Um, okay, so your kids go to daycare. >> Yes, and then I watch kids. >> And then you watch kids. [laughter] Okay. >> dead, yeah. >> That's a little >> I know. Funny, I know. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> This is Holly Shepherd. To almost everyone who knows her, she's a friendly babysitter. But on June 14th, 2023, a 2-month-old baby named Cora is rushed to the hospital with catastrophic head injuries. Detectives immediately begin asking a simple question. What happened? Holly appears more than willing to help. In fact, she's going to give investigators an answer. >> And I was like, "No, I would not ever drop a baby on purpose." You know what I mean? >> Then another. >> I tripped my foot, had her >> Mhm. >> and then I guess it kicked >> Mhm. >> that >> Mhm. >> and then I fell and I guess I let go of her cuz that's when she hit her head like that. >> Then another. >> So, I fell twice today. >> By the end of this investigation, Holly will tell detectives five different versions of the same event. While Holly is busy changing her answers, investigators are about to uncover something that turns this entire case into a nightmare. >> There's also uh she also has some broken ribs, too. >> No. >> Yes. >> No. >> Yes. >> Oh my lord. >> So, um that's why it's important for me to find out what what happened or how how everything happened. >> While doctors fought to save her life, investigators were headed to the home where she had spent her final healthy hours. Somewhere between the hospital and this house lies the answer to what happened to baby Cora. >> I hope that baby's good. I hope so, too. >> Confirm 10-20, are you meeting at Mark and Holly's? >> You say something won't go against you. But you're not under arrest. >> No. So. Here you are. This is Holly Shepherd. >> say I guess like I don't want to say that till it's done. I don't want to hurt her, but I just want the baby to fall off the bed. >> Yeah. I don't know. So, you So, the baby She said the baby was in the crib this time, but normally she lets it sleep on her bed in the afternoon or >> Well, she'll take her later on the baby baby on the bed in the middle or something, but I think when I went out with my sister >> Yeah. >> I think this baby was in the car. She had the baby. >> Uh-huh. >> And then she said that she was going to go get the baby. I'm I'm sorry. I'm just got my mind so >> You're okay. Yeah. We want to sit here and talk if you want. >> I've been out with my sister and she had baby. And then I don't know. She fell asleep and then she took the baby and put it in the crib in the crib, she said. And then she went She's getting ready to go somewhere. She's going to take the baby with her >> Mhm. >> cuz she's trying to get her to go to sleep, you know. And I was going to watch the little other little girl while she was sleeping. I guess I don't know if she got up and put her in the bed, like she said she did. And then she got the baby out and put her in the crib so she can take the baby. That's where the baby was when I came in and she told me that she had to call an ambulance. >> The baby was in the crib when you got back? >> No. The baby was in the car Oh, I didn't go nowhere. I just stepped outside. >> Oh, you were outside working on the AC. >> No. I was outside loading up two air air conditioners. >> Got you. Okay. Okay, I'm following. >> I come back in, I mean, I didn't come in. She just come out there where we was talking and then she had to call the ambulance. And I said, "Why?" She said, "Well, the baby's not acting right." >> Mhm. >> So, I come in there and picked her up out of the car seat, cuz she was getting ready to go. >> Where was she going to go with the baby? >> She uh just going to Walmart somewhere and get some >> Okay, got you. >> diapers to get for her little boy that they she has a daycare. >> Mhm. So, the So, the baby was in the car seat when you came. Okay. >> I Yeah, the baby was there. >> Where was the car seat? >> Oh, she had to give it to her, the grandma. >> Oh, okay. So, the grandma came in and picked up Audrey, the other one. >> Yeah, she took Holly gave her the car seat and the diaper bag and all. >> Okay. >> And her toys that she had. >> Got you. Okay. Okay. >> That's just I'm just thanking you. >> Yeah. So, So, just so I understand, so So, she So, you you were going outside to get the ACs loaded up. >> Yeah, we did. Yeah, we did. And she was sitting here on the couch and we went out. >> The baby was? >> Holly and the baby. >> Okay, Holly and the baby were both sitting on the couch. >> Right here, yeah. >> Yeah. >> And I we out there put loading them up and we was talking. >> Mhm. >> And she come out, so I don't know she trying to put the baby back, you know, let her go to sleep and took her up. That's what she would do as the baby go to sleep, she put her on the bed. >> Mhm. >> This time she said the baby was in the crib. >> Mhm. >> That's what she told officer. >> Okay. >> So, I don't know. >> And And you just thought that was strange cuz cuz she just normally puts it on the bed and but she didn't tell you she put it on the bed, is that correct? Okay, but you just know normally she puts it on the bed. >> I'm thinking like that bed's so big. I mean, I can't see putting her in that big bed. >> Mhm. >> I mean, she just puts her on that bed in the middle. >> Yeah. Yeah, yeah. >> I don't know. I mean, I don't know. >> Sure. I know I understand. I understand. I mean That's what everybody's mind is on. >> I don't want to do anything to cause any trouble. It's just that I'm thinking about that baby. >> I know. >> [snorts] >> Just wanted to make it. >> I you too. >> I feel sorry for the mom and dad. >> Mhm. >> I got the holder and she was breathing and she was fine. I mean, it's fine but >> little cranky. >> Mhm. Sure. >> And I picked her up out of the car seat here. >> Mhm. >> And when she woke up and Holly was down there and talked to her and was getting ready to change her, I think. >> Mhm. >> When she got down there And I she was out and I said let me have her, so I held her. >> Yeah. >> She talked, but she was just a little cranky like just normal, just playing a little bit. And I gave her to Holly cuz I had surgery done on my had to be paperwork for >> Oh, wow. >> Got me paperwork. >> Yeah, yeah. >> So it was hurting, so I handed her to Holly. >> Mhm. >> And that's the last I know cuz I didn't get mad, talked to my sister, and >> Got you. >> Holly was feeding her. >> Okay. Here on the couch. >> And then when I went outside, we went outside to get back. That's when she come out. >> How long do you think you were outside? >> Oh, probably enough to pick them up, take them out there, and talk to her, probably good. It It wasn't maybe It wasn't even 30 minutes. >> Okay. Yeah. >> I don't think cuz I It was getting hot. >> Mhm. >> She And then we used She called the ambulance, so we We were still talking, and when she told me that, we come in the house. >> Got you. >> And then she said well, she waited She come My sister come in the house to watch Aubrey. And then I come up here and was telling her what's going on, and So when they loaded the baby up and got ready to go, she left. >> Okay. >> My sister did it. >> Okay. >> From the very beginning, everything points investigators toward Holly. The problem is nothing points that way for anyone who knows her. If you're wondering whether neighbors, friends, or parents saw warning signs beforehand, the answer appears to be no. Fact, most people describe Holly as caring, friendly, and exactly the kind of person you'd trust around children. >> Holly is good with kids. She's got two, and they're just rotten. >> Yeah. >> But you know, I think accidents can happen. You just never know, but I mean, I'm just I don't want her to get in trouble. And so, I hope it's just something that was already building or what. >> Mhm. Mhm. Yeah. Yeah. >> As one team of detectives begins interviewing family members, another is focused on reconstructing Cora's final day. Because somewhere inside that 15 minutes is the moment everything changed. >> Mhm. So, they were holding to the right. Um the kid was crying when it got to the hospital. Um and I can't remember if it was him or uh the EMS guy that told me that all four limbs were still kind of moving. And then they went they took once they got thoughts well, they took the child in to get CT imaging. Um and as they were finishing that up and taking the child back, the child started seizing after the CT imaging. Um they He said there was Yeah, like uh So, there's internal There's traumatic bleeding on the right side of the brain, and that's the injury that can be seen on the outside where it's kind of Hold on. Let me Let me pull the photos the nurse took. >> Okay, the [clears throat] child has traumatic injuries. >> Yeah, traumatic It's traumatic bleeding from the brain on the right side, and that was the injury that was visible to to everybody, including the the mother here who was just talking to me before Porter took her. >> Okay, so the child had traumatic bleeding to the right side of on the right side of its brain. >> Yes. >> All right. Let me get back. Okay. Perfect. I think I think that's what I needed. So, I might have to call you back, but I think that's what I needed for the time being. >> Sounds good. >> Thank you, ma'am. >> You're welcome. Thank you. All right, bye. >> Investigators see difficult things every day. It's part of the job. But some images are powerful enough to break through even that experience. The injuries shown in Cora's photographs are so severe that one officer struggles to hold back tears. >> You ready? >> Yeah. >> This her house? >> Well, I know that, but was she just >> Oh, yeah, no, she Yeah, this >> chilling. >> Yeah, so when I showed up they all were Well, okay, so I didn't understand everything that had went on. >> Right. >> I just knew that there was an upset grandma. >> Is that who >> And so I was here for a property exchange. >> Oh, oh, for the the exchange >> was grandma to the baby. The the the kids >> other grandma. >> So they were babysitting. >> I didn't know that. >> Oh, no, there was so much that was like trying to figure out. >> Well, and >> Yeah, cuz she started sharing some stuff with me while I was in here and she was like, "I don't want to get anyone in trouble." And I was like, "You're not under arrest right now." Like, I mean, I was like, "If you want to talk to me, you can." Like So she was just sharing some concerns she had about stuff Holly had said that she wasn't sure was true. So I told Porter. >> Well, I'll tell you one thing is and based off of So I got Holly's statement, I got grandma's statement, and I got sister grandma's sister's statement. >> Okay. >> All three of them >> Yeah. >> did not add up. >> Yeah. >> Well, some of it did. >> Sure. >> So from what I was told was And so Carseat was So car seat was here. >> Mhm. >> And other kid that she would have been sitting was here asleep. >> Okay. >> Grandma and then her. But she had gotten up to to get the door. >> Mhm. >> But from what she had said was is everything was here and then went there. >> Yeah. Yeah, cuz she had told me that Holly had said she went in there to put the baby down for a nap, but when she left the baby was still in here. And if she was out there for less than 30 minutes, for a 2 to 3-month-old, that's a little that's kind of a short nap. >> But grandma's statement, even whenever I was asking for her statement, wasn't adding up. >> Really? >> Because she stopped whenever we were almost done and then started and kept going back. I'm like, hold on, hold on. I'm I'm I'm I'm getting lost. You know what I mean? And so I had to literally tell her back what I had wrote down. >> Right. >> And she goes, oh yeah, yeah, yeah. So I don't know if if grandma just doesn't remember some [ __ ] too. You know? >> know. Yeah. >> But >> And that's possible because she had asked me I pretty sure she had asked me something and she'd asked about the baby and I had told her cuz I'd been to the hospital and I was like and I was like yeah, the baby's loaned to O U. And then we were chatting some more and then she she said she's like, so you just got on shift? And I was like, no, no, I've been on shift since 6:00 a.m. I said I just came this is I said I took this call. Officer Gorey was here to just stand by until I could leave the hospital. And she was like, oh, okay. And so I was like, so I don't >> But that's But that's how she was. >> Really? >> Because she kept like And And I think I think both of us understand that some of it, know, people do go into shock. And and different things, especially with something like that. But >> Yeah, she was up >> Like her statement, I had to I had to kept going back and piecing it. You know what I mean? So, I mean, I put in there what you know, what she told me. >> Mhm. >> But it just it she kept going and and that another hard thing was that she kept going back to what Holly said. I said, "Look, quit ignore the cuz I couldn't I I couldn't split them. You know what I mean?" >> Yeah. >> And so, I was like, "Quit telling me what Holly said." >> Mhm. >> "What happened when you were inside?" >> Mhm. >> "What happened whenever she came outside, what was she yelling?" >> Yeah. >> "What was she screaming?" She said she She said that she came out and um told us that the baby's stiff and I called 911. So, they came back inside. Grandma picked baby up. >> Mhm. >> Ambulance came and then >> Yeah. >> she handed off baby. And she said whenever she grabbed baby, it was stiff and arms up. >> Yeah, I don't know if the baby will make it. >> I I I I I don't know. >> Based on what the doctor was sharing with me, he said it's not a it's not a great prognosis. >> No, two-month-old. You know what I mean? Especially with a head injury. Um And you know, I was I was like, "When I got here, that's what I was looking at. You know what I mean? Because what are things that you know what I mean?" >> Well, even if it was the baby just rolled off the couch or she was in here or rolled off the bed, that'd be enough for a two- three-month-old? >> Oh, absolutely. >> But their heads are still soft and developing, like >> Absolutely. So, >> Yeah, and she had told me she said the baby was perfectly normal. She said the head injury wasn't there. And she said she said, "Yeah, she didn't come back here and the EMS guy was like her head was like was like pulled in on the side." >> Yeah, that's >> And she's like, "It wasn't like that." >> Yeah, that's >> So, it something happened here. >> Yeah, I don't know. Like I said, I just I'm just looking for stuff, you know what I mean? >> Yeah, it's the same as I was when I was walking around taking photos. But my my my gut, based on just Grandma what Grandma's telling me, my gut is the baby probably rolled off. >> Well, and and and and like I said, you know, the other kid was here. >> Mhm. >> So, All right. By now, investigators have a problem. The statements they're collecting don't fit together. Somebody is mistaken. Somebody is withholding information, or somebody is lying. To find out which one it is, detectives need to hear from all three adults who were inside that house. First up, Doreen. >> Hello. How are you? >> Fine. >> Hi. Are Doreen? >> Uh-huh. >> I'm Officer Lara. I'm one of the detectives for the Ponca City Police Department. >> Uh-huh. >> And I was I called you um back at the second week, second and a half week of July. Um after I got done uh speaking with your sister, Doretta. >> Uh-huh. >> Uh in reference to the incident that happened with uh Cora. >> Uh-huh. [clears throat] >> And so, and Holly. >> I'm trying to call you back. I guess you got my message. >> Well, we were in transitions to uh from the old building to the new building. So, um I didn't I didn't get the the the message on that one. Um but if you had a couple minutes, I would like to speak with you. >> a minute. I'm trying to get ready to paint my living room, so >> Sure. So, [clears throat] um the the the reason I was wanting to speak with you is uh so, when I spoke to Doretta, she said that you had been gone over there to >> Uh-huh. >> um Can I help you? >> I don't know. No. There we go. So, she said that you had gone over there to um to the house that day. >> Uh-huh. >> Can you tell me about that? Like, about what time did you show up? How long were you there? Kind of the reason why you were there? Kind of what happened? >> Okay, yeah. Sit down there. >> Mess it up? >> Yeah. >> All right. You can sit on this thing too, if you want. >> Oh, I'm fine. I'm fine. >> I had went over there because I was picking up some air conditioners from her. And we were She said something about Holly was babysitting her kids and and so but we were standing at the front door, me and Loretta. And we were talking about a vacation that we were supposed to be taking to go to my brother's in Arkansas. And some time Holly had got up in the back of the house. into the bedroom or something. So, we we stood there talking and then they Holly came in baby was just screaming. You know, and then and my sister said, "What did you do?" And she said, "I just laid her down." I said, "Well, she's kind of small to be that age, you know." And uh and that was it. Then we stood there and uh Holly had sit down on the couch with the baby. And me and my sister went outside to carry the air conditioners to my van. And we were standing at to my van talking about I guess it was a shooting across the street in the apartments. And she was telling me about it. And Holly came out. She said, "Uh something's wrong with baby's breathing. Come and check." So, we ran into the house. The baby was in the carrier. And uh and my sister said, "What do you mean?" She said, "Well, she she she just stopped breathing right now." And so, she said, "I've I've called the mother and the the ambulance, you And uh so, we stood there waiting for the ambulance to come. I stayed in the house with the other little girl. And my sister and Holly had went out to the ambulance. But as far as I don't know what >> Okay. >> You know, I didn't hear nothing drop, fall, or anything. >> Okay. While everyone else in this investigation seems focused on the gravity of what's happened, Holly stands out for a very different reason. And as the conversation continues, her body language becomes difficult to ignore. Don't forget that right now, you can head to patreon.com/strangerstoriesplus and instantly get access to a ton of exclusive videos that [music] I created specifically for my Patreon members only. Go check everything at patreon.com/strangerstoriesplus. >> And so, we have him uh We had to switch cuz we we looked at the time. >> Okay. >> See it for me. >> Doesn't matter which one. >> Yeah, um I We looked at the time where I thought, you know, it's a lot. >> Yeah, it's been a while since >> Yeah, I mean, so Um I I really apologize about that. Um >> [clears throat] >> I just like to get some information from you real quick. Uh how do you How do you spell Holly? >> Uh H O L L Y. >> Okay, so your kids go to daycare? >> Yes, and then I watch kids. >> And then you watch kids. Okay. >> We or did, yeah. >> That's a little >> I know. Funny, I know. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Um did you Have you watched any other kids besides those? >> Um not really. I mean, I've watched like family members' kids. >> Oh, no. >> You know, stuff like that. >> something like that where you're like, you know what, we could use extra money. 1,200 bucks a month, I mean, that's not bad, you know. >> Yeah. I mean, there's other people that are on Facebook and they're needing care and I'm I'm I'm willing, but I'm also very hesitant now because of this instance. So, I'm like probably like not going to do it anymore because >> So, those are the only two kids that you've watched like that? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, was that 1,200 bucks per kid or for both? >> No, so it's 300 a week. Like it's 150 a kid per week. So, it's $300 a week per minute. >> Okay. >> But like I said, this is my first week cuz I've only gotten paid $300 which was today. So, and like I said, I don't like she's not talking to me currently, so I don't I don't foresee that I'm watching them anymore. Um I'm not sure. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> All right. >> Holly appears remarkably jolly. In fact, if you walked into this conversation with no context, you might never guess investigators are trying to determine how a 2-month-old baby ended up with skull fractures while under her care. So, let's hear the first version of the story. >> Today, about what time did this whole thing happen? >> So, >> Tell me about that. >> Let me look at the what time I called 911. Sorry. >> You're okay. >> So, 911 was called at 10:37. >> Uh-huh. >> Um so, okay. She ate I made her a bottle around 10:10 10:15-ish. Um and I was sitting on the couch and I was holding her. She's been kind of cranky this morning, so um I don't know if she was dealing with some gas or what was going on, but she was kind of cranky. So, I fed her. Um she drank maybe 2 oz of her bottle and then she fell asleep in my arms, so I put the bottle down, kind of covered her up with the blanket and like sat there to make sure that she was like asleep. Then I uh stood up and I bring her to my daughter's bed in the crib and just set her down. Um kind of swaddled her, turned on the nightlight and the um little lullaby music thing and then walked out to kind of handle I left the door open, of course, to hear her, but um to tend to Audrey and then probably around like I want to say 10:35, so 2 minutes before I called, um I noticed like I was sitting there playing with Audrey on the floor and um I just hear Cora, which is the baby's name, just like scream, like scream cry, like a hard cry. And like our cats are outside, there's net like she doesn't roll over yet. She's only 2 months and um, so I ran in there, turned the light on, picked her up and I noticed that like she her arms were just like stretched out like they were so stiff and her eyes were kind of like I don't know how to describe it. >> Can you show me? I mean like if you don't want >> Like my hand >> Yeah. >> Oh, like she was like like she kept like they >> Was she blinking? >> Yeah, that and like her eye her like eyeball was like moving up and down. Kind of like she was having a seizure. >> Mhm. >> Um And I'm a certified medical assistant, so I kind of like know the signs of that and it looked like a seizure to me, so um uh, I just immediately like I picked her up and like I said, I saw that and then her arms were stiff and she was kind of breathing funny, so I was like, "Okay, I'm calling 911." >> Okay. >> So I ran like um >> What do you mean she was breathing funny? >> Like she was kind of like she was breathing, her lips weren't blue or nothing, but she was kind of like like well, she was upset and crying, so it was hard to tell like if that was cuz she was upset or like what was I don't know what was wrong. I was panicking, so I just called 911 and I was like, "Hey, I think this baby's having a seizure. Um, the babysitter, like can you come check her out?" So they came. >> Okay. >> Yeah, and they told me that um it it looked like a seizure. Um and then it could make her possible make possibly make her brain swell. That's what they said. >> Holly has already identified her suspect. The problem is that the suspect comes with an alibi. According to the timeline, Doretta was outside with Doreen. So before detectives can accept Holly's story, they need to hear from the one person who can either confirm it or completely destroy it. >> So she went she went to the back. Baby started screaming. She came back with the baby to where you guys were at and that's when you guys asked her like what happened, right? And so she was patting the baby but the baby was screaming. Did you see anything? Did you notice anything? Nothing and you said you and Loretta asked her what she do to it? >> And she said I just laid her down. >> And that's it? Okay and then so what did she do after she came back? Did she sit down? Did she >> She sit down and I had the baby >> Uh-huh. >> in her and the baby spit up just a little bit and I said maybe that was what was wrong with her stomach. >> Uh-huh. >> I didn't mess up with why she was crying that hard. >> Okay. >> And so we just got everyone outside and was taking air conditioners in. >> Only you and Loretta. >> Only >> And Holly stayed inside. Okay and how long were you guys outside before Holly came out? >> Oh, say >> What would you say? >> I'd say 15 minutes. >> 15 minutes? Okay and then she came out without the baby. >> Right. >> Okay and she said she's having trouble breathing or whatever can you come in and you both went inside, right? And she was in the car seat? >> Baby was in the car seat. >> Okay and uh was she like on the floor on the couch? On the couch? Okay um and was it the couch you know how they have that wrap around couch? Uh was it like soon as you walk in through the door or was it on the other side that sits next to the wall? Where was she at? >> When you walk in with the window there's like two seats here I guess. >> Yeah. Okay. >> It was on that side. >> By the door? Okay. >> By the door by the window. >> Okay. Oh okay the one that sits by the wall. Okay um and so um did she say why she had the baby in the car seat? >> No uh she she did say I was fixing to go and get some diapers or something and she said but I have to wait here for the ambulance now and and my mother >> Okay. And did she tell you guys that she'd called the ambulance when she went outside? Okay. Did you guys did you notice anything whenever you first saw the baby? >> I did I just noticed maybe didn't look right to me. >> Okay, what did what did she look like? Uh-huh. >> You know, like she was it the only movement she made is when she stretched her little arms and her hands out like that and her legs. And I I just couldn't figure out what was wrong. >> Okay. Did you see any bruises, any markings, or anything like that? Was that the first time you'd ever seen the baby? >> First time I ever seen the baby. >> Okay. Did you notice anything whenever you first saw her? Any bruises, any markings, or anything? Was the baby acting different or different from what a normal baby is? >> No, as a matter of fact, I think she had just fed her a bottle. >> Okay. So, the only time she cried was when she walked to that back room and then she came back with the baby and then you guys went outside and then she came out like 15 minutes later after you guys were outside loading your air conditioners and and said there's something wrong with the baby breathing and then you went in and the baby didn't look right. Was she crying or anything? No crying? Just she wouldn't open her eyes and you said the only extension she did was was she shaking or anything? >> Not that I could tell that she was shaking, but she just stiffened up. >> Stiffened up? Was it like a continuous stiffness or was it just like it'd go and then it'd go away? Okay. And how how did you know she >> But when detectives compare the timelines, a different picture begins to emerge. The injuries appear to have occurred during a period when Holly was alone with Cora. And while Loretta seemed determined to protect Holly, Holly doesn't appear willing to return the favor. >> Okay. >> All right. So, the only person that was inside the house was Holly at that time and you and your sister were outside, right? And and the little girl. And Holly never mentioned anything, but when you came in she was in the car seat, but you don't Do you know And I'll apologize. Do you know remember she was strapped in or was she >> I just I don't think she was. She didn't even pick her up out of there was holding her and she was looking at her. >> So, you didn't have to undo anything. Did you notice anything on her? Like any marks, any bruises, >> No, I did not. >> Okay. >> I hurt her little hand because I was holding my hand up to her little head. And then my sister was looking, you know, in her eyes, you know, what I'm saying, but I didn't see anything on her head. >> Did you feel her head? You didn't feel her head? >> No, I just not even I wasn't even paying attention, to be honest with you. >> Okay. >> So I just held her like this here to her head. I was kind of going to bathe her to see if I could get her to make a face or do something. >> So I'm going to be honest with you and I'm just trying to find out what happened to her, okay? So whenever I was talking to Holly, she said that you and your sister were both inside the house whenever the baby started screaming in the in the in the crib. That she said that now she also mentioned that you had the onset of dementia. That's what she mentioned. Is that true? >> No. >> That's not true? >> No. I'm I'm I take a medicine but I don't have dementia. I mean I No, I might forget a little bit but I was outside. >> Okay. So she she she said that you had the onset of dementia but she said that whenever your sister showed up that you you and your sister were inside by the front door talking and that the that the baby was in the back room asleep in the crib. And that the baby cried and that you guys just kind of ignored it or whatever and just went outside with it and when she went in there to check on her that she was stiff, she picked her up and then that's whenever she called the ambulance crew. Now whenever I further spoke with her, she said that that she left that the whole entire time that she had Cora with her that she was kept her eyes on her the whole entire time. And that the only time that she did not have eyes on her was around 10 between 10 and 10:30 or sorry 10:15 10:15 and 10:20 when she went to go make a bottle for her in the kitchen. She said that there was a wall in the kitchen that you can't see into the living room and that you were left by yourself with the baby, and that that's the only time that she that she did not have any eyes on the baby. >> No, sir. No, sir. That is not true. >> Okay. >> I'm thinking No, my sister is mad for me and I >> Uh-huh. >> I'm thinking >> Uh-huh. >> that she put the baby on the bed. And the baby fell off. >> Okay. >> I'm thinking. >> You think that that's what happened? >> I am thinking, thank you very much. >> Okay. Well, why does she think that? >> Well, because she don't She has As far as I can This week, she has never put that baby in that crib. She's always put it in on her bed. >> Okay. So, this whole week she has laid the baby on the bed to sleep? >> Okay. Do you think Is Does the baby move, roll, or anything like that? >> she's only 2 months. >> She's only 2 months? >> Holly's first explanation didn't survive scrutiny. So, now she's ready with a second version of events. >> Um she called me and she said, "Hey, did you drop my baby?" Like she called me on the phone like crying and she's like, "Did you drop my baby? There's a huge lump on her left side of her brain or her head." And I was like, "No, I would not ever drop your baby on purpose. You know what I mean?" I mean, there's no way. Um she said, "Did she fall or anything?" I said, "No, she was sitting in a enclosed crib. There's no way she would have fell." Um she was like, "Well, you need to be honest with me." And I said, "I am." And she just hung up on me. So, um yeah, that's basically it. >> So, all right. So, pretend that's the baby. Hold her like you had her. >> So, I had her like this and then my head >> And were you walking? >> Yes. >> Can you show me how you were walking? >> Mhm. >> Sorry. >> Um so, I guess like I'll just show you. Hold on. Like this is the toy, let's say. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, I was walking out and I had her like this. >> From where? >> Uh walking like from the um What's it called? The hallway. Like from the bedroom and the hallway. It's a little hallway, so like there's just bedrooms right here and you walk and there's a little bean bag right there. So, I was walking with her like this and I guess I tripped and fell cuz I remember my foot going like this. And then I get like I guess my foot kicked it. And then when she fell, she fell like this on it. >> Okay. So, when when she fell, how did you Did you drop her? Did you go down with her? Like how how did that Like show me exactly cuz like how it went. >> Okay. I'm trying to Okay. So, I tripped, my foot had her. And then I guess it kicked that. And then I fell. And I guess I let go of her cuz that's when she hit her head like that. Like I guess this would be that. Cuz it got her head. >> So, did you drop her from up top? All the way? Or what? >> Um I think I had her like mid. >> And then you dropped her? >> Yeah, and then I lost my balance. >> Okay. Then then you dropped her as you were going >> Yes. Yeah. >> And so, did you drop her completely? From both hands? Okay. So, she hit the floor? >> I think she like I think she hit the back of the toy. Like on the the trailer part. I have to show you. It's a big like semi like plastic truck. I wish I had a picture of it, but yeah. >> Samuel appears completely unaware of the person investigators are beginning to uncover. Because while he thought he knew Holly, the allegations emerging from this case paint a very different picture. >> Right. So, the baby does have some injuries right here on this side, okay? Um that See how it's swollen from from the normal side of it to it? Does that make sense? Uh see right here how it's swollen out towards the outside? >> Mhm. >> Right? Um and that's that's kind of what we're trying to find out um, is kind of what happened to make that happen. You get what I mean? >> Mhm. >> Um, so there's there was three people in your house, okay? Um, I wasn't I wasn't one of those three people, right? >> Yes. >> You weren't one of those three people, right? Um, and the reason that it that I'm talking to you is trying to find out kind of what happened because we're we're just trying to figure out what what happened so that we can better tell the doctors to find out what happened. Um, if you break your arm or if your side hurts, shoulder hurts, knee hurts, ankle hurts, you know kind of what's wrong with it. You're able to say, "Yeah, I was doing this, this, and this. This what happened." And then the doctors can better be like, "All right, this is what we needed to start doing to be able to treat it." Does that make sense? Right now with with the baby, they're just kind of guessing at what they need to do to try to fix it, you know? Um, they don't know if it's an internal uh, thing. They don't you know, there there's issues going on there. There's obviously some sort of injuries because there are, but I I don't know what to tell them of what happened or how it happened, I guess I should say, to be able to help them be able to get that. Has anybody said anything to you about anything that could have happened from the time you left at um, 9 8:30 9:00 to go take your kids to daycare till the time that you got the the message saying, "Hey, you know, this is what happened or this is going on." Has anybody said anything about what could have possibly happened? >> I don't know whatsoever. >> The baby went down for a nap after she fed her and the baby started crying. >> Mhm. >> That's all I was told. >> Okay. >> Cuz I wasn't there. Um, the baby when I left the baby was asleep in the car seat on the floor. >> On the >> Okay. Is that in the living room in your bedroom or >> Living room. >> Okay. And then the other girl was playing. Okay. Um but other than that, I have no idea. >> No idea. And nobody has mentioned anything about anything happening? >> I've asked her. >> You've asked her? >> Holly. >> Holly? Okay. >> If anything happened, she said no. >> Okay. >> Um I don't believe she would do anything. >> Mhm. >> Um but when there's one happy year and two kids that are there, I have other kids that call her mom and she's been great with them. Okay. >> Well, and and I'm not saying that >> Samuel can tell detectives a lot about Holly. What he can't tell them is what happened during the most important 15 minutes of the entire case. Samuel may have shared a home with Holly, but investigators are starting to wonder whether he ever truly knew who he was living with. >> You dropped dropped her, fell, she hit her head on this toy. >> Correct. >> And that's it, just that one time. >> Correct. >> They're not going to say she's got three, four, five different fractures on her skull. >> They don't believe that. >> That they're Well, that should be yes or no. You tell me. >> Right. The new No, >> You >> I mean, like you said, >> Okay. So, here's the deal. >> Okay, go ahead. >> Okay. I feel like you're bullshitting me. >> Okay. >> All right? And I don't like it. Okay? Have I treated you like you're an idiot? >> No. >> Have I insulted you in any which way by treating you like you're an idiot? >> No. >> Don't do the same thing to me. >> Okay. >> Cuz that's exactly what you're doing. And I don't like it. >> Okay. >> You understand? >> Mhm. >> So, the questions that I'm asking are simply yes or no. >> Okay. >> You should know the answer to. Okay? Are they going to while they're in there doing their surgeries and stuff like that to to try to fix her, are they going to say, "Well, she's got a fracture here. She's got a fracture here. She's got a fracture here." "This happened around this time. This happened around this time. This happened around this time. This was different from this one because this hit this kind of object. This was different from this one because this hit kind of object." >> Mhm. >> Okay? Are they going to say anything like that? Are they going to find something different from just a simple one-time fall? >> No. >> And um again, I this is me trying to help you. >> Okay. >> Okay? Because the other way it's going to look like you're you're baby beater. >> Right. >> Like you're an abuser. >> I don't want to look like it. >> You understand? Okay? I'm trying to help you. Okay? >> Okay. >> Whenever they do that, is it going to look any different? You look like you're about to cry. >> I do. >> Okay? That That tells me that yes, there is going to be something different. Okay? What What are they going to find that's different from what you have told me? >> Can I tell you? >> [snorts] >> So, I've been really dizzy today. >> Okay. >> So, I fell twice today, but um [snorts] >> [clears throat and cough] >> the first time was this morning. Um before this accident, and she did not hit her head. >> So, you fell twice with her in your arms? >> Yes. Yeah. >> Okay. So, you fell twice with her in your arms. Where was this at? >> The first one? >> Yes. >> Um it was after um >> her first diaper change. >> What time was that? >> Um I think it was 9:45-ish. It was like right after my husband left. >> Mhm. >> Um >> Where was Loretta? >> Uh I think she was still in bed. >> Okay. >> The latest version of Holly's story may explain some things. What it doesn't explain are Cora's injuries. Because nothing Holly has described comes close to accounting for the damage doctors are seeing. And detectives are now looking for evidence that can settle the disagreement once and for all. >> So original story was that she tripped and fell and the baby hit a toy. And I don't know exactly what she tripped over. So I get to that point, I'm going to call Manny and get that one straight. So I can determine what I need to take. Makes sense. >> So she's coming So she's tripping as she's coming through that door over there? >> Yes. And that she tripped on this. She said this was here. She was coming from the hallway into the bedroom. This toy was near this black cubby. >> Okay. >> And that she dropped the baby over this that what she tripped on. Dropped the baby on it. Picked the baby up. Dropped baby again. >> So you're looking right in here. >> Yeah. >> On carpet. How tall is this girl? >> Oh, not very tall. >> 5 8 >> No, I would think with those injuries you'd think more towards the tile. >> But there was like I said, there was no open wounds. None. >> Well, the skin's still >> yeah. >> still pretty There's so much hair, I mean pet hair, human hair, everything else. What What color hair is this child? Blonde or brunette? >> It was like a white. It was like a She has very little hair. >> Okay. >> And it's like a strawberry blonde. But you see more scalp than you do hair. Like it's barely any hair. >> Can I get down low here? >> Ooh, is that what you're talking about or is that? >> No, that's not that child's hair. >> This would be more like it. >> I'm going to apply that there. >> Yeah, but that's too long for that baby. It's 2-month-old with very little hair. >> Okay. >> It's not long enough for that. I mean, we'd be looking for hairs maybe as long as my arm. >> Okay. >> And we can try. >> By now, investigators have heard multiple explanations. Unfortunately, Holly isn't finished. She's ready with yet another version of events. >> Okay. >> Don't tell me okay. Tell me something or not. It's up to you. >> Okay. So >> [clears throat] >> So like I said, uh that was the first fall she hit her head. The second one um was on the truck. And >> Said the first fall was where she hit her head? >> No, I said the first one she didn't hit her head. Then the second one she did. >> Okay. >> Um and then I picked her up and she fell again. >> You picked her up and she fell again? Picked her up when? >> Like after her fall from the the truck. >> You picked her up and she fell again? How she fall? >> I accidentally dropped her again. >> How did you accidentally drop her again? >> I don't know. I was like picking her up and she fell. >> Okay. How did that go about? Can you show me? >> Yeah. >> Cuz I mean, I don't understand. >> Okay. >> What you're saying. >> Yeah. Do you want me to show you with this paper? Okay. All right. >> [clears throat] >> Okay. Like I said, this is the first time I had her like this and I tripped well, that Okay, so my foot moved the trip this truck. And she fell. So, I kind of what I like lost my balance and she fell like this on the truck. >> Okay. [snorts] >> So, I was on the ground and kind of on I think my right side and then I like um I picked her up. >> Okay. >> Like this. I noticed that her like at that time was like her arms were stiff and stuff. And so, whenever I went I got here >> Mhm. >> Um my arm started shaking and she fell again. >> Okay. Face down, sideways, face up? >> Sideways. >> Sideways? And what did she hit when she fell again? >> The truck. >> Okay. >> So, she hit the truck. >> So, you're telling me from 2 and 1/2 ft, she fell down, hit a truck, and fractured her skull? >> I I don't know. I guess. Like, I don't know how it happened. >> There's no There's no question about it. She has She has two fractures on her skull. There's There's no question about it. Now, here's the thing. There's only so much force that it takes to to fracture her skull. You understand? >> Yes. >> You can never change that. That That is what it is. >> Okay. >> Okay? And those doctors down there are going to tell me, "No, this did not happen from 2 and 1/2 ft or whatever." >> Okay. >> You know? >> Right. >> They're going to. Because I reasonably, that doesn't sound right, and it doesn't sound correct. Not a doctor, but it does not sound correct. >> Okay. >> To me. Okay? >> Well, I'm telling you the God's honest truth that I did drop her twice, and that's it. >> Okay. So, I don't believe that for 1 second. I don't believe that you dropped her from 2 and 1/2 ft or up, and that that's how she fractured her skull. So, before I walk out of here, are you sure that you're going to stick to that? >> As troubling as Holly's story already is, the worst revelation is still ahead. Because in just a few moments, her mother-in-law is about to realize what may have actually happened during those 15 minutes she wasn't inside. >> Okay. So, there's certain things that things cannot change. Okay. So, you see that side of of her head? >> Mhm. >> Um it's swollen, right? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um so, as you can see, there's a little bit of a bruising redness right there, right? And you can see it's starting to swell a little bit. Go ahead and put your glasses on. >> Okay. >> Okay. You can see it it's a little red right there. It's starting to swell, right? You can see the difference where the swelling starting to spread, right? >> Yeah. >> Uh by her temple. >> Oh, yeah. >> So, okay. Um there's also uh she also has some broken ribs, >> No. No. >> Yes. >> Oh my >> lord. >> So, that's why it's important for me to find out what what happened or how how everything happened. Did she mention anything to you about her Was the baby extra cranky today? Was she crying or >> a lot louder than normal. No, she was just like that and she was in a good mood and and then and she was asleep but I said when I got up she was I didn't know she was down there. >> Uh-huh. >> I would I She said there was she was asleep and then she got up started waking up. >> Uh-huh. >> And that's when Holly got up and come in and sit in front of her. >> Okay. >> Oh lord, double whammy. >> So, so was she was she like extra cranky today? Was she a little bit or was it more than or just the usual? >> just a little bit. She I think Holly fed her but I I didn't what day it was when Holly was feeding her. >> Uh-huh. >> Uh, I do know she was crying. >> Mhm. >> Uh I think before I woke up. >> Now, there's a difference between having a 1-year-old and a 3-year-old and having an infant. >> Exactly. >> And she did mention she had anxiety. Did she do anything, grab her a little harder than normal? >> I don't know. >> just getting frustrated, not being I mean not being able to cuz it's a kid that she doesn't deal with on a regular basis. So, obviously finding her on the floor is is a little different. Did Did she do anything? >> I don't know. I have no idea. Yeah. That's the only thing you can >> is that she lays that baby along with her babies on the bed and maybe it could have fallen. >> No, the baby's by If If she did, the baby was The kids weren't there. >> No, yeah, yeah. >> You can take them out of there. >> her She's done it to both. >> Oh, yeah. >> I heard her say >> Yeah, right. >> laying them down to sleep on the bed. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Got you. Okay. Um And And that's the only thing you can think of? >> That's all I can think of. That's all that happened right there. >> Okay. >> Oh my gosh. >> But so she's lying to me about the dementia? >> Oh, would you believe >> And she's lying about you uh being left alone with the with the baby? >> I take care of them babies every day. and >> I have them babies from the time they was little. I and they lived lived with them. And Gracie, I take took care of them kids while they was working. >> No, I'm talking about Cora. >> Oh, oh, no. I >> She's lying about you being alone with her today. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. >> Absolutely cuz I used to have my sister there and then >> Do you have any idea why she's trying to say that you were by yourselves or why she's trying to blame it on you? >> No. And that's what exactly what my sister said that you did. I mean, my daughter would say, "She said, Mama, she said she she hurt that baby." And you bet that she's going to try to put the blame on you. No, sir. I have No. That baby was sweet and Did she tell you before this the same situation before has happened? >> No. She didn't mention that. So what So what what what's happened before? >> Should I say anything? God, I can't believe that baby said that. That baby was not hurting that at all. I mean, I've heard babies cry. That baby wasn't hurting. And my sister can say the same thing. She was just crying because she was either hungry. >> So So what's happened before with with Holly? Cuz I'll be honest with you, right now she's trying to put everything on you cuz she's making it trying to sound like you're the one that cuz she mentioned that she she and I'm quoting, she's got she's got the onset of dementia, so sometimes she forgets about things she does. In other words, she's trying to insinuate that that that the baby has been fussy today, has been hurting, and that you possibly got frustrated and >> Oh my god. No, you didn't. >> That's That's the That's the insinuation that she made by giving that statement. >> She wouldn't do this to me. She wouldn't do this to me. >> No, I'm just I just now got done talking to her and that's all So what what what does she have on her? >> She has three other kids. >> Mhm. >> Holly is now pointing fingers in multiple directions. Everyone seems to have a role in her stories except the one person detectives keep coming back to. >> I dropped her. >> You dropped her? Okay, how? When? How many times? >> Sorry. Um Um Mhm. So, the first time was the the truck that was in the lie. Um Um this is the second time. So, it was only twice. >> Mhm. >> Um I don't know really how to say it. Um >> Say it, then. >> Well, I don't I mean I know, but um I hate this. But it is what it is, so um They were both accidents. So, >> [clears throat] >> What day did you drop her the first time? >> Today. >> What day did you drop her the second time? >> Today. >> Okay. The first time, what time do you think you dropped her? >> Um Um Like 10:30 to >> Okay. Is that the one with the fire truck? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> And then I dropped her um when I picked her up. So, like literally probably 2 minutes apart is that. >> So, you basically tell me the exact same thing that you told me earlier, that you dropped her. Were you standing up or were you kneeling down when you dropped her the second time? >> Standing up. >> Standing up all the way? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, here's the deal. No more nonsense, okay? Show me how you dropped her the first time whenever you tripped on this truck, supposedly. >> Okay. >> Full force. I want to hear exactly how it sounded, you know, as best as you can, whenever you dropped her on the floor. >> Like, what do you mean sounded? >> Like where you dropped her like when you dropped her like that or you know, cuz you're saying that you kind of placed her on the ground whenever you were falling the first time. >> Okay. >> Like how how did you drop her? Show me. >> Okay. All right. So, I was walking from the bedroom. >> And and you're saying that your rights still apply, correct? Your rights that the what I read you earlier? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Like about like the lawyer >> Yes. Yes. All of this stuff still applies. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> All right. I just want you to remember that. >> Okay. >> Okay? >> Okay. >> Because I'm also like I told you, I'm trying to help you out and and you know, but at the same time you're young. You make mistakes. >> I know. >> Okay? So. >> But dropping a baby, I never would have thought that that would happen. >> Cuz I understand. >> Okay. All right. So, I was walking >> [snorts] >> from the hallway. >> Mhm. >> And the truck was right in front of me. >> Mhm. >> So, I had her from the back of her head. It was like this. >> Mhm. >> And I fell and I tripped and like I said, I kind of fell to the side. >> Mhm. >> Um and I like Okay, hold on. Like you want me to drop this when she drops? >> Drop it, yeah. >> Okay. I just didn't know. Okay. >> All right. >> Don't go and hurt my feelings, honey. >> Okay. So, like I had her and I tripped and she fell like right here. >> Like that? >> Yes. >> And hit the >> the truck. >> The truck. Okay. And then the second time? >> Okay. So, uh I was on my side and I think that time she hit like the Hold on. The right side like I mean she It looked like she fell just straight down. >> Mhm. >> Not really any particular side. So, that's where I'm kind of confused to why she is to you know, whatever. Um >> Two skull fractures? >> Yes. Yeah. Um >> Okay. So, you got to pick her up? >> Yes. So, I kind of just did this and I grabbed her like this. And I did this and I got like I don't know how you would say that. Like off balance. >> Okay. >> And just dropped her from >> How? How'd you drop her? >> Like this. >> Like that? The second time? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> This appears to be the final version of events Holly is willing to stand behind. The problem is that detectives have spent the entire investigation building a very different explanation. >> I think I think she pushed like this. Because there was starting to be some bruising here. >> Oh, okay. >> I think she pushed her head >> Maybe maybe gone like this. >> Yeah, and hit it on maybe her leg like just like this. Or the the child So, there's a 4-year-old that was here as well that's 4-year-old sister to the 2-month-old. Grandma came and picked up 4-year-old sister, asked did little sister get hurt or how and she said the silly couch. So, I guess. It's a fracture. >> Yeah, I mean it's fractured. The doctor said that Holly fell. It was in the tub and it was back right side. And that was where the first swelling was seen, but then there's fractures all over. Each side. One way to break in a switch. This is what I told him. I'm frustrated because I don't There's nothing I don't There's I want more, but I >> There is nothing more. >> I know. It's just frustrating. But that little girl suffered. >> Investigators did find something more than just inconsistencies in Holly's story. They found evidence of another incident that looked disturbingly familiar. >> Hey, how are you? >> I'm good. How are you? >> Doing well. Back in a sec. Thank you. >> Hi. >> Hello. How are you, Doretta? >> I'm doing well. Bye. >> Doing okay? >> Yeah. >> All right. Well, >> Everything's >> Sorry I haven't been able to get back with you guys in reference to to to the report, but uh you've been calling me and like I told you I kind of wanted to come by and talk to you um, >> about that stuff. So, did did you have a chance to talk with him about when whenever I spoke with you uh, in the interview room right after I spoke to um, Holly? >> About what? >> Uh, about what she said. I take that as a no. >> Well, I'm trying to think. I've been >> Yeah. >> You was talking to me and and all you talked about her blaming me. >> Mhm. >> Oh. >> Yeah. She did? Okay. >> Yeah. >> All right. So, um, here's here's the thing. So, Holly's story, she told me five different stories as to how the injuries occurred. Five different stories. One of those stories was her blaming your mom for that. Um, that your mom had had was left alone for about 5 minutes and could possibly maybe have done that. Um, that injury. Um, like I told her, I said, "My my main concern was to try to figure out what happened to the baby." One, the baby can't speak. >> That's right. >> Okay. Um, the doctors could not do any other assessments to her. They still can't do any other assessments to her um, to figure out if she has any other fractures anywhere else. The main reason is she is unstable um, to where they can't move her. Okay? Um, so because she is unstable they can't do any other assessments. So, I don't know if there's any other injuries besides the the the skull fractures and the brain bleeds and and a stroke that she had because of that. Okay? >> That's true. >> Yes. Yes. >> Okay. I didn't know about the skull fracture. I didn't know about that. >> Um, yeah. >> get it on Facebook. You know, my Facebook Yeah. I didn't get it out. >> So, so my deal is um, did has she said anything to you as to what caused it? Because I'll be honest with you. First, uh, Uh, the main consistent story they're staying with is that she dropped the baby. Um and that she dropped it on this plastic toy right here. Um that that's what she dropped it on, okay? That that's what she dropped Co- Cora on. On [clears throat] that on on that toy from about 3 3 and 1/2 ft up in the air. Uh, from the floor up. Uh, the this Then she's saying that she dropped Cora a second time from about 2 to 2 and 1/2 ft and that uh, Cora hit the carpet that you guys have. >> Mhm. >> Okay? >> Okay. >> Um Now, you There is There just like there's police, there's child um pediatrics that just deal with nothing but child abuse. They can look at a a child's injury and they can determine whether that's plausible or whether it's not. Okay? Um Cora's injuries are not plausible from what she told us. Okay? Um >> On what part? >> Of uh, on any of it. >> Dropping the baby? >> Yes. Yes. Dropping the baby, the baby being hit, all that stuff. That's that's not a possibility. How she's telling me that it occurred is not a possibility. Okay? Now, I know whenever I spoke to you, uh, you knew about the incident that happened in Oklahoma City. Okay? Uh, you didn't bring that up to me. >> At that time, my mind was >> That's kind >> Every word. >> So, I'm I'm going to level with you. And the reason I'm going to level with you is because um you were at work. Okay? Um your mom was here. She's obviously trying to pass the buck to your mom. I because that happened immediately cuz you were the second person I I talked to uh, the person immediately right after I spoke with um with Holly, okay? Um I I wouldn't surprise me if that blame gets shifted somewhere down line to somebody else, okay? Because the You can't argue science. Okay? I mean, that part of it it is what it is. You You can't argue that stuff, okay? Our bones are meant to withstand a great deal. Um and and scientific facts are I mean, you can argue them, but you it's going to be pretty hard to disprove a scientific fact uh of that magnitude. Um so Did she mention to you anything as to what she could have possibly done to Cora to cause those injuries? >> I've talked to her on the phone a couple times since this weekend over the app that they have. >> Mhm. >> I didn't find out until I talked yesterday at our safety meeting with DHS. >> Didn't find out what? >> About the truck. >> About the truck. Okay, got you. >> Um she said She gave her timeline of what happened. She came out She was feeding the baby. Put the baby down in the crib, came back in here. Heard the baby crying, went in the bedroom, and the baby was acting funny, panicked, came back in here, and was in a hurry, tripped over the truck truck, and dropped the baby. And then from her picking her up, put put her in the car seat, went and got her outside. >> Mhm. >> That is what she told me. >> [snorts] >> Detectives eventually uncover a case that predates Cora by more than 5 years. On January 25th, 2018, a 22-day-old newborn named Willow Rose Shelton was rushed to an Oklahoma City hospital with catastrophic head injuries. Willow's mother had found Holly through Facebook and had left the infant in her care for several days. Doctors quickly determined that the injuries were not accidental. A week later, Willow died. At the same time, investigators suspected something terrible had happened, but could not prove exactly who was responsible. The case sat unresolved for years. Then Cora was injured, and suddenly detectives weren't looking at one baby anymore. >> What do you I mean, you know her and you've known her for 4 and 1/2 years. What >> I >> What do you What do you think? >> I said I have two kids with her. I have three others from other moms, and then she's been around them the whole time. My middle daughter from when she was first born. I don't see her hurting a baby intentionally. And that's just because not cuz I'm taking up for her, just >> Mhm. >> Mom can vouch for that, just the way she acts around kids. She loves kids. She loves my kids. Uh she was broken into pieces about losing her other three kids. >> So So let me tell you this then. If If it wasn't intentional, why go through all the lies and >> through all the different stories? >> And And why try to shift the blame to your mom saying that she had dementia? And that maybe she forgot about that about doing something to the baby. I mean >> the same thing about why she didn't start off with telling the truth about this. Um she All she told me was that she was scared. And on the messages that I showed you where she said that she's scared of losing the babies, I didn't do anything. Um >> I'll I'll be honest with you. I've been doing this for 15 and 1/2 years. She was not scared. Um You're In one of the messages, you're telling her, "I'm coming home." Why? Because of what you just told me. They're just asking questions. You don't need to come home. That doesn't sound to me like someone that's scared. You understand? You, on the other hand, were at work. Immediately, "I'm leaving work. I'm coming back because I don't know what's going on. I need to find out what's going on, check on everything. That's a normal reaction. Her reaction and her telling you telling me that she that you believe that she was scared, that she believes that she was scared, and that that's why she didn't tell us, I'll be quite honest with you, that's [ __ ] It is. It's not true. And it is not the correct thing. And I know you know that it's not. Because that's not a normal reaction. >> Mhm. >> I know I know you know that. >> questions here. Do you want to say it? >> Let's discuss. >> Mhm. >> Well, there is the one off. >> I'll I'll cuz >> From the way mom said that she came outside calmly. >> She was joking. >> Her dad has talked to her and she's been calm and collected. >> She was joking about having handcuffs put on her. >> She what? >> She was joking. Whenever cuz they they put handcuffs on her to transport her to the PD. >> Uh-huh. >> She joked about that. >> What's perhaps most striking is that Holly doesn't appear frightened by what's happening around her. In fact, she's joking, laughing, and behaving in a way that investigators find difficult to reconcile with the seriousness of the situation. >> What do you mean she was transported? >> Well, whenever they they >> transported to the dad. >> Yeah, she was joking. >> What she said? >> About about that. She was She was laughing like it's no big deal. Like I I Call me crazy. If I If I was to tell you, "Hey, you're being arrested for child abuse, causing great bodily harm or harm." Does Does that seem like a normal reaction to you? >> No. Not when she's >> Yeah. And so, at the end of the day, here's my deal. You have how many children with her? >> Two. >> Two. You have three others, right? Okay. So, here's the thing. Um this incident did happen in your home. I assume that uh since I don't hear children >> They're uh >> that they were removed by DHS because of safety concerns. >> They're at their daycare teacher's house until I get my classes done through the court. >> Okay. So, me coming and following up with you is me trying to help you. You understand? Because here's the thing, she's still in intensive care. She's not progressing any at all. Okay? Um what happens if she dies? >> Bro, I know. >> And what happens if cuz we we like I said, we seized her phone, okay? Wrote search warrants on her phone. What happens if there's something in there where she's telling you, "Hey, I accidentally did this, this, and that." Or through the the the records log, she tells you something and you don't say anything about it. What happens to that? You already know knowledge You have knowledge. You get what I mean? >> Mhm. >> So, that's why I'm here is has she told you anything about that? Has she told you anything about what happened in Oklahoma City? Because I'll be honest with you, the Oklahoma City thing, met somebody on Facebook, was babysitting, baby was in a car seat. Head trauma, skull fractures, brain bleed. >> And all I've known is what she's told me and what her mom and >> Mhm. >> And that there were three other people watching the baby at the time, too. >> Yeah, that's what >> And that was her first day in watching him. >> Mhm. >> Other than that, that's all I've heard. That's the same story from her mom, too. >> Okay. >> And her aunt. >> Yeah. >> Same blanket. >> Did Did Did you question her about this after this incident? >> I did. About this one? >> Yes. Like about the Oklahoma City and this because I mean, they're mirrored. >> I've asked >> They are mirrored. >> I've asked her a couple times. I begged her on a like Saturday morning. It was Monday morning on my way to work. She called me and I said, "Honey, something happened." Did Did you fall? Did you trip? Did you accidentally drop the baby on the tile? Did the baby fall off the couch in the car seat? And at the time she still stuck with her season story. >> And she admitted >> Like I said, I didn't find out about the truck until yesterday at the meeting, and then it clicked that you guys took it. >> Yeah. >> It didn't make any sense to me. >> And when you >> believe that she would do this? I don't want to believe that she would do it. But I wasn't here. >> Yeah. Well, I'm going to tell you honestly, like I said, the dropping the baby from 3 3 and 1/2 ft, that that's not how that happened. That's not what happened to that baby. That's not what happened to Cora. That's not how Cora received the injuries to her head. Okay, like I said, I don't know if she has any other injuries. Um they haven't been able to verify anything else because they haven't been able to do any more further testing because of her condition. And and the how critical um she is. Okay, it's it's they haven't been able to. So, I don't know if she if if anything else happened to her, if she's hurt anywhere else, um any other fracture or anything like that. Okay, uh we might not be able to know for months down the line until she's able to stabilize. >> Whatever happened, it happened just fast. >> So, um I'm not sure what happened. I don't know if she got frustrated because she was fussy. I don't know if >> I even asked asked Mom. I said, "Was the baby fussy at all that day?" She was a little bit, like I said, when I got up cuz that's what woke me up was her crying. But when I got up, she was I think she had her laying on the floor. And my two and the other girl were over here playing. I got up and put [snorts] my contacts in and took them and couldn't find them at the time. So, I said, "When I left, she was in the car seat sleeping." >> Yeah, I was over there. I got up and come around the corner just when he was just getting ready to take his kids to daycare. And then I went and got a cup of coffee. And I sat down and talked to Holly, and the baby was >> So, >> I didn't even know the baby was sitting here in the carriage. >> Cuz she was drinking almost every morning after got drunk. >> When when you came in from outside, where where was the baby at with the car seat? Right there? >> I had Yeah. >> Shouldn't have been there. >> I had to sit in it cuz you just track it all over. Oh my gosh, you know. And I thought it was, too. >> Unlike Willow, Cora survived her injuries. The question now was how she ended up injured in the first place. >> You called the workers there? >> No, Bobby looked in the >> in the records? >> Yeah, so that's an autopsy report. This baby died. Like almost exactly a year later, the same >> Trauma prior to There are medical records blown. What do you call the trauma? Multiple skull fractures, subdural and sub hemorrhage. Swelling, swelling and fractures. >> I'll send over the scan. >> Is it with him? Is it with him? >> Yeah. This They had She has to raise her children that she terminated her rights to. From what we can tell. And because of this. Oh, and there's another thing. >> Mhm. What happened? Mommy dearest. >> know if you need to see that. She's really She terminated her rights. And supposedly she found this mom on some >> Yeah. >> site that she No, in Oklahoma County. >> Oh, same thing? >> Yeah. This happened 6 years ago. >> And then And watched the child for? >> Yeah, 4 days. Same but this thing has been happening. And Same Same exact thing. She brought her in The mom told her brought her in in a car seat. Mom told her just leave the blanket over the top of the car seat. She'll just sleep all day. And Bobby didn't believe that. She took her to the hospital and she had this big bruise on her head or So, she's beating her kids. Why isn't she in jail? >> No, cuz these people are here. She's not left alone. Is that the lady here? >> No, the suspect that was in the jail. >> Okay. >> So, I asked her if you're doing a renewal later. >> She has Yeah, she's awful close to him now. She has kids with him. Those two kids are hers, supposedly. >> Yes, they are. With him. And he Do you remember him? >> He looked familiar. >> Gary Not Gary, Samuel Sanders. >> Yeah. No, really. It's distant relation to Gary, but >> He Evidently, I was his probation officer. >> Oh, for O.J. >> He looked familiar. >> Well, that's what I I told him. I said, I asked her. I said, "Are you from Ponca?" No, Broken Arrow. I said, "You're from Ponca. I recognize you." >> Oh, Holly's pictures from Broken Arrow? >> Mhm. >> She told us the mom and dad of the kid are down in Oklahoma City. These are just watching. >> Oh, of the of the 2-month-old? >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Here? >> They're from Ponca. She's She is a uh >> So, they brought the child over here to >> for the suspect to watch. >> Uh-huh. >> And they just live right over there on Gary. >> Okay. Yeah, that was my >> My understanding, I thought it was the >> [ __ ] mosquitoes are going to kill me. Anyways, that is >> I'll send it out everything to Manny. >> Okay. >> All right, we're done. >> In the end, detectives concluded Cora wasn't the first child harmed while in Holly's care. Holly Shepherd was sentenced to life in prison for child abuse in Cora's case. Then, after investigators reopened the death of Willow Rose Shelton, she received a second-life sentence for first-degree murder. >> Thanks for watching. If you want ad-free videos and exclusive content you won't find on YouTube, join my Patreon. You can also check out the Stranger Stories merch if you'd like to support the channel and pick up something for yourself at the same time. Both are linked in the description below. And before you go, don't forget to leave a like and a comment. I'll try to read every single one. Thanks again, and I'll see you in the next one.