me these kind of questions, being waking up out of their sleep with Uranous accusations and me not being able to sleep all night. >> But we we have a duty to investigate that. >> I understand. >> And with the with what was said and the allegations and everything that was going on. >> Yes, >> I understand. I understand your position. I didn't know what I was going to do. >> You know what? I wish I didn't let him in last night, but I was exercising my right as a citizen >> to say you cannot just violate my right because someone makes a crazy call and tell you something. >> If you guys responded to calls like that all the time, look at look at how I'm looking at it. Okay, we get this this call, an officer comes, you said, "I don't even have a son." You said, "I don't even have a son." And then I do some digging and this DCFS case where >> Zion was there and they documented that and then I go and look on public aid and Zion is getting you claim him as um getting public aid. So you see you see where I'm coming from? >> Yeah, I see exactly where you're coming from. >> So that's I mean we're here to get to the bottom of this. So >> people people will look at your life on social media. Do you have anything from the IRS in paperwork here? >> I do not have um anything from the IRS in paperwork. You know what? I have it on my phone, I believe. No. >> But why why wouldn't they send it to you? And >> what do you mean like as far as what happened with my taxes, tax fraud, and everything? >> Yeah. >> Oh, yes. Um I have a tax advocate. I can get all of that information from her because she's the one that was fighting for me with this situation. She sure was. I can get all that information from her. >> But the part that we're having a hard time grasping here is with this Zion because a DCF DCFS worker in Chicago physically talked to Zion at a period of time. >> I didn't. And then now he is on these records for so you you you can say fraud that somebody say [laughter] in your home. People call and make out DCFS doesn't belong to they don't they don't come to a prayer house. They're finding out who everybody is. >> But the call the call that was made >> investigator that came out and physically spoke with you investigating this but it didn't mention cuz every one of these every every one of your kids has their social security number on here. >> It didn't involve the the people that you're mentioning. >> This is when it clicked. She remembered the instance that could have led to the confusion. >> And I possibly had some visitors. It was It was probably the summer time. >> So where would where would they get the name Zion Staples? >> Zion Staples. >> I don't know. People make up all the time. >> People make up all the time. >> But see, DCFS does not come into your home and say, "Okay, have the neighbors over and let's let's do all this personal stuff that affects you and your family in front of all these other people." They do it with you. >> They did. >> They do it with your family. They did though. They very much did that. >> That doesn't make a lot of sense. >> And I got a lawyer. And I got a lawyer and my lawyer dealt with it because that is wrong. And they actually put me down on the list because of this person making false calls. They have something that you have to file within 10 days after someone makes so many calls. They will flag the system to say that these people are making false calls. I've been dealing with it all my life. I've been a ward of the state. But you know what? I'm a woman that I've turned my life around. I'm a nursing student and I do my best to take care of my kids. >> But you're talking about like with the tax stuff that's they they if if that's true, they got your social security number. How is every one of your kids social security numbers on here? >> My my kid my tax records don't have the the per the what you're asking me about. They're not on my taxes. >> You don't claim your kids on your taxes? I claim my kids, but social security number. >> But what you're inquiring me about is not on my taxes. >> Zion. >> It's not on my taxes. It's not on my tax returns. >> There's no like cousin. >> Huh? >> Anybody named Zion that you know of? >> Yeah, we got cousins in the family named Zion. Yeah, >> but we have a long lineage of staples, too. So, >> yeah. Yeah. And so, I know sometimes I know sometimes this is what happens. People will say, "Hey, why don't you claim my kid as living with you so you get a better we get a better we'll split it." And that might be something that was happening and that's something that might have happened. We're not the IRS. >> Okay. >> And I ain't trying to get locked up for fraud either because I didn't commit it. >> So somebody else, you know, I don't know. Did Do you file your own? You have somebody preparing for you? >> I have a tax repair. I have a professional tax repairer. Um >> do you have any of that paperwork here? Uh, I don't have any paper copies because this is why they're they're in the storage uh unit. >> What company did you use? >> Huh? The public storage unit? >> No, no, no. For your taxes. >> Oh, tax layer. >> Okay. >> I can get you a copy of that. I have no problem with rendering those tax returns if that's what you want. >> We can we can get them from the IRS as well. >> Go ahead. >> I mean, that's I mean, they'll tell us I'll sign a release for it. Where's the paper? We don't have to sign a release for it. We We've already got a warrant to come into your house, honey. We didn't want to have to, but we end up having to. >> That's crazy. I If id have known that y'all was going to come like this and embarrass me in the neighborhood. I've been here almost 7 years. I ain't never had a problem with the police. The police has never been here. Even though my husband is a serial abuser, >> but >> I I fled from him. Do you know now? He's probably going to get my address now. But what did the officer tell you last night while he was here? >> He said because a weird call came through and he wanted to clarify with me what happened [clears throat] and I explained to him. >> But what did he tell you in detail? What did he tell you? >> He said that he was just going to flag it as a harassment call. >> What did he tell you he was here for? >> He said I know he told >> he told me he told me that he was here because someone called and made allegations and said I had a son that committed suicide. That's what he said to me. That's what he said to me. >> And he said that the what? Where where could that son possibly be? >> He said in the basement. That's what he said. >> Okay. >> But I exercise my right and told him that. >> Sure. >> You I I cannot let you in and disrupt my home based off of an allegation. >> And that is 100% your right. And that forces the next hand for us where we got a judge to grant us permission to come in here. >> Okay. So that's where that came from. that came there. We went and got that. >> That's a very serious because it's a super serious allegation. And you did exercise your right, which is totally fine. And I'm not going to fight you off any. And that's why we came like this is because that just makes this go, well, she had nothing to hide. >> Just kind of a little >> I wish I would have let him in last night. I promise you I do. Now that I've been there why why is it >> people are spiteful? Let me tell you something. >> But no, no. Why? Why is it that state aid is under your name with all your kids and including the Zion? >> I have >> Are you claiming him for somebody else to get a better return and kicking a little money off the side? Cuz I really don't care about that. I know it happens all the time. >> We didn't get this figured out. >> I just want to make sure that >> because but this is what's going to happen. We're going to end up going on a manhunt looking and we're >> because that's because now we got this allegation >> because in our eyes this kid exists. >> Yeah. 100%. And if a kid doesn't exist, the kid doesn't exist. If it's a family member's kid that you're claiming to get a little extra, hey, I ain't going to hold that against you. I understand that. >> It it it's it's a reasoning how people survive. It's tough. You got four here. I mean, you get a bigger tax return at the end. >> I have four children here that I don't get no help with. Okay. >> But that's what they're saying. Is somebody else claiming your kids on so they can claim nine kids >> and get aid and come here? is because the aids the public health is telling us that the aid is under this address under these kids' names, right? >> Yep. >> And that there's funds coming in from it. And that's that's public health. If if there's a kid that we can go, you know, I don't care if it's here in Indiana, Chicago, whatever. We can send somebody and say, "Yep, I am Zion Staples and this can do this." Another officer, another officer. Let me finish. No, no, no. Let me finish. Let me finish. Okay. If you are claiming people back and forth amongst family members to get bigger returns. Our biggest concern is that we can have somebody with law enforcement say this is Zion. This is what was what's going on and he is fine because right now >> we have a person that exists but we can't lay eyes on him and it's a child. >> Okay, that's what they're saying. >> That noise are the beeping. >> So that's what we're looking at. So, if this is what's going on, if you have a cousin, a sister, a brother-in-law, a friend, or whatever claiming kids, or you're claiming them on the app, and you guys are splitting some extra money, I get that. The biggest concern that we have here is that we need to make sure that this kid is safe. >> And in the in the in the time since the officer was here last night, and the time that an officer had called you back in June, that we can say, "Nope, she's totally clear. There's nobody here. There's no arrest." I'm telling you, I have went through every avenue to get away from my husband, the people that he's >> This has nothing to do with your husband. >> We're on the Zion is where we're at right now. We need to get a This needs to be rationalized. It needs to be put out from this. People are trying to turn my life upside down. It's they think I have all of this. I don't have anything. I'm a simple person. I work a job. How come is coming back to you in your address here to publication? >> Man, this is crazy. I don't know. I think I'm being framed. That's what I think is going on. It I'm telling you, y'all not going to believe me, but I am being framed. I am. >> So, who's framing you? >> I just told you. Like like I said, this came this this didn't come from anybody involving your husband. >> Listen, I'm telling you, it's coming from a whole group of people. Okay? >> They know I can show you my phone because on your phone when that officer left, you were calling cuz cuz the officer messed up. >> Is defending someone that lives in his city against some accusations and I'm exercising my right as a citizen. Does that make sense? >> I'm confused. What? What are you talking about? >> You said he messed up his >> And you texted her right after we the officer left. >> Ask yourself what is her motive. Ask yourself what is her motive? In my home. >> I didn't, you know, when I first got assigned this case, I was like, "What the hell is this?" And then we did digging with DCFS and public aid and everything else and stuff starting to line up and everything else. So that's that's how we were granted a search warrant cuz you I mean you already lied to the officer last night saying you didn't have a son when you do have a son with >> but he didn't about the son in question that he asked me about >> you said I do not have a son >> but because he didn't ask me the correct question the correct question is the name that he gave me I cannot acknowledge that I can only acknowledge who I've given birth to. >> You say, "I don't have a son named Zion. I have a son named so and so." Instead of just saying, "I don't have a son cuz then that's all we have." >> Because at that point, what do you think? I was scared. I'm feeling like I'm under what is like, "What is going on?" I'm like, "Yeah, I'm going to exercise my right. Do I need a lawyer?" Like, >> that officer was joking with you and everything else. So, it wasn't like he was stressed out. >> He was cool. He was cool, but you got friendly officers and you got officers, good cop, and bad cop. So in this situation and that immediate situation, I have four children in my home and they're my immediate >> they're my immediate process is to protect them >> because I don't know what I'm up against. So yes, I did that to protect my children. I had no idea what his motive was coming and what he was coming to do and ask me for or ask me. But the only thing I could think of was because these people have been a persistent issue in my life harassing me through Facebook. We can go through y'all. >> These people that are harassing you, this person that made the complaint is not one of those people. >> Let me tell you something. This girl is jealous. Whoever this is, >> you know who it is. You know who it is. You know who it is. Let's say this. >> You grew up with her. >> Okay. Let's say this. They know that I'm suing DCFS for 11.5 million. Okay. >> Okay. >> Just when things were starting to make sense here, the officers found something that flipped the whole case around. >> For the last 5 months, I went to work and I have >> birth certificate. >> What is that? First tip for Zion Staples. >> Zion Staples. >> That's not mine. >> Sushi Staples. >> We need to get We need to get this figured out. Stop this. [snorts] >> It's over. >> Where is that kid? [snorts] You need to come clean cuz we're not going anywhere. This is just You're just going to dig yourself a bigger grave. Now, I asked you if there's anything with Zion's name in this house. You said no. So, let's let's start all over. Okay. Who [snorts] is Zion? Because we're starting with something that we're being told really terrible and then we're talking about down here with with maybe fraud. We don't know. But somewhere along here, we need to get the full thing here and understand what this is. >> So, what is the part of this that this really is? because you know what they told you last night and that's something horrible. >> But then there's >> horrible >> and then then we're talking about are you getting benefits from a from a child that doesn't exist but have all this stuff for we need to know the truth here. It's done. It's over. We're in the middle of this now. We have evidence to show this now. [snorts] >> So let's start start over. Who is Zion? Is he your son? >> [snorts] >> I mean, the cat's out of the bag now. I I need >> Can I just get my kids somewhere, babe? Please. >> We need to Here's the thing, honey. >> I will go with you where you want to go. Just let me call my family. That's it. We need to get >> my kids. That's it. >> We need to open up and talk about this. >> Oh, >> and I know this might be the toughest thing you've ever done, but we have to figure this out now. This is a serious as serious gets, and we need to understand what what's going on here. We're [laughter] too far in now. Okay, let's take a moment here. Let's relax, but we've got to get this discussed and get it out in the open. I can see I This is eating you up. This is eating you up inside. Okay. >> Oh my god. >> Who is Zion? [snorts] Look, I will talk to you, but can I please just have my family come and get my kids? >> Is Do you have family here? >> They're 2 and 1/2 hours away, but they can come get my kids, please. And I'll talk to you. Okay. And that's my word. We're going to we'll see what we can do. Okay, just stay right there. >> What came next was so cold even seasoned detectives were shaken. >> The person that made this call hypothetically. [snorts] if they knew that something supposedly happened and waited to report something like that, [clears throat] what would that make them? What would that make them? >> A witness >> an accessory after the fact because what? They came to you with this allegation and decided they wanted to use it when they got upset. not blaming anybody else. >> We need to know what happened before we start getting to that point >> because yeah, we could we could work stuff out on the back end on that, but I don't know what happened. >> We don't know what happened until you tell us >> and that's the issue. >> I want I just asked for one thing to get my kids. >> Okay. And he's he's he's checking on that. Okay. >> Because [clears throat] my kids have nothing to do with this. Okay. And I don't I've been in the system and it would not be fair to death. So I'm just asking for a chance for my kids to go with family. That's it. >> You could take me all day long if that's what you want to do. >> We're not that's not what we want is just to figure out the truth and get this taken care of and and dealt with. We're not It's not all about here against you, you know, taking you arrest. It's about figuring this situation out cuz if you if you think we're just going to like take your kids or something like that, that's not even what DCFS is going to do. All right? They want they would want to place them with family. >> At this point, she began opening up about why she was so upset. >> They said that to me. [laughter] They said that same thing to me and separated me from my brothers and sisters. I never saw my mom again. [gasps] That place with me repeatedly for nine years. I have daughters upstairs. I don't ever want them to go through that ever. For Christ's sake, I had my first baby at 15 [laughter] because I was raped by people that were supposed to be protecting me in DCFS. Do you think I want that to happen to my kids? >> No. Nobody wants >> Do you want my Do you think I want my kids to be a statistic in the system? >> No. >> I'm trying to break that. I've tried to live my life and take care of my kids and prove society. Otherwise, then I'm not a statistic. and that I can take care of my children and I can work. I'm a nursing student for Christ's sake. [snorts] So, while they're dealing with that, all right, we need to we need to get to the bottom of this. Okay, they're staying here with [music] right now. They're not going anywhere. Okay. >> So, can we just start from the beginning and say what happened? [snorts] While her concerns are valid, none of them relate to the child that led to this welfare [music] check in the first place. >> We just need to know what happened. [snorts] >> Was there an accident? >> [snorts] >> This has been weighing on you for a little bit and you can tell. Let's get in the open. You say you say you care about your kids, right? >> I do. >> Okay. Look what happened [snorts] to Zion. Speak for him. He was >> speak for him. >> He needs He needs clo He needs He needs his closure and his rest and we need to find him. Can you be strong for him and [clears throat] tell us what happened? >> I'm not going to go to jail for fraud. >> That's not [snorts] our decision, >> you know, >> cuz I'm I'm going to take what you tell me and I'm going to call a state's attorney. And but the big thing is we need to know what the whole deal is. Okay, >> I'm gonna tell you. >> It's we just gather all the facts >> and present them and what the state's attorney decides is what the state's attorney decides. >> But we need to know the truth about Zion. What's the deal with that? >> I needed some extra help. Okay. Yeah, >> that was it. >> What do you mean by that? >> I had a person that makes documents and it was just really hard. Like, >> so does is is Zion a real person? >> No. >> Tell me about how you got these documents. >> I know a person that makes the documents. >> What which which documents did you get? IDs, social security cards, birth certificates, things like that, check stubs, high school diplomas, and they made it for me to have an extra dependent on my income taxes, but I never used it. So, I gave it to somebody else to use for theirs so they can get more money. >> That doesn't add up though because the benefits coming to you at this house. >> Yeah. So, that was the thing. I did the benefits and they filed the taxes. >> That's the split. >> That's the split. >> So, how come DCFS and Chicago? because because that was the documentation that I had. We gave it to public aid. So that's how it was registered and you know as you know DCFS they have a system when they go into public aid they are able to see everyone that is listed and he was on those public a documents because of the information that I had submitted to them. So, was there a DCFS investigator at your house? >> There was a DCFS investigator at my house, but the only person she saw was my son, my four daughters, and her boyfriend. The other child that was there was from my husband's my ex-husband's side of the family, but his name was not Zion. >> Was were they did they think that that was Zion then or what? >> I have no idea. I think I believe this just happened because he was listed as a person in my public a documents like >> in your jacket. in my jacket. That was it. I It never like he This is not even a per like he was on my documents. So, I didn't want to I was scared because I don't want to get the person in trouble that makes the documents. [snorts] But they cut me they cut me off, which the girl really did steal my information this time around. But I was receiving benefits in Chicago. But this time around, this girl really did steal all of my information that I had because originally he was supposed to be submitted for my tax return, but I did not file him. I passed him along like to someone else to file. >> Who? >> This person. Huh? >> Who? You heard me. Who did you pass it on to? Um, I passed it on to a friend who >> Byron, but he never filed it because he said he was too scared because the documents weren't real. So, he didn't want to get flagged by the IRS. So, basically, it was my money wasted down the drain. >> You paid for these documents? >> I did. >> How much? >> Over $500. because they look so legitimate. This person is really good at what they do. They make real IDs. They make everything. Hell, they can give you a whole new identity if you ask for it. >> Where they at? >> In Chicago. Um, I haven't had contact with this person in about 4 years. So, that was the last time I received any documents from them. What she didn't realize at the time was that she wasn't the only one the cops wanted to talk to. >> Can I ask you something? >> Yeah. >> If we talk to the kids, what are the kids going to say about Zion? [snorts] Your kids. >> They're going to tell you the same thing. They have They have They know who their brothers are. If you want me to dig deeper into my history about how many children I have, I have no problem with that. But you know what? My past, I put it behind me. And there's some things that I can't change. But the only thing I can change is now. And me being a better mother to my kids than I have now. I had my first baby at 14 and a half, 15 years old. And I didn't know nothing about being a mother cuz I didn't have one. Okay? All I knew is this street life. So when we talk to your kids, are they going to tell you that they had a brother named Zion who's away on vacation? Is that what they're going to tell us? Same with grandpa. >> What? >> So like we're going to talk to your kids. We are there. There's no way around that. Okay. And when we ask them who if they have any brothers, are they going to tell us we have a brother that he's been gone for 6 months in vacation or anything like that? Because if they do, that's going to put a big damper on this story and make things look really >> But I'm going to ask you this that my kids have counsel present. >> You don't you can't question my kids without counsel. >> Absolutely. >> I think this goes a lot deeper than a fraud issue. We you you've got passages out there in the Bible that are underlying that. I think this goes a little deeper than a fraud issue. It's passages [clears throat] in the Bible. It's a Bible >> that mention Zion and it's underlined. >> If Zion was just a money-making scheme and just a fictitious thing, we wouldn't be worried about that. >> But my religion has nothing to do with the allegations. I keep that Bible. >> I can tell in your [clears throat] emotion that there's something more here than a fraud issue. You've been through the system and you're not going to be balling and crying like that >> for for over over some >> over over a identity theft crap. >> There's something more here and we need to get that uncovered. And that's why we're saying if you're not going to provide it, you know, we are going to talk to the kids, too. We need to know what's going on here with this. >> What What's wrong with my Why is he yelling? He's he was he was talking to He was trying to get somebody else. >> There's something more going on here. >> That's why we were here. >> And I can tell by your emotion that it's more than a theft issue. >> And we need to unravel that truth of what's going on there. Because like we said, until we can fully prove and know what's going on, we're going to search till days ends till we uncover and know where this Zion is. And you hold the key to that and we need to get this figured out. I know you're worried about you and adverse of what comes of all, but >> I'm not worried about me. I'm worried about my children. I can f myself. They can't. >> I'm worried about them. I'm worried about my children. >> But this was one of your children, too. >> And his soul is not to rest if we don't know what if if it's just like he's erased. >> He needs to be set free. >> There is nobody to set free like you're >> So the kids are going to say that there's they've never had a brother named Zion in their life. that's been erased from their memories >> cuz we're gonna look we're gonna look for birth certificates. >> They're taking my kids out of here. >> They're taking my kids. >> Huh? You told us you would talk to us. >> No, I didn't tell you that. >> You told us that you would tell us what was going on here. >> Mommy, are you okay? >> No. What's going on? >> She's trying to take us. >> Hang on. >> Wait, wait, wait. I'm trying to get >> Why are you trying to take my kids out of here? Cuz it cuz we're going to talk to them. >> But you can't take Can I call my lawyer? Do not talk to them without an attorney. Do you understand me? >> Don't touch me. >> I'm not touching you. >> Serenity. Serenity. None of you do not speak without an attorney. Do you hear me? >> Do you understand me? Serenity. Look at me. None of you are to talk to them or answer any questions without an attorney. Okay? You understand? Don't answer any questions at all. You understand? You understand? Do not >> instruct Sophia and Olivia to do the same. And Amarie, do not talk without an attorney [cough] >> because [clears throat] now you all are railroading us. >> Railroading anybody. We're trying to figure out what is going on. trying to figure out what happened and I just told you >> and you're taking my kids out of my home. Something you said you was not going to do. >> They're going to a a house to be interviewed. >> He told you we were going to We're not taking them anywhere. We're taking them to go get interviewed. >> Call a lawyer, please. >> Do you want a lawyer? >> Call my family. And now I'm feeling like I'm boxing. I can't even use my phone to call anyone. >> We're seizing your phone. If you want a phone number or something out of there, we'll we can get that for you. So, if you want an attorney, we can be done with this and we're just going to keep digging and digging and digging and digging. >> And are you going to bring my kids back in the house? >> After they're done interviewed, then DCFS is going to is >> my kids without a lawyer, though. Like, >> they're not in trouble. >> I'm not there. And you're not you're interviewing them because you're control them. I'm not controlling them. >> That's what you're saying. You're saying you want You just sat here and instructed them to not talk to >> You're taking them to some unknown place and questioning my kids. >> We're not going to question them. There's trained professionals that It's a ch It's called the Child Advocacy Center. Okay. A police office. >> Taking them to a center. You just basically came >> It's a house like couple miles away from here. >> You came and searched my house. >> Well, we're not done searching it. >> Yeah. With a warrant. >> You're interrogating me. >> Exactly. And you are telling me I can't call family and I can't call a lawyer. I can't call a lawyer and let them know you are here. I can't call a lawyer to come here to my house while I'm being questioned by you. >> If you if you want an attorney right now, we we can just we'll just be done. >> We'll be done. >> All right. >> Let the investigation continues. >> Okay. [snorts] >> Okay. Someone turn for me. >> Oh, no, no, no. I'm going to jail. What am I going to jail for? >> What have I done? >> He just admitted to fraud. >> So now you're going to railroad me on fraud. >> Railroad you what? We're trying to figure out where your kid is. >> My kid. >> You're saying that he doesn't exist? >> My kid. So now you're trying to railroad me. >> Railroad you what? You did this to yourself. >> He just said he didn't. I didn't I didn't get any benefits though. I didn't file any IRS returns. >> You're in possession of false documentation and you already said that you're you signed up and have them for financial aid. >> But I didn't. That's what I told you. Someone stole my identity. >> You said you did it, but >> I told you I bought the documents. I told you I bought the documents. >> I told you I bought the documents, but they were never used for me. >> They were never used for me. I never used them. You don't have any proof that I used anything. That's not proof. Anybody could have done that. >> Anybody? You said you said you did. >> My identity was stolen. I'm working with the FBI about it. >> Keep lying. >> That's the truth. >> That's the truth. I'm working with the FBI about it. >> The FBI doesn't handle fraud. So, you be handling with the Secret Service? >> No, the FBI does handle the fraud. When it comes to IRS tax returns and people stealing your identity, they do handle that. back in. >> Her name is uh I can pick it up. >> This is embarrassing. I can get in the car. >> Do you got to take my dignity away and put me in >> closer? We're not We're not going to We're not going to put them behind you. Okay. >> We can We're going to walk you to the car real quick and then we'll get you out of here. Okay. [clears throat] >> My neighbors they've been know me for six years. You see that badge over there? I work two jobs at Genesis. >> I hear you. I go to school out here. [snorts] >> God, this is embarrassing. I'm surprised the news ain't pressing. I cut the lights off. Well, no, we just >> Well, we're not we're still we're not done in here. >> Sushi was taken into custody while the officers on the scene searched the house inch by inch, trying to find any sign of Zion's existence, or worse, his death. But hours and hours passed, [music] and other than the birth certificate, they found nothing. Throughout this time, Sushi was pleading her case, asking for anyone to believe that she was innocent. She couldn't be proven guilty on suspicion alone, but it was still important to go back to the root of all of this, the person who initially called it in. [music] This is a hairdresser from the Rock Island area, but for the sake of her own safety, she wanted to remain anonymous throughout this investigation. [music] She is the key witness in this case, and what she had to say was borderline unbelievable. Let's just um let's just go back to the very first time she brought this up. So, it was um she got her on Janu or December 23rd, >> she got her haircut. Did she say anything [clears throat] that day? >> Yeah, it had to have been that day. Um it had to have been that day because that's we don't talk on the phone, but it's only appointments. >> Um she had came in and I think she had, you know, stressed how she was up the night before >> and I'm like, "What's going on?" on and she's like, "Girl, my friend um my friend I I can't she didn't know she didn't say her friend name. She's like, "My friend, she going through it real bad." I'm like, "What's going on?" And she's like, "Her she was going to the store." She said her friend from Chicago. She was She went to the store and when she went home when she got home, when she walked in the house, hering kids had shot her shot her son. She said in the head her they had shot her son in the head and I'm like, you know, I'm behind her doing her hair and she's like, they she shot her they shot her son in the head and um with the gun while she was going away to the store, going to the store when she walked in the house, >> the baby was on the ground on the floor, >> obviously deceased, and she said that the friend had tried to do CPR on him >> and he was obviously dead. M um she I'm like, "What?" And she's like, "Yeah, it's it's a mess, girl. She don't know what to do. She don't know what to do." Um she's a she's a nurse. She just got her nursing. Um she uh what did she say? She just got her nursing. She didn't want nobody to take her She don't know what to do because she don't want nobody to take her kids. Nobody's going to take care of her kids like she take care of her kids. M um and that I'm like, "Well, what you mean she don't know what she going to do? What happened? Did she call the police or you know what's going on?" And she's like, "No, she ain't." I said, "When it happened." And she's like, "Last night, girl. Last night." Um she she not going to call him. She she trying to figure out what she going to do. I'm like, "What?" And she's like, "Yeah, she trying to figure out what she going to do, you know, yada yada yada." So that was the end of that appointment. >> Mhm. >> That same day, right after she left, I called my sister. I could call my sister on the phone and she could tell you the story off the back of her head. I called my sister and I'm like, "Why one of my clients tell me that her friend son is dead in the house." And my sister was like, "What?" You know, you know that sound relevant, but I'm trying, you know, you know, my sister like, "What?" And she's like, I'm like, "Yeah." I'm like, "That don't even make sense." And I'm like, "It's crazy as hell." She's like, "You got to call the police." And I said, "I don't know nothing." Because I honestly thought that her name her name in my I I use a online booking service. So, some people call me, but they book solely online. So, her name that she was booking under was Sushi Pikes. P I K E. >> So, >> I'm like, her name is Sushi. I don't even know her name. I'm like, she never said her friend name. I'm like, I didn't know Sushi was a real name, you know. I'm like I'm like I couldn't just call and be like, you know, I'm like, but >> cuz you don't know who to call, >> you know, I don't know what to kne what to say. But I thought that it was, you know, every story has some truth to it. So I know it in some type of way. It had to been true >> and you do hear stuff like that in Chicago. So, I knew it might have could have been true, you know, but it it sounded so far-fetched, I just let it go in my head and then over my head and I'm like, "Well, we'll see if, you know, if it pop up on the news or something, we'll know." >> So, then she came again December 26th. I got to find that picture. I might have screenshotted it. She came again December 26th and we had to have had that conversation again. Um, but at that appointment, she was going to visit her husband. If it wasn't that appointment, it might have been the January 5th appointment. It was one of those appointments. >> Um, she was going to visit her husband in prison, whoever he is. I don't know who he is. Um, because she said she wanted to talk with her husband about taking her friend's kids because her friend still hadn't called the police. Um, her friend was keeping the baby in his bed is what she said. That the friend was keeping the baby in his bed. She wanted him to be peaceful. He was wrapped up in his, you know, like in covers or blankets in in his room. She was keeping him in his room. Um, and she wanted to, the friend was working all this extra overtime so that she could get her money together just in case she needed to get a lawyer. >> Um, >> and that uh, you know, she was going to she was going to take the kids in. She, you know, if if needed, she was going to take the kids in for her friend. and she had to go visit her husband to tell him, you know, basically not tell him, but get permission as to see what she should do and if they could take the kids and all of this that and the third. Um, you know, and I'm like, I remember saying to her, "She hasn't called the police yet." And she's like, "No, she haven't called the police." And that's when I thought that it was just, you know, a lie. >> Being a hairdresser, she's heard some crazy stories and just chocked this one up to be one of those. How was her, I guess, mental health? Like what did you Was she any different or was she >> She seemed like a googly, you know, googly. >> Was she joking around and being just >> No, she was she was serious. Like she wasn't >> I mean just the whole interaction like was could you like like just by looking at her did you see like you know this girl's like depressed or anything like that or >> she didn't seem depressed at all. Okay. Um there was like one appointment um I've never seen her depressed but I seen her real antsy before. >> Um she was going out of town and it might have been that appointment. You going to see a little baby going down. Sorry. Um it was one of her appointments she was going on I don't know if it was going to visit the husband but she was on the highway and she was getting a prescription for I don't know one I don't know what the prescription was but it was I guess to help calm her nerves. Mhm. >> And she was trying to pick it up earlier than what she was supposed to get it and they wouldn't dispense it to her. So she was on the phone with it was a narcotics or something. >> I believe that's what it was because she was like, "My nerves are too bad to get on the highway. I need those pills. Go upstairs. I'm talking. >> Thank you. It's not done yet. Go upstairs real quick." Okay. Um, she was she was real antsy and real frustrated with the pharmacist. You know, I need my pills. I need my pills. Um, I cannot get on the highway without those pills. I need those pills. That was the only time I really seen her like out of character was that particular appointment. She was real antsy. >> Um, >> and but you don't know when that was. >> I don't know when specifically that was. Um, but as far as like demeanor, she never, you would have never thought that her son was at home or wherever. >> Never never gave any more details as far as like what happened or anything. >> Never. Just that the kids Oh, I didn't I I don't think I said that the kids had shot him. The gun was registered. She did say that that the gun was her friends. It was a legal gun. Um, the kids had shot the little boy. Um, and she just didn't want the kids to be taken. She never said what kids, what name of the kids. She never said the little boy's name. It always, it all always was her friend um and the kids. And I remember it was a more recent appointment and I think it might have been like in March. And I remember asking her and I'm like, "Whatever happened to your friend?" You know what happened to the the you Oh, she just got probation for um I think she I want to say she said for not calling the police or something >> like Yeah. not reporting >> and and she was like, "Oh, she got probation." And she really didn't say nothing else about it. I didn't I didn't touch the subject. And I was like, "Oh, okay." You know, and I just left it alone. M but she said that her friend kids that shot the baby while she well not excuse me while the friend was going to the store. She came home the baby was on the ground shot. She put the baby in the bed kept the baby in the bed so he would be peaceful >> and that specifically so he would be peaceful. She didn't want the kids the friend didn't want her kids to be taken. Nobody was going to take care of her kids like she would. She was getting money for a lawyer in case she needed one. >> Um, she was supposed to be taking over the taking care of the kid taking over care of the kids in case something worse were to happen to the lady. >> Um, but you know, she never ever seemed like never like was sad, never crying, never like like somber. Sushi's body language never gave any indication of her grieving a loss like this, just someone generally anxious. The story she told was an outsider perspective, one that seemed extremely far-fetched and exaggerated. And the detectives were starting to believe that, too, until the search was just about to end. And one of them went into the garage. In the corner was something so suspicious he had to call for backup. up. When they lifted the garbage bag off, they found a metal barrel inside, neatly tucked away, hidden from view. This was a young child, 9 or 10 years old, shot in the head. Up in this barrel, was something the detectives were hoping Sushi would tell them. But after being taken into custody, Sushi requested counsel and refused to speak to the authorities. But cell tower records from the week of Zion's death show that Sushi wasn't the only person at the house. There was someone else there, too. her ex-husband and Zion's stepfather, Lattz. I just need to lay it out of everything that you did, how long you were in town, and everything else. Okay, so December 21stish December 7th. Okay. So >> after Christmas or before Christmas? >> It was before Christmas. Okay. So, so you get you get a call from let's let's start from there. All right. I get a hammer. I get a call from they say Z shot. What the y mean shot? Where the y'all at? They she at work. So I'm like, "Did y'all talk to y'all?" They say, "Yeah, she she called me. I hang up from there. She called me. I'm on the road. Where the you at? Why the rooms ain't locked up? She I I thought I locked the door. What the you mean you thought you locked the door? So at at that point I get there, she there. I walk through the back door. I see her in the living room. She she holling, crying, going crazy. Kids holling, going crazy. I walk past her. I go in the room. I I see him. I I bust down, get the crying. >> How How was he? I know. I know it's hard going through the back of this, but how how was he laying? He had his shirt out. He was >> No, you don't need >> Yeah, you don't need to do all that. >> No, his back was on the ground. His back was on the ground. Okay. All right. And then So then what happened then? We get I get like you got you got you ain't call police. See, now I just I just need a little bit more time with my son. He just died before Christmas. He just died before Christmas. I'm talking. You got to call his hand. You got to report to these people. She I just need more time. I just need more time. So I said, "Okay." I said, "Okay." So going in the living room, the kids upstairs, they still hollering going crazy. So I'm still telling you going to have to turn this in. You gonna have to turn it. I just need more time with him. I just lost my son. I'm going through a lot. I just need my son back. I want my son back. I'm soon. He gone. You going to have to call me. You You going to have to You ain't got no choice. I I am. Just give me Just give me a couple more days. I just want to be with him a couple more days. I I just lost him before Christmas. I just want to be with him for a couple of more days. So, all right, cool. You can do it. I'll let her do it. So she go in there, clean his face a little bit, wipe him off. She sit down, crying, spit. Why? Why this happened? So I sitting there with she, I can't leave him like this. I can't leave him like this. So she went to go get a big tote. One one of them with the blue top the the gray ones like Christmas stuff. Okay. She She go get a blanket. She go put that down. She go bring that in the room. She go get a blanket. Put that in there. Put a pillow in there. Pick them up. Lay them down in there. So, at this point, I'm like, "So, you still going to have to turn this in. You feel me? Regardless of what the how they happened, you still going to have to turn it in. See, I don't want to lose my kids. I've been going through so much the DCFS and all this. Um, I got the kids. I could take care of the kids. I don't I could take care of kids. It's going to be a little hard because I don't know how to read and I need her to do certain, but I were willing to take on that that possession. You feel me? So, she's still crying. I go in the living room. I leave. I try to go find me some weed cuz I I I can't keep looking at this like that. So, I left, came back. She's still in that crime. Still in that crime. So later on at night, we go to sleep. Is this the same here? Yes. Okay. So we go to sleep. We wake up in the morning. She said, "I'm going to need you to go get me some clean stuff." So I go get the clean. Where'd she go? I think I went to Family Dollar. I went to go [laughter] get the clean. I come back. She said, "I'm going to need you to take my kids. You going to have to take my kids with you." And and I told her, "I can do that. I take the kids and that's when I left. I left with the kids, told them to pack their and we [laughter] left. >> Okay. So, so but the first time that we we talked to you on the phone, >> I was I was scared because >> we get it. We get it. >> You said you said that you had but I was scared because I know what type of person it's a situation >> and she she she kill me. I look I wish I can strip right here for our for her. She so much with these guns and I just can't take on this by myself, especially with a lot of kids, them fat kids. You feel? So, I really do need her. >> So, I told her I will take the kids. At least I would at least take the [laughter] kids. But anything else? No. I would at least take them kids. She said, "Can you please take my kids?" I told her, "Yes." She just didn't want to leave him. She just didn't want to leave him. Period. Like, she just wanted to stay with Zion all that day. Like, she just didn't want to get rid of him. So, I'm like, I'll take the kids and me and the kids packed up and we left. And I had them for like three months. I had them for three months. She sent me a a text message like she was in court and then she sent me the the ashes. So, I'm like, "Oh, she must have went to get him cremated to went to the courts." So, I'm like, "All right, cool." So, was there ever a metal trash can at the house that she went and bought or anything else? And yeah, she went to go get a metal trash can. Okay. So, that was there before she left. >> Yes. Okay. Um, >> when did she get that? >> Uh, I think the same day that I was there. >> Same day I was there. >> Did she order it? >> I think she did buy it. I think she know where she got that from. I want to pick up that I'm not going to do that. Only thing I can do is take care of your mother and that's all. I can't risk nothing else. I'll take the mother. >> So the only thing that you did there was clean up. I didn't I didn't clean up somewhere. I didn't need to clean up no good. I just let her let her pick up us and we got the back when she got got everything we got. I ain't help her. I don't want to help you. I can't help you. I don't want to touch nothing. None of that. So So when my Yeah. He's already in Minnesota and next time he was still in that um but she sleep with him when we sleep with him out of bed. She did one day. >> Well, did you stay more than one day? >> I stayed two days. >> Okay. See, think >> like two days. >> Okay. Here's the thing. That's why we want you to come with it because it's like we're getting >> I stayed like two days >> because it's like I cleaned what I didn't clean what I stayed one day, I stayed two days. >> I stay I I stayed two days. I stayed two days. >> Just give it to us. >> All right. I stayed two days. >> Was it two days or was it five days? It was like two two three days. my left. Okay. So, so what was going on? She just steady crying every day. Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Just every day. [laughter] Every day. And just sit just sit right there at the bed. Right there. All night. All day. All All night. And I'll just cook the food for the kids. That's all she'll do. All night. All day. You see right there? I know it's quiet all day. All day. Okay. So, at any point while you were there, Zion could put trash everywhere else. Um, so with this whole this, you know, DNA and everything else, it's incredible. I already know that. So touched the garbage can. >> I touched it. Yeah, I touched it when we when we left when we went to go get it. Yeah. I'm the first person that touched the door cuz I'm the one she was sitting on the passenger seat and dude and dude hand me the gun. Okay. So, where was the last place you saw that? Uh in the kitchen. >> What was it bought for? >> That's what I She said she needs a big a bigger trash can for her cuz she's always getting filled up so bad. I never paid no attention though, man. Cuz I mean this look from what I'm understanding this is like a burn barrel, >> right? >> So it's not something you would keep in your house. If it's in the kitchen, >> so if it's in the kitchen, that's kind of weird. It's an outdoor burn barrel cuz you can buy any size of big garbage can for your kitchen, >> right? >> So I mean, >> I didn't order it, so I don't >> I I >> I don't know. >> Here's the thing. We're not trying to like We're not trying to have you like We just want you to tell the truth. And I'm telling you, >> you know, that's the thing. We don't but we don't want it to go back and forth to just tell us everything of what you saw, what you observed, what >> I'm asking questions for a reason. All right? Because like I said, talk to kids. She got the kids train. They train to the mother them. I can't even say nothing about them. They they train to the mother. I can't say about them. >> Here's the thing. I think we need to ask you point blank. There's an issue with this child possibly being burnt. Something >> said what? >> Being burnt. >> Being burnt? >> Yeah. The body. >> I don't know nothing about that. Nothing at all. >> Do you know anything with her or with you or anybody trying to like in disposal of this body setting him on fire? >> We have to ask that. >> No, I I don't. Seriously, I do not know. said she texted me the picture of a cur and that she got like like like she like she went to the like she went to a cremation school to get a cremator and then she sent me the text like she was in court like she like [clears throat] like she went to court for it or something. You feel? So I'm like okay fine. She she took care of it. She took care of she went get really cremated and she sent me a picture like she's in court like she really went to court for this. You feel me? But since y'all saying this come to find out she didn't. You feel me? She throwing me off like she really got this took care of for real. For real. >> And that picture on that urn. That's Zion. >> That's Zion. Thank you. Yes. I got hella pictures of him. >> Do you have other pictures of him? >> What? >> What? What? That's my mother. I just cut my dreads. >> All right. >> I I get his hair done every time. Every time I I get >> All right. >> You feel me? What? Stop playing with me. That's my mother. >> No, we're not playing. We're not. I just >> There go this This the picture with him. But look, I got more pictures for him. Hold on. Hold on. I can't go through my mother. More pictures for him. That's my thread. That's him. >> But my son, you know, he's not your biological. >> I I treat him like I can't I can't have none. Every time I have my lost. >> I'm just making sure you're not trying to claim as like your biological. >> No, no. That's I'm stepdad. You feel? I'm stepdad. I step that day. I ain't got my own yet. So, I'm trying to get my I've been trying to have kids, but every time I have them, we a loser. So, I guess God telling me a sign it wasn't meant for me to have children. This man not only raised Zion but witnessed his death and what happened to his body afterwards. >> Now, what about the spot where he was at before he's moved into the toe? I mean, he's moved into the tote. So, the spot where he's at where there is some blood >> in that room. >> What happened with that area? >> I don't It was still right there before we before me and the kids left and and and [laughter] left and went. It was still right there. She ain't touched that until we must have left. It was still right there. Sink right there. >> Okay. So, what was it when you left like that area? Like what was the flooring? What was it like? >> It was bloody carpet. >> It like when he where his hand was at, it was just numb blood right there. Big old blood. >> And so some of the blood got cleaned from the carpet then? >> What you mean? >> Well, you said blood got cleaned up when we talked. >> I was scared. I didn't want to I don't I didn't want to tell him and I and I just I just I was scared and then out called me. >> Sushi had guns in the house unsecured. While she was away, Zion was able to get to one of them and accidentally shot himself in the head. By the time Sushi came home, it was already too late for her. Sushi Staples plead guilty to endangering the life or health of a child, a class 3 felony. On February 16th, 2024, a Rock Island County judge sentenced her to 2 years in prison with credit for the 204 days she had already served while awaiting trial. Because Illinois grants day for day credit on non-violent offenses, she will likely serve around 9 months before release, only a month longer than she kept her son's rotting body in her home.