From the moment karma caught up with Sam, the emotional arsonist who thought she could bully the police the same way she did to her own sons. Oh, you want to see how it works? Yeah, go ahead. Uh we got a call about domestic. About a 12-year-old >> domesticate here. Well, the thing is that we have to check it out. >> I don't care. The second time my grandma was in the bathroom the entire time and she thought that I attacked him first when it didn't. You're under arrest for obstruction. >> No, I'm not. The moment Christy, the ruin maker, was finally forced to reckon with what a actually meant. Okay. Okay, nobody asked you to come in here. NOBODY WAS BREAKING THINGS IN THE HOUSE AND ERIC HE SAID I WAS breaking things earlier. NO, ERIC SAID THAT I WAS BREAKING THINGS. She's always breaking stuff in here, causing problems for the family. Okay. And nobody [snorts] in this house likes her. Placing somebody in fear because of your actions. >> My actions cuz he Eric! Are you serious? Here are several unbelievable moments when evil parents get what they deserve. Starting with the moment just before disaster, when Lamar was caught trying to hide a little one inside a trash bag for twisted reasons known only to him. There's a baby in a blanket and if the baby's unresponsive, if the baby doesn't know anything, that's why we're coming in here showing urgency. >> Yeah, it looked like it was garbage. When I went to hop out the door and the baby, he was walking towards me saying that it was trash. All right, listen, when you came back to the room, the first thing you did, you opened the door and you saw the baby in the Okay. On January the 23rd, 2021, officers were dispatched to a motel after a resident reported a disturbing discovery [music] inside a trash bag. Nothing about the call was ordinary and as the officers investigated in great detail, they began to uncover the hideous side of human nature. Room 105? Yeah. Can you Can you uh open this for me? You got the med bag? I got the medical bag. Just go. Just go. I got the medical bag. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Room 105? 105? >> [music] >> Police department. Can you open it? Hey, what's going on? What's going on? Is everything okay? Hold the door. Hold the door. Hold the door. Thank you. What happened? Is this baby okay? Yeah, she's sleeping. She's sleeping? Let me check her. Make sure she's okay. She's okay? All right. So, what what happened? So, what what what's hap- I don't even know. I just heard that there was a a baby in a Okay. Baby's fine. Baby's bre- breathing. Okay. Yeah, she's breathing. She's breathing. Breathing and conscious. Can you open your eyes for me? Your child? Your child? How old is she? Okay. Was it Did you have a dispute with somebody over there? With another room or something? Hey, baby. So, was there a dispute or something? So, what what what is the thing with the baby in the I I don't know what that Okay. Yeah, just let them check. She was just sleeping on a bed? Yeah, yeah, right here with me. She was sleeping with you? So, she How did we get the report of the baby in I don't I don't Whatever, I don't know how they said the baby in the That was done. I don't know. No, cuz you didn't call the police. Maybe I think cuz we're the only ones who were the baby. They might They might have told y'all to come here cuz But, who reported the baby? Officer Johnson I don't know who called I don't know who called you guys. The baby's been in here the whole time with you guys? I was just here the whole time sleeping here with me. They're going to take a look at the baby. Yeah, they're just going to make sure she's okay. I know you guys last time. You want to come speak with me? Do me a favor. Talk to Officer Johnson. Okay, you guys can speak outside. Okay. What was going on? Nah, I was laying I was in here sleeping. My girlfriend had went to Dollar Tree to get some stuff to cook. And the police came banging and just something about baby in the I got I don't know if we're the only ones in here with a baby like in a whole like in this but I don't know. The officers could tell that they were trying hard to cover up the truth. The report might have sounded exaggerated but the officers could tell that the duo was nervous. Hence, they decided to separate them. This time to ask them questions separately hoping to expose and exploit any gaps [music] in their stories piece by piece. So, you were in the room with the baby the whole time? Okay, and what happened at the store? I went shopping. Okay, and then you came back? And what happened with with the baby? She was just sleeping in the room? >> sleeping in the room but he had the door in the freaking And you thought that that was the baby? Did you have So, so who called? You guys and my cousin and my sister. Okay, okay, hold on. Oh, no, I was about to ask her if she called. Yeah, yeah, we'll get to that. The baby was never in a bag though. No, the baby was laying right here with me this whole time. Okay, so why is the baby not like opening her eyes? Like what's going on? She was sleeping. she was laying down sleeping with Okay, she was sleeping. Okay. Let me see your identification real quick. My name is What's your name? My name is Marvin. So They're just going to check her out. All right, listen. They're just checking her out to make sure she's okay, all right? What happened? They're not taking her, ma'am. They're checking her out to make sure everything's okay. They're just checking her out. Do you want to go see her? Come on, you're the mom. Come on, let's go see her. Yeah, I'll go with her. I'll go with you. We can go to the ambulance and you can see everything's fine. So the baby's been in here, she hasn't been outside in a or anything like that? And then me and I put the baby to sleep. And then the police came straight here talking about baby I don't know. We heard room 105, there's a baby in a We don't know if the baby's unresponsive, if the baby's No anything. That's why we're coming in here showing urgency, trying to make sure that the baby's okay. Is she a Is she a heavy sleeper? Is that what it is? That too. She sleeps just like I do. She sleeps just like I do. Heavy sleeper? >> Heavy sleeper, just like I do. Mouth open like If I can go on phone and show you pictures of me I sleep the same way. Heavy sleeper. They seemed convinced that they had covered their tracks [music] with fake tears and half-baked fabrications. But they hadn't yet accounted for one thing, the 911 caller. The same [snorts] concerned voice that initiated the investigation. My cousin, we're related. So when I opened the door, it was like somebody knocked and ran away, but you could hear like the plastic at my front door. So when I opened the door, I'm looking and it looked like it What's the policy for the baby in front of your door? Yeah, it looked like it was garbage. When I went to hop out the door and see the head of the baby, he was walking towards me saying that it was trash. He came and picked the bag up as soon as I was there and was like, "I messed up, I messed up, I messed up. So, I'm scared running back there. I'm like, you better not be saying what you what I think you're saying. As he was running that way, my cousin was coming in from coming from the store. So, >> [music] >> she wasn't in the room, I guess, when the whole situation happened. I kid you not, those grocery bags are her bags her bags from Dollar Tree. So, then if they I guess that she got back and they saw When No, when she got back, we all met at the same She got back, I was running down the hallway, called her out here, and we all basically was saying that like something happened to the baby. He had her in the playpen. Was the Was the baby inside here with both of you guys? With the No, she didn't have him with her. Just with you. Okay, so no problem. Get him out. All right. Put your hands behind your back. Just cooperate, all right? The officers had already figured out Lamar. But, when they returned [music] to Shanaya, they stumbled onto a darker detail that didn't sit right, making it unclear if she was protecting the truth or helping to bury it beyond reach. Why did they call? I guess they heard a commotion. We were when when you were You said you when you found the the doll in the bag >> Yeah, but that wasn't me. My cousin said that the cops were already on their way before I did. So, did [music] you have a like a commotion going on in the room or something? >> was from Dollar Tree. No. So, you have no idea >> No. Okay. No idea. I'm just trying to figure out how the whole baby in the thing like even came about. >> walking in, Lamar was walking down the hallway, my cousin was like they was yelling at each other, him and my cousin. All right, listen, when you came back to the room, the first thing you did you opened the door and you saw the baby in the bag. No, he had it in the hallway. He was walking with it and then I guess when he seen me, my cousin said, "Shanaya, is that you?" And I said, "Yo." And then he walked into the room and then she was like, "He got the baby in the baby in the So, I started knocking on the door. And so, I'm like, >> So, he was carrying a doll in a bag? >> Yes. Okay. Okay, and then when you when you went in the your room I just seen like I looked in the to see what it was. I seen it was a doll and I threw it. >> Where was it laying? What? The bag. It was on the bed. It was on the bed? Yes. And you ripped it open and you saw it was a doll? >> Yes, I threw it. I tossed it. >> Okay. And then I seen her on my bed laying down. Okay. Okay, and then your boyfriend, did he say anything about >> [screaming] >> You thought it was her? >> Yeah, and it wasn't. Okay. All right, so you guys you didn't argue with him at all? Okay. Why is she going to the hospital? Because she has to get checked out. She absolutely has to get checked out. Okay? Your daughter's going to be okay. The number one thing in life is that is that little baby, right? But how long was she in that She wasn't We have video of him [music] holding the baby in the You got to tell us the truth. How long was she in the Did you guys have a dispute that he would do this? He's what? How long has he been paralyzed? What do you mean he's paralyzed? He's been applying his medical sentence. Okay. They they let him go. Yeah, why was he there? He I don't know. I think he's he took something that was leased or the like something wrong in it. >> Okay. Okay. This whole story you told me, it's not adding up cuz apparently they have video now. So, can you please be honest with me? Okay, everything I said was about the doll. It was made up? Okay. After getting Shania to finally tell the [music] truth about her child, the officers took Lamar into custody for questioning. While claims that he was unhinged seem to explain his behavior on [music] the surface, the officers couldn't shake the feeling that there was something far more sinister driving it. What's going on? What happened? Um that's what I was trying to figure out. The I was laying down and police came banging on the door saying something about a baby in a bed. They brought me here. I'm in here on since. Let's start off with the beginning of the day. What happened? And this was about 8:30, 9:00. Waiting for my girlfriend to get up. She got up. We were discussing like what we were eating for dinner. And then she went out the door. She was going to go get the Velveeta. She came back. Next thing you know, it's like police and everything everywhere. I'm trying to figure out what was going on. I didn't really understand why. Did you see any baby in there? No. Pretend I'm an alien who came down from Mars. You got to explain everything to me how it works. How do you put your daughter to bed? How do you put this baby to sleep? All right. So, this is how it goes. Normally, I I give her a bottle. I give her a bottle warm in the bottle and lay her down. She normally lays on my chest. But if she's up watching TV, like like if the TV's on, she'll be up. Or she'll lay in my arms. Like she'll lay Like I said, on my chest going to sleep, or she'll lay in my arms to fall asleep. All right. As a It's just that you're saying normally. I want to know what happened today. We want to know what happened today. Yeah, that's what I'm That's what I'm telling you. So, the TV was The TV was off, I told you. I had her on my chest. She She was drinking a bottle going to sleep. So, that's how it We know that's not how it went. Let's rewind a little bit, okay? Let's I'm going to try and refresh your memory about a couple things, okay? At any point, did you have to go to the front desk to get a new key card made? Oh. Yes, I did. >> Okay. Tell us a little bit about that. So, I got the I had to go back and get the key cuz I gave her mine when she went to Dollar General for her to get back in. Okay. >> But when she came back in, she knocked. Instead of using the key, so I got up to open the door for her. Okay. So, where was your daughter then? She was laying down in the room. She was sleeping. Is that when Shaniya was at the dollar store? Yes. So, during that time frame is when you went to the front desk. That was when you got your key made. Right. How he told reporters that already showed that Lamar and Shaniya weren't a peaceful couple, especially with his prior schizophrenia diagnosis. But even then, he wasn't a stupid person. Deep down, he knew every word he said now had the power [music] to alter or destroy whatever future he had left. >> So, during that time, there's video of you. That's why I know that what you're telling us is not completely truthful because we see you walking up and down the hallway and you're holding something. I had the the the old clothes from my child I mean, the old clothes from my my child old clothes. Like when I knocked on my sister's door, so I put the bag down. Why would you Why would you be giving these tonight? I know that she had a kid. Um well, you just said that, you know, you don't really interact with any of Shaniah's friends. So, why would you go to the room during this time when Shaniah is not even home? Because she was coming right back. I didn't think that it would have been a problem. Well, that's not what Shaniah is telling us, either. Shaniah is telling us when she came in the room, her daughter, your daughter, was in a plastic and Shaniah said it ripped open that plastic. Lamar, we all make mistakes. This is your time to come clean, okay? For your daughter, for your girlfriend. There was a chance she wouldn't have made it. And you know what? There's still a chance she might not make it. We don't know. You're telling us what you want to tell us. You're not telling us the truth. >> I'm telling you what happened. Something happened in that room. We're going to get that We're going to get DNA evidence off that bag. I understand what you're saying 100%. Right. She not in no bag. So, you're telling us the real people are lying and the video is lying. Yes. She's supposed to keep the family together, right? Right. That's what we do. Sometimes we Like I think he just did today. But you're going to destroy everything. You know that, right? Like she said, your daughter's going to be okay. Once she gets out of there, she may never see her mother again. You're in a real situation right now. God, tell me what's going on or it's going to be I I don't have much more time to give you. I was laying down with She had her bottle, too. Like everything. All of a sudden, she just started like choking or something. It made me paranoid. I didn't know what to do. Why didn't I take her like put her in like put her in the go? I don't know. I went to Shaniah's cousin. That's someone that can help. My phone in my room doesn't work. So, if there was something wrong with her and I can't get in contact with you guys, Like that means I'm going to have to leave in the room, go to the front, ask them to call police, come back. Who knows what happened by the time that you have to leave? I was scared and I was and I shouldn't have did that. I was I was afraid. I was scared. I shouldn't have Like I didn't know what to do. I needed help. I didn't know what to do. That's what I mean by I effed up by putting her in that cuz like putting her in I wasn't thinking about if she can breathe or not. But as far as like purposely trying to hurt her or something like that, that's not my intentions. I never tried. No. I just didn't know what to do. So I walked all the way to the front. I got the key. Went back. I got the bag. I opened the bag. I The bag was never sealed, shut, or anything. Shenaya didn't do anything. She was choking. Like she I don't know. My This is my daughter has not been the same since I've been like since I've been back. She's not been the same. She panicked. I panicked. It happens. I think there's a little bit more and I think maybe you did this on purpose. Never. I'm going to never Never. Never will. Never have. It's just not common. I mean, normally a parent, if that was happening, would just open the door and maybe scream, right? To get anyone's attention to call. They wouldn't worry about bringing it to another person's room, bringing the baby to another person's room, leaving them there, and then being like, "Oh, let me go get a new card for my Maybe you need to Maybe you need to watch me get on the camera. Banging on the door. And I I called them. I walked to my room but I realized I didn't have the key. I ran to the front. But when you went to the front, if you thought your child was right? You'd be furious. I didn't care. I thought she was I didn't know what I never saw I never saw her. I don't know what she was. But that would have been your chance to say, "Call 911." Right? Right. Telling the front The guy at the front desk. Instead, you just asked him to make you a new card. In the end, he was charged with first-degree attempted and endangering. Lamar's actions were deeply disturbing. Shenaya wasn't innocent, either. Much like Kristie, a household tyrant whose own teenager had to call the police before things spiraled from throwing and breaking objects to ending people's lives in her anger. No, Eric said that I was breaking THINGS. GET HIM OUT OF HERE. ALL RIGHT. She's always breaking stuff in here, causing problems for the family. Okay. And [snorts] nobody in this house likes her. That's why I lost it. Instead of putting my hands on him, I THREW SOMETHING I DIDN'T MEAN TO. >> On a May the 23rd, 2019, officers were dispatched to a residence after a 17-year-old called 911 over a family dispute. They arrived quickly and entered the apartment where they were met with a woman whose bitterness stood in sharp contrast to every claim she threw at the officers. Well, what are they here for? I have no idea. >> What's that? I need you to step outside. I don't need to step outside. You don't even have to come in here. SHE NO, MOM, GET HIM OUT. MA'AM, MA'AM, MA'AM, MA'AM, SIT DOWN. NO, NO, NO, NO, NO. BUT WHY ARE THEY EVEN IN HERE? WHAT'S GOING ON? I KNOW. I DON'T KNOW. GET THEM [screaming] OUT OF HERE. MA'AM, MA'AM, YOU NEED TO CALM DOWN. SIT DOWN, OKAY? CALM DOWN, SIT DOWN, >> [screaming] >> OKAY? WE WERE CALLED GET THEM OUT OF MY FACE. GET THEM OUT OF MY FACE. MA'AM, STEP OUTSIDE WITH NO, GET OUT OF MY FACE. KRISTIE, obviously there's something wrong. >> NO, I WANT YOU OUT OF MY HOUSE. GET THEM OUT. GET THEM OUT. BECAUSE YOU'RE THE POLICE. GET THEM OUT. GET THEM OUT. GET THEM OUT. ELBOW. WHO ELSE IS HERE? NOBODY. GET THEM OUT. GET THEM OUT OF HERE. THEY CAN'T LET ANYONE OUT OF HERE. THEY JUST WALK IN HERE. GET THEM OUT. KRISTIE. NO, GET THEM OUT. SOMEBODY SAID THAT ERIC'S HERE BREAKING STUFF. Get them out. KRISTIE, I GET THEM OUT. THIS IS YOUR HOUSE. GET OUT. YOU DIDN'T LET THEM IN HERE. IS THERE AN ERIC? IS THERE an Eric or Erica? Who's Erica? Eric? He's my son. Okay, Eric. Okay. Okay, why? >> How old is Eric? It doesn't matter. Why are you questioning I'm not in the mood for questions. CHRISTIE I DON'T WANT TO HEAR NOTHING. I'M GOING TO ANSWER THIS, OKAY? I don't want to hear nothing. IF I'M NOT UNDER ARREST, I HAVE NOTHING TO SAY. ALL OF THIS IS said that we're throwing things and breaking things and they don't care. >> it go. WHAT'S GOING ON? ERIC CALLED AND SAID THAT? YES. Eric called and said that, Christie? ALL RIGHT, JUST GO. Talk to me. I don't want to talk. I DON'T WANT TO TALK. FIND out why somebody is so scared that you're breaking things and >> Eric said. that they feel unsafe. Okay? Okay, nobody asked you to come in here. Nobody is breaking things. Give me a hand, Eric. He didn't turn early. NO, ERIC SAID THAT I was breaking THINGS. GET HIM OUT HERE. GET HIM OUT HERE. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, he's talking to Get him out here. Obviously, there's an issue here, okay? >> Get him out here now. Christie, obviously there's an issue Get him out. >> [snorts] >> Okay? Get him out. How old is your son? I don't want to talk. I don't want to talk. Well, that's We're beyond that right now, okay? >> Okay, well, we're beyond that. I have nothing to say. Okay. I have nothing to say. Obviously, somebody felt unsafe here to the point >> Nobody feels unsafe here. Why were we called? Okay, I'm not talking anymore. Christie's erratic behavior had already pointed to serious unrest in the home before officers even arrived. Still, she seemed to think that being the loudest in the room would drown out the 911 call. A rookie mistake that only made her look even more suspicious. My son is very upset. Okay. He's upset Mhm. right now because he he called because he was [music] scared. My son called? He called because I said I was going to call. Well, he called because he was scared because of this of you doing this That's That's bull. They're bull lying. with the great grandma in here on the couch trying to [music] get her to get up go outside. He's crying. He's bull If there's If there's nothing that's happening There's nothing that you know, sir. He's crying. I don't want TO TALK ABOUT IT. I YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT. IT'S BETWEEN ME AND MY SON, AND THAT'S IT. >> [laughter] >> YOU DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT. SO, STOP ASKING. I'M NOT SAYING DO WHAT YOU GOT TO DO, AND THAT'S IT. OKAY. WELL, just so you know, Kristy, every family fights. Every family argues. >> want to talk about it. >> Every mom yells at her kid, and kids always yell back. And that's no big deal. It happens. Every family goes through that. But once things start breaking, and you have broken glass in an area where everybody's living, animals are walking, your children break, >> that >> That didn't break. Right now. You guys don't know what you're talking about. >> The glass in the mirror is still touched by the air. >> broken right now. If this was broken weeks ago, somebody probably would have cleaned up the glass out. >> did it break? You don't understand what happened. >> And I would love to, if you would just talk to me. >> OKAY, THAT'S IT. I WOULD LOVE to know what's going on right now. We're not here cuz everybody's in trouble. We're here to help you guys get through this. >> about it. >> Whatever it is that you guys are fighting about. >> [music] >> You know? Like, we're not here to take anybody to jail. We're not here to get, you know, [music] anybody in trouble. >> going to go to jail for? No, I'm just saying. We're not here to take somebody to jail. We're here because somebody was scared and called us. And we're here to help you guys jail. >> for? Nothing. Exactly. That's why [music] I'm saying. You're not in trouble. We're here to help you guys. Kristy's go-to move was to attack and derail the truth. Still, the officers were already a step ahead. And while she thought that she was being slick, others were speaking with Eric, the 17-year-old, who had a lot to say about what had really happened. So, what was going on? Why is she so worked up? Cuz her mother in the back Right. came in here supposedly talking crap. Okay. Your mom? I saw her sitting in the backyard back there. Okay, so there's no problem. We're going to handle it internally. Okay. Yes, Eric. >> No, no, no. Yes. >> Okay. Did you call then? Okay, so what happened, Eric? Okay. It's all right. It's all right. Relax, brother. Relax. We'll take care of it. I didn't do You okay? All right. She's always breaking stuff. She's here causing problems for the family. Okay. And nobody in the house likes her. Does she live here? Yeah. She does. Okay. So So are you guys brothers? Yeah. Okay. And And who is she Who is she to you? What? Just shut up. I don't want her in this house no more, Eric. That was my car. Why she calling Listen. Listen. He called it and he has a right to tell us why he called. Okay? So um So So what happened? She came here cuz she drives her car cuz she lets her. She think we the owners. Okay. And she She think basically destroyed that car. Okay. And she was talking crap and then she was like she got mad cuz she's talking crap. She came in here? Yeah, cuz she's our house owner. Okay. Okay. The The grandma outside came came in here and she was talking crap to who? Like saying stuff to you guys? No, not us. [music] Okay. Okay. And then she was like, "Get her out of here I'm going to start breaking everything in this house." She started breaking stuff. So I grabbed her. I was like, "Stop breaking stuff." Okay. What did she break? She broke the mirror out there. [music] Okay. And like like the door frame. She She wanted your grandmother out? Is that that's your grandmother, right? Great-grandmother. Great-grandmother. So So this is And who's she to you? The woman The one's yelling. Okay, so your mom wanted your grand great-grandmother out of the house. And she said if she doesn't get out of the house I'm going to start breaking things and your mom started breaking things. Yeah. Okay. All right. She got by the door so I like tried to like push her out cuz I like Your mom? Your mom? Yeah. >> Okay. breaking stuff. And then she was like, "I'm calling the police to press charges on you." I was like, "All right, call them." Okay. >> And then she always says she's going to call the police but she don't. And I was like, "I'm tired of this." So I called the police myself. Yeah. I don't want No, no, you're not in trouble with us. We're worried and scared because she's going crazy, breaking stuff. You're trying to get her outside the house and then you Did she Did she leave or did she stay or And then you just came here and called? Yeah, came back in here and called. Okay. All right. You can see how she acted when you guys came in. Yeah. She's crazy. Did she put her hands on you at all? No. No. Did she push you? Did she do anything like that? You were just trying to get her outside to get her to calm down? I pushed her outside and closed the door. With everything the officers had heard from the 17-year-old and how [music] Christie had stayed on the defensive the entire time, they decided to confront her head-on, ready to respond in a way that her actions had clearly [music] earned. Stand up. For what? Come on. You're going to jail. What am I going to jail Stand up. Stand up. What am I going to jail for? Turn around. Put your back What am I going to jail for? >> or it'll be worse. >> What am I going to jail for? >> Domestic. How is it domestic? I didn't put my hands on anybody. Anyways. No. You know what a domestic is? What is You know what is? What is that? >> [snorts] >> Placing somebody in fear because of your actions. >> My actions? Cuz he Aaron! Are you serious? I didn't put What are my actions? We'll explain it all to you when we get outside. Can you walk with them outside and All right, you ready? Let's go this way. I didn't do anything. Yep. So, now can you explain to me? So, now can you explain to me? >> Yes, I'm going to explain to you when we get in the car. Oh, okay. That's fine. >> [snorts] [music] >> Where's your car? It's right here. >> All right, come on. Passenger side. Okay. >> [music] >> I'm going to put the seatbelt on you and then we're going to talk. Okay. All right, so listen. Your son called. Mhm. Okay. All right. Your son called, okay, because apparently there was a big argument between you and is it your grandmother? It's my his It's great grandma. It was my decision. But why? >> We have probable cause for domestic assault. And listen, I'm I'm not going to explain anything else to you, okay, [music] because you're not directly involved in this, okay? >> No, I'm not. You already went in there and tried to mess up our investigation. >> me talk. By telling him not to talk to me, okay? And you have no right to do that. >> to you. I said he wanted to >> So anyway So anyway, they um According to your son, okay, you guys got in a you got in a big fight, something about the car was broke or something, right? >> Yes. Okay. >> [music] >> He comes out because you're screaming and yelling and >> spit in my face and I lost it instead of putting my hands on him, I threw something. >> Okay. That's why. So so So this is the first time you said that? >> That's why. OKAY. THAT'S WHY. I lost it instead of putting my hands on him, I THREW SOMETHING. I DIDN'T MEAN TO. >> Here's the thing. There's That's why and I told him I was going to call the police. I cannot put my HANDS ON HIM, HE'LL PROBABLY OVERPOWER ME. THAT'S THE REASON WHY. BUT THERE'S NOTHING THAT you guys can do about that. He called the police, okay, and because he was afraid, okay, and he's and you made threats to him and that's why he called. Okay, well, I'm just telling this is his These are his statements that we have We weren't here. We have to go based on what what we have, okay? >> I didn't make no threats. That's what happened. That's what happened. >> you're going to Um we're going to charge you with domestic assault. Because he's your son, you guys live together. >> I didn't hit anybody. It's not hitting It's making threats or placing somebody in fear. >> sir. Okay, well, that's what he said, so that's what we're That's >> scared cuz I told him I was going to call the police. All right, well, listen, here's the thing. >> son. All right, but here's the thing, okay? We can That's what court is for, that's what you're going to have to explain that to the judge. take me to jail, I'll leave the house. Yeah. That was I I don't think we have a choice at this point. All right? >> want to go to jail for this. Eventually, she was charged with the Surely, Kristie embodied a reckless kind of chaos. Still, she didn't reach the level of these parents who blurred the line between discipline and cruelty and left damage [music] that went far beyond what the eyes could see. I don't abuse my kids. They got you. Corey, no. They said their brother got whooped by the broom. And they told us that they That's the form of discipline. It's not being mean like like Um do you slap your kids? No. Not for that. If your child used the words "I'm not safe." What? Yeah. On September the 13th, 2024, police officers and DCF agents arrived at a home after school authorities reported that three youngsters from the residence showed up looking like they had come straight out of a fight with rabid wild cats. Hey, how you doing, sir? I'm doing all right, sir. I'm Deputy Warren, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Do you mind if you go inside and talk to you guys real quick? What happened? Are you mom? Yes, I am. Um I'd like to talk to you guys separately. We don't have to. Okay. I guess you'll go first. Um And why wouldn't you talk to us separately? Yeah. Cuz that's that's how we operate. That's to make sure No, we We got a family together. Like so we talk together. Okay, that's not how the protocol is. Well, it's going to be like that today or you just saying I'm going to talk to nobody? Something like that. What's going on? There was a report that came in that I need to speak to you guys separately about it. Well, you can't speak to us, sir. We are family. I understand. Our family has a mother. What kind of report? It's a whooping. He got a whipping. He got a whipping. So they had a family separate the family. It was just to get the >> So, it's not going to be separated. We're We're family. You can talk to us together and nothing at all. Just as an example, right? You're driving down the road, you get hit by a car, the car flees. You may see it as a silver car, she may see it as a white car. Everybody has their own perception of what occurs. So, we need to talk to everybody separately because when you start talking about it and she hears you, that's going to influence what she may remember. She may say something that influences what you may remember. Not saying that anybody's making something up or lying, but everybody has their own perception. So, that's the reason why we want to talk to you separately. That's all it is. You can talk with the officers here and I can talk to her here. You don't have to go to Well, I can be Well, we need the officers though. It's just by law when DCF comes out, you bring the officers. Why we wasn't notified? You're being notified now. We're notifying you. We're in the back side. The report came in today. About what? That's what we want to talk to you about. So, we know it's So, what kind of people are here? We're not there to talk Sir, we're we're not doing this, okay? >> just let Let her talk to You guys are not doing anything. She just said it was all that they come Okay, let let her talk to Let Let her talk to me. All we have is a story right now. We're trying to get your side. Six kids, man. We got one in college. Yeah. Right. And we have one going to the military. So, obviously, they're the oldest. They would have been getting the reports. Where's the complaints coming from? Nobody is here to accuse you of anything, right? Okay? She said We have to do our job. The the You guys are doing a great job. Y'all sitting back and y'all let her talk and that's that's great. You had a complaint on her. Okay. I'm telling y'all that we're not talking about our kids separate. We It ain't going to happen. Okay. So We got to go to court. We got to do something We got to do it another kind of way. Wait. Listen. I need to find I need to find out what's going on. >> Let her finish it out. Okay. First of all, I'm going to educate the both of you. In this situation she's actually here to support us. Okay? So we're here for the allegations. So that falls under Florida State Statute. What's the Florida State Statute? What's the Florida State Rule? Okay. When separate when interviewing people in regards to a criminal case we are to interview separately. If you do not let us do that, that falls under obstruction. I'm not sure. No. No. My husband My mother is not getting taped. They They can't be taped. My kids are not getting molested. Are you Would you like to discuss Can Can you Can you speak to to the deputy and this lady? The couple knew that being [music] questioned separately would only drag out the skeletons in their closet. But the officers weren't backing down. >> [music] >> They weren't there for debate. And soon the woman of the house finally gave in and agreed to [music] cooperate. The allegations are what? And we will explain that to you when you separate. >> No. Let her uh explain it to me. Let her explain it to me. Thank you. How does your husband discipline? How he talking to you now? He He got to He got to He got to He got to I don't want I know you're you're safe. I don't want to upset you any further. I don't like kids. My kids is the only problem in here. He talk to me. He put him in time out. Okay. Suppose I tell you all three kids said the same thing. What they said? Somebody hit them with a broom. Oh, wow. Do your child have any reason to feel unsafe in your home? >> Hell, no. But that's totally the child said those words. What? And they love the hell out of me. They did say they did say they love you. I'm just saying we have three consistent stories that have never The kids didn't even wink an eye to say what they said. And we have a child that said they're unsafe in your house. What is it? Oh. They got a different story. No, they said they were put by the broom and they told us that they That's the form of discipline. Nobody said any discipline or taking. Nobody they got grounded. Nobody said they didn't watch TV. They said they get hit. Wow. So it's not the first time that it happened. >> the first time. What's the broom? What? Sometime mommy pick a switch. From the bench. Yeah, they Like I told you. I told you I I trained them, you know? But only I hit them. Hi dad. I know this is uncomfortable, but I'm going to cut to the chase. So that What came to be where your children say um they were hit by a broom. How is discipline? Yeah, how is discipline in the house? Normal? What's normal to you? Normal to me and normal to other people are two different things. I mean, normal, I mean it's it's good. You know? Normal is normally is prohibited. Remember what our partner said a minute ago about upbringing and different and one person's perception could be like, "Oh, that's time out. That's too much." or they're yelling at them, "That's too much." or Yeah. So to find your normal. Normal is I yell, yelling, you know, I mean sit down so much. Normal. It's normal. Being with rules like what what Um do you slap your kids? No. You never hit your kids? No. Not like not not slaps. You slap straight up bang up. You use a belt? No. Do you use anything to hit your kids with? Anything at all? I slapped on the wrist. No. Is there any reason why any of your kids would say that you slapped them? I don't get that. I don't know. We have two two twins that are autistic. They they communicate sorry and kind of if you talk to them, you barely can understand. I don't know what they talk to them. I spoke to both of them and I wasn't able to understand. I have a very shy one and one that's very articulate. She's more open and able to But you can understand everything. I was able to understand. Okay, so the allegations came in where your son reported that he was hit by a broom by you. Right. Okay. Are we Are we aware of any marks and bruises that was left could have been by an accident? Why would Why would they say that? I don't know. Okay. They made the report to somebody at the school. And by their mandate to reporters, so they have to let um let us know what's happening. So And the bruise wraps around the back of his ankle. Right. Purple and all red. So if it wraps around that that was a broom or could have been a belt. I mean uh And I'm just saying that. I'm not saying that's what happened. I'm just telling you What we're saying is we're asking you how you discipline your kids. I'm telling you >> him with a broom. How does you spank him with a broom and and that dispels our fears of that? It could have been an accident. You could have been an accident. You could be moving the broom or say get out of the way and he gets him on accident. We just want to know if it's intentional, if it's accidental, is that your normal way of discipline him? My kids if you notice, they they have scratches on their face. They don't. So they got scratches on their face. They got Their little sister and stuff. Yeah. So all three kids witnessed this. All three kids said that you hit them. Remember the detail that they had gathered, the officers could tell that this went beyond [music] discipline. When the youngster said that they didn't feel safe and had marks to back it up, it pointed to something happening behind closed doors that no one had been seeing. So all So my daughter said And they asked you anything with them, but that's what what the one that had the mark, we asked what happened to them. Simple as that. Does it happen often? What else did you do? I never said. Yes. This happened often. You said it was not the first time. Not the first time. And your child used the words, "I'm not safe." Wow. Yeah. Well, that's a lot. How can we determine it was a lot? I could not determine. The the actual bruise or injury is on the child. But they have plenty bruises all over them. Yeah, but did you see the bruise that he just showed? This is recent. This was >> a recent bruise. >> a recent bruise. We understand they have old scars from from the little ones fighting and roughhousing and stuff. We understand that. That happens to to a lot of kids. Okay. But but a bruise like that takes a lot of force. >> room in the house? Yeah, we're on the couch. Is there any other room in the house? No. So, I mean, well, where did they where did the allegations come from? I know obviously he has bruises, but why he would say that Mr. Tori, at this time, I'm just going to have you stand up, turn around real quick. All right, you are going to be detained. Okay. What's going on? Why are you handcuffing him? Under arrest. For what? Uh unfortunately, he is We're going to take a walk to my car, okay? Oh, yeah. I got two more. >> It'll take a minute for you for us to get up. No, I was just I ain't want to be back here too long. >> you, bud. All right, good. That's why I don't want to keep you back here too long. All right. Thank you, sir. In the end, he was charged [music] with neglect. So far, we had seen parents facing the consequences of their actions, but none stood out like Sam, a mother who prioritized her toxic partner first, [music] leaving her boys to deal with the bitter effects of his volatile behavior. It was uh Your mom is probably right. So every time he attacked me, we both went to the floor, and everyone saw it, but uh she also thinks I attacked him first. He's going to be charged with two counts of domestic battery. >> He didn't do anything. I didn't do anything. >> Don't act resistant. God damn, I didn't do anything. >> Don't act resistant, Sam. On July the 20th, 2024, officers from the Jerseyville Police [music] Department responded to a residence after a 12-year-old reported a domestic incident. When they arrived, the atmosphere was so tense and hostile that even the officers had to tread carefully, like they were walking on eggshells. I'm not asking to come in. We got a call. No, that's not how this is going to work. Oh, you want to see how it works? You go ahead. Uh we got a call about a domestic. About a 12-year-old >> domestic here. Well, the thing is we have to check it out. >> I don't care. Okay. Well, I'll talk to Patrick, then. Go inside. We got a call about a domestic. You can stand out there all you want. Well, I'm waiting for my partner, and then we're coming inside. No answer. Oh, no, she already came out and screamed at me and said you we better get a warrant. I was just waiting for somebody cuz if she's going to be Sam's drunk, Patrick's drunk, and we're not coming in the house, so I was waiting for her. 911, female refusing to answer the door. Do you still have the 12-year-old on the phone? She's locked us out and I'm not going to pick a fight with her, so. Does the 12-year-old feel safe enough to come out to us? Otherwise, we're going to have to force entry. Open the door or we'll break it down. YOU GOT A WARRANT? We have to check the well-being of the 12-year-old. Break my door down and I'll kill your ass. Come down. YOU GO ON. The 12-year-old needs to come talk to me or we will break it down. >> No. You ain't got a warrant. So, they're not going to let him come down. They can hear her screaming on the phone. 911 advised you if I need to force entry to the 12-year-old having a seizure. >> Oh, we got him. He's out of the bed. Oh, yeah. Uh so, Patrick is stupid and drunk every night and he tries to >> Yeah, so I'm going to defend her right here. He tries to pick a fight. That's him. Then he tries to pick fights >> Get your ass Nope. Get it away. >> You can SHUT THE [ __ ] UP. THIS IS MY HOUSE. HEY. Shut up, Baldy. No, hey. I don't have any weapons. >> This dude started it with my husband. That's fine. Both of them. I talked to you, too. So, what what's going on? So, he gets drunk and stupid >> Here, walk a little further with me. He uh gets drunk and stupid and Okay. argues with everyone and he was arguing with my mom. I don't know why, but she went with uh Your mom is probably right. So, she went somewhere so uh she went somewhere to do laundry, I think. And uh So, he uh He gets He gets real stupid at night. Hold on just a second, okay? Stop. Stop. I want to tell Stop pulling away from me. Stop pulling away from me. THEY SAID HE ATTACKED HIM FIRST. You're going in handcuffs right now. Do you understand that, girl? They're going They attacked him. Started it. Calm down. Take a deep breath. Calm down. I'm not going to calm down. Shut up. You're going to be calm? You're going to be calm? Yeah. All right. Stay calm. Well, be calm. Calm yourself. Stay seated. Just stay seated. Stay there. They started with him. I'm not doubting that. Can I stand up? >> I'd rather you stay seated. I'm sitting in your chair, okay? >> [clears throat] >> Okay. Sit in your chair. Continue what you were Okay, so my mom was walking out the door with laundry and my baby brother. Okay. And then once she got outside, me and Caden, my uncle, were trying to like hold him back from the door. So he went like cuz he gets real close and personal. And so after we Hm? Patrick? Mhm. Okay. So we got him away and we and we wait by his bedroom door so that he doesn't do anything stupid cuz he will just randomly start yelling at people. And then he got too close to me and started pushing me against the wall. So I got mad and I tackled him onto the couch and he wouldn't let me get up. So he grabbed my hair and tried to pull me. So I started punching him a lot and he got like right there and then he let go. So I backed away. And then he did it again. So I I had a cup of tea in my hand. I swung it to his head and he brought me down to the couch again. And I put my hand on his neck and I pushed up to get away and I did. And then the third time, well, the second time my grandma was in the bathroom the entire time and she thought that I attacked him first when I didn't. Okay. He saw Caden saw everything. And then the third time he attacked me, we both got onto the floor and everyone saw it but she also thinks I attacked him first. And then I started punching at him again until he let go. And then I called you. The teenager had already shared a hell of a lot [music] but the officer still allowed the mother to have her moment. Even though everything they had heard so far [music] suggested her focus on a man in the house might have been taking priority over her own little ones. We're going to get this resolved and you guys going about it all wrong, okay? I was in the bathroom. All I heard was the boys attacking him and I came out, I pulled both the boys off of him. That's all I know. >> teenage boys? Him and Caden. So you don't know what started it? I really don't. You came out and they were all I was in the bathroom. All three of them were in a fight. >> in the bathroom going pee. That's Patrick and the two boys. That's all I know. I heard it I heard it in the living room and I came out of the bathroom and both boys were on top of him. But you don't know what started it started it though. I really don't. >> been anything going on prior to you going to the bathroom? Any argument? Anything like that? Any screaming? >> Patrick were sitting on the couch Okay. watching TV. Uh I don't know. I have nothing to say because I don't >> You know this isn't the right way to handle things. Why don't you go and explain to us? Because he's not at fault. We don't know that or not. He's being But you guys automatically arrested him. Because of the way you guys didn't answer the door and kept the kid in the room and wouldn't talk to him. >> I didn't keep him in there. The boys were in the bedroom. Ma'am, ma'am, we know how you guys get when you guys get drinking. Okay. So it's just for everybody's safety that we just detain him until we figure out what's going on. So what happened to you? You got some bruises on you and some scrapes. Where? Well, you got a scrape down here on your arm. >> Oh, that's from my dogs. So you didn't get in the middle of that? >> I pulled the boys off of him, but no, those are from my dogs. Her actions and how dismissive she was about a man hurting her boys made it painfully clear that the youngsters weren't safe around her. But even that paled in comparison to what the officers uncovered next after another round of careful questioning with the boys. That's my mom and that's my stepdad. >> Stepdad, okay. All right. What what happened tonight, Kaden? Okay, so first uh He tried to He was arguing with Carly Who's Who's he? Pat. Okay. Patrick was arguing with my sister Carly and I tried to calm him down so that they don't get to a fight and he told me to go to bed like he always does every night. So he starts to push me in the uh bedroom and I start to push him back. Skip forward a few hours and then mom my mom goes into the bathroom and then he puts his hands on Kaden and then I try to get him off of Kaden and then Kaden starts to push him back, you know, to get him off of me. And do you know what that argument started about with? With uh William Patrick? >> Yeah. He just touched Kegan, that's all. Like touched his shirt, like grabbed it. He grabbed Kegan's shirt, were they arguing? Is that and then he grabbed the shirt or what what why did he grab the shirt? Because they're getting in argument. >> Okay. When he pushed you, what happened? I pushed him back. >> Okay. Do you have Can you flip your hair up? Looks like your your eyes are your This eye looks a little black or something. Is that old or new or did you get struck at any point or I don't know. Okay. So this all started just cuz he was drinking and then he was Okay. Uh he's attacked my mom uh a few times in the uh in the past. Okay. Okay. Do you have another family member you guys can go with tonight? Uh no. My mom hasn't done anything. It's just him. Every night he gets drunk and then just starts a fight. >> hasn't been drinking today? Yeah, but she doesn't get drunk, though. Okay. Not like he does. Okay. Cuz he argues with people over stupid stuff. Right. Okay, so whenever was your mom around either of the times that this was >> No. Well, she was around she was in the kitchen making supper the first time. And then she came in and split us up. >> [music] >> The second time she was in the bathroom. And then she came out and split us up again. But she wasn't around when it started just for the end of it? No, not not the end of it. Well, yeah. She was around the end of it not the start of it for both times? Yeah. Okay. But she hasn't done anything wrong. It's just Patrick. Okay. And you feel safe with her taking care of you? Armed with what they now knew about the dysfunctional household, the officers returned to the mother. Not to question her this time, but to try and contain the damage before things got any worse. Makes it easy to charge him. Two counts domestic Sam, you can't interfere with me when I'm doing my job. You're lucky you're not going to jail right now. If you had taken one more step, you'd be going to jail right now. I have a job to do. We get a call from 911 that a 12-year-old is here and has been battered. We have to investigate that. >> do anything, though. Both We have two different incidents where he's the aggressor, and you weren't present for the start of either of those incidents from the witness statements. He's going to be charged with two counts of domestic battery. >> He didn't do anything. I have witness statements through >> boys off of After the fact. You were not present for the start of either of the incidents. Coach told me you were in the bathroom. You were not present for You were not present for the start of I understand that. You weren't present when the incident start either of the incidents started. From both witness statements and your own statements. So, you don't know what started it. You can't say what started it. I ain't saying >> it accord He started it according to both >> No, he did not. He was sitting on the couch. Okay, I'm not going to argue with you. You weren't present when it started, so you don't know the answer to that question. >> I'm not going to argue with you, either. Perfect. Okay. He's going to be charged with two counts of domestic battery. Carly's been advised of the situation. They both advise their They feel safe staying with you. So, we're [music] we're 10-8, we're leaving. Do you have any questions? I'm dropping charges, right? You You can't. The boys will. The state will pursue. Domestic battery Yes, they can. The domestic battery is Okay. It's not worth arguing with. I'm just saying last time he got >> You You can go to Monday and talk to the state's attorney and see what they can do for you, okay? Last time he was arrested, uh they dropped the charges. Okay. And you That's something you guys can work out Monday or Tuesday when you go up to the courthouse. Her know-it-all and dismissive attitude made it seem like the turmoil in our home existed because she allowed it. And even worse, she was already siding [music] with her man over her own kids, not realizing the officers still had something on her. Actually, we're going to arrest you for obstruction. We're arresting you for obstruction. What? You're under arrest for obstruction. >> No, I'm not. Sam, don't do it. Now we're going to be resisting, too. I didn't do anything. >> Don't add resisting. God damn, I didn't do anything. >> Don't add resisting, Sam. Don't >> do anything. Stand up. I didn't do anything. I was just telling you. >> on my hair. Hold on. Your hair is hooked on my I didn't do anything. Boys, tell them I didn't do anything. Quit pulling. Quit pulling. You got your >> I didn't do anything. I wouldn't obstruct. I was sitting in the chair. You You tried to run inside. That's not good. Sam, stop. You obstructed earlier. Just get your citation and go to court. And now you're resisting. Can I get a citation and go back inside? Yeah. You're getting resisting also. Obstructing and resist. Quit resisting and see what we can get done. I wasn't doing anything. You're making this more difficult than it needs to be, Sam. Just stop. I'm going inside. Stop. You're not thinking logically. Mike, please. >> Well, just stop. Who do you want to care for your child? Would you guys please I'm not doing anything. >> to care for your child? Why am I obstructing? You obstructed whenever I was detaining Patrick earlier. That was earlier. I was telling you what was going on. The boys I told you to get back and you weren't listening. You I was sitting in the chair. And then you resisted when they tried to get you away from me. No. No. And you're resisting again. Mike, please. That's not I do, Sam. You did this. I didn't do it. Please, you guys. Please, Mike. Please. I was sitting in the chair. >> Hey, go get your Sam, stand up. Sam, stop. Stand up. I'M SCARED. YOU'LL GET A TICKET. YOU'LL I'M SCARED. All right. No, you're not. Go through the process and they're going to bring you home. No, he's not. You're not It's not a detainable offense with the safety act. You're going to be transported to jail. You're going to get the Your citation is issued. You'll be processed and then you'll be released. Obstructing and resisting. So, you're going to make it take longer. You are. I Calm down. I am calm. I was sitting in the chair talking to you. >> And then you tried to run away when you were told you were under arrest. You were under arrest. >> Why would I be under arrest? I didn't do anything. You You can't roll around the front yard with cops when they tell you to do something and fight them and not That was earlier. Mike and him came and talked to me. Sam, just get in the car. We'll go up there, get you processed, and come home. It's going to be easier. Stand >> I didn't do anything. Stand up and step your feet in first. It's going to be easier for you to get in. You're going to have a hard time getting in if you don't get one foot in first. Why would you guys do this? You did it. I had struck you several times to get back when I was detaining Patrick. >> in the chair. You came towards me, poked me with your finger, and interfered interfered with my my investigation. I was sitting in the chair talking to Mike and that guy. >> Okay. We're going to shut Get in. Get in. Can I get out tonight? You will be out tonight as long as you cooperate with jail staff. You'll be processed, issued some type pages, and then released when the jail has time to process you. Okay. Eventually, the man was charged with two [music] counts of domestic battery. One was dismissed, but he was found guilty on the other and received a year [music] of conditional discharge along with a fine. The woman faced charges for obstruction and resisting arrest. The obstruction charge was dropped, but she was found guilty of resisting and sentenced to 12 months of conditional discharge [music] and a fine. Since then, no further incidents have been reported. Andy McCauley maintained a facade of innocence until the evidence made denial impossible. Any word? You mind if I take a look in her bedroom? No. No. No. No. She didn't want to come home. She told her mom that. What if I told you her last text to her boyfriend were saying don't talk because she still has the FaceTime on. Andy's in here. Does she hate you? No. She don't hate me. She loves me. On the 9th of May 2019, officers arrived at a residence after a woman reported her daughter, Riley Crossman, missing. They were met by the caller, Chantel, along with her boyfriend, Andy McCauley, both initially presenting themselves as confused and concerned. That calm facade soon began to crack as unsettling details surfaced. What's going on, man? Nothing. Haven't seen you in a long time. Yeah, it's been a while. Any word? You mind if I take a look in her bedroom? >> [music] >> Has she ever disappeared before? She didn't have her She doesn't have text me or I can't text her. This is the only mirror we have like this, so I came in yesterday morning and I don't remember that being there. And especially her glasses cuz I This is not exactly the way it was. I've been in here digging and looking to see if there was a note where that A search of Riley's bedroom revealed something deeply disturbing. Her personal belongings were untouched, but her bed was covered in blood stains. Almost immediately, police began focusing on Andy, a potential suspect hiding in plain sight. I talked to her I talked to her last night. Did she call you here last night or I mean night before or anything? Any reason she would leave? >> No. Okay. Cuz her mom or her aunt or people telling us that she's afraid to come home. I don't know if that's Well, yeah. I heard people say stuff. But there was nothing like that. Okay. So She was She wouldn't have to be here. I mean there was anything like that. Never like that. This is nothing. Nothing. Yeah. My mom wasn't even home. Right. She's at work. No, you. You they said that she got off at 9:00. No. No, I didn't know that. She didn't want to come home. No. She was She was Grandma Agnes Grandma she was here doing dishes and and everything. And Grandma's here till 7:30. Okay. Uh Debbie. Right. Yeah. When's the last time you you saw her? Uh like 9:00 maybe 10:00-ish at night. Yeah. And And what And what contact did you have? Uh she was here in the house. She went to bed probably Well, I don't know what time she went to bed, but she was All the kids were in the room by like 9:30 9:00 9:30. >> Did you see her leave in the morning? No. I don't know what time I got up for work or I What time did you get up for work? Okay. Go to work. Further investigation continued to raise more red flags. Andy had told officers he was an early riser, yet co-workers contradicted his account of the morning Riley vanished, exposing inconsistencies in his timeline. While suspicious, Andy wasn't the only person under scrutiny. Investigators also turned to Riley's boyfriend, Hayden Lacey, who had deleted all of his messages with her from the night before she disappeared. Can you just um tell us when you were last FaceTiming her? >> I was actually talking to her about the DC trip and what was going on. And do you know exactly what time? 8:30-ish. I told him before not to delete his messages, but he isn't helping us, he's deleting everything. I don't know what her mom or her sister know. I heard her with her boyfriend on the I feel like she just isn't a responsible person. She'll just let her do whatever she wants. They had a dance and she was wearing a short dress. She let her walk to the school by herself in a short dress. It's at night. Riley had way too much freedom. As detectives dug deeper, they uncovered text messages between Riley and Hayden revealing that Andy had been in her room and that Riley was terrified. From that moment on, suspicion centered squarely on Andy. I just talked to Johnny, right? Saw him leaving. Okay. Would you be surprised if he told me something completely different? Uh maybe. Do you not remember leaving that job saying you went to Red Hill? Oh yeah. Oh, I'm sorry. We did go to We did I'm sorry. We did go to Red Hill. Okay. All right. We did go to We did go to Shell. How How long were you there at Red Hill? Like the rest of the day. Okay. Like the rest of the day. Okay. Were you at that house the entire time? Fixing the shelves. No. Okay. Where were you at? I was at We had I was at the other house. Okay. I was We got some We went to get some I went to get some more. What if I told you that I knew you weren't at that house? You didn't talk talk to anybody that day. See where I'm going with this? We went from this story to this story and now I'm going to get a third story. This is one of these times you really need to think about what you're telling me. Okay? Cuz you're not being honest. Remember what I told you about being honest and I'm not going to just throw lead you. I know you weren't there. I know you didn't talk talk to your cousin and I know you didn't use him in that parking lot that day. Where did you go when you left? I was at the house fixing Okay. I was at the house. Okay. I already told you I didn't tell. I still want going to tell you I didn't kill her in the house. So, you go back home, you use your and then you go back to work, and then what? I was there. I'm just telling you the old part about you being honest. I'm being honest with you. I've been honest with you. I told you that I didn't mean to tell you. Okay. You're being somewhat honest. I mean, we're being some pulling to get some information about you. If you wanted us, I wouldn't even get to tell you. But yet, we're having trouble pulling that out of you. Because I was worried about you because I didn't go there. Okay. And I And I told you I don't care about that. I didn't say that. He told us that activity with two nights ago. No, you didn't. Did I arrest you for it? You didn't do anything, yet. Investigators shifted tactics, pretending to ease up on Andy while quietly confronting him with mounting evidence. Under pressure, his story began to unravel. Um you know, the further along this is whatever happens, and whoever did this to her is the worst off in this situation. So. Yes, I know so. She was probably taken out of that house by somebody. Yeah, I'm feeling I'm feeling something that she The taking of that one I feel because she was being alive. She was being She was taken from that house, is what I'm saying. She didn't wander off. She took her backpack, took clothes, took her glasses, took her cell phone charger, took all of her money, she had most of her money. Um someone's going to get her. All of her money was still in the backpack. Yes, sir. Yeah. Um so, like I said, if someone's going to run away or do something, they're going to make a little bit of better effort than you would for a 15-year-old. I agree. For a 15-year-old kid, they're going to at least have the necessities. What if I told you her last text to her boyfriend were saying, "Don't talk because she still has the FaceTime on. Andy's in here. I'm afraid." That's what it said. What if I told you that? I would say that's crazy. I can put my hand on the Bible and tell you I saw those texts today. Well, I'd like to see them because I know probably he is scared of me. And then I was I don't know she is. Not only that, she said you were in here and she was in her bedroom because the FaceTime was still on. I was never in her room. That's not what she's saying. I don't go in her room. And I'm not lying to you. I was not in the room for one. And for two, your kid's not scared of me. There's no reason for her to be scared of me. I've been there for her entire life for a year and a half. I take care of her. You can ask me. That's what we're saying. I I get that. I hear it. But what we're saying is she That's what she's saying. So all this obviously to her, she's afraid of something. That's not why. That's not why. You can ask her mother. Her mother will tell you That's not true. There's not I'm telling you I read that with my own eyes today. I don't know. I don't know. So you see where that puts us. Yeah, I understand. But I The kid's not scared of me. I don't understand how you guys can say that. That she's not. Ask her her mother. I said That's what she is saying. She's saying that's why we're saying that. We don't know what goes on behind closed doors when, you know, you and Chantel are there or Chantel and Riley are there or we don't know. I mean, but obviously in her mind, she's afraid of you. Would you agree to that? It doesn't make sense. It doesn't make sense at all. So does she have any reason to say that? No. Then why would she say that? I don't know. Is she disrespectful towards you? Does she hate you? No. She don't hate me. She loves me. That's what I'm asking you. I don't know that. Does she argue with you? No. Ever. Has she ever cussed at you? Press you out? Nothing? Never. Nothing. In the year and a half, nothing. Okay. So it sounds like to me she does love you wholeheartedly. Yes. Okay. So why would she say that? I don't know. In the year and a half, we have not had one conflict. Okay. Me and the boy, yeah, we have. All right. But there's never been anything like you said a year and a half or the last several weeks, several months, several days Nothing. Nothing. You're like, "Oh, yeah. I forgot about that. One time she wanted this." I told her no. Maybe she got mad. She's nothing. Even as the evidence stacked up, Andy continued to insist on his innocence, but science and surveillance told a different story. But you see where that puts us, right? >> Yeah, I understand. I understand what you guys are doing. I'm I'm not mad that you guys are doing your job. I mean, that is the last message he has from her. I'm not that you guys are doing your job. I know you're guys are doing your job, but there's nothing I can think of. You want us to do our job. That's That's what we're doing. I'm asking you to do your job. I'm I'm not mad you guys doing I think I think he's a little pissed off, but not really. There's nothing I can think of that would make him mad or worse or he'd be upset with me or I scared of me or anything with me. You didn't go in that room? Lab results confirmed the blood on Riley's bed was a direct match to Andy's [music] DNA and video footage placed his vehicle at key locations. These discoveries ultimately led police [music] to Riley's remains. In the end, Andy McCauley was charged with murder and sentenced to two life terms in prison. Next up is an irresponsible father whose son secretly called the police after enduring one too many injuries at his father's hands. We got a call. About uh Who called? I believe it was your son. Yeah. For what? There's no arrest warrant. >> No, you're fine. teenager Yeah, I'm wondering what's what happened. He's a teenager. I'm asleep. He tried to hit me. I defended myself and that turned him into pushing me into the chair and trying to hit me in the head. I need you to come out. Am I under arrest? Yes. On the 26th of June, 2025, police responded to a domestic call involving a father and his teenage son. What initially appeared to be a routine welfare check quickly escalated into a tense and complicated confrontation between an unhinged dad and the law. Hey, what's up, buddy? >> Hey. What's going on? Can I help you? Yeah, we got a call. About uh Who called? I believe it was your son. Yeah. Okay. [music] Can you come out and talk to me and can can you call him out, too? What's going on? >> Well, that's what I'm trying to figure out what's going on. He called us. What's going on? Well, that's what I'm figuring out what's going on. Okay? Um I guess there was some kind of argument between you and him. Okay. teenager Yeah, teenager. I get it. I'll call my son. I appreciate it. Thank you. >> Have a good day, buddy. No, like I need to talk to him right >> Is there an arrest warrant or something? >> Well, I need to figure out if there is an arrest or not. So For what? There's no arrest warrant. >> No, you're fine. >> Yeah, I'm wondering what's what happened. He's a teenager. I'm asleep. No, I get it. I'm just I'm just wondering what's going on. >> Thank you, sir. I'll call my son. Where is he? He's not here right now. He's not here? No, he's not. Sorry? Yes. I got to get to work, sir. Okay. What what is he what's going on? Well, I heard there was well, he called us. He said there was some argument between you and him. So, that's what I'm wondering about what happened. What do you mean? You got an easy job, buddy. Okay. Well, yeah, that's what I need to talk to both parties to will see what's going on. He's okay right now. Okay. You don't have his number? No, I don't Well, let me see. Actually, maybe. Is he not home? No, he's not home right now. Hm, okay. Let me let me see if I can find his number. Thank you. Okay. >> I'm his father. Am I giving you a hard time, sir? I'm I'm not trying to give you a hard time, either. >> trample on my rights? >> Okay. Please. >> Well, we're I'm Step off the curtilage of my home. Well, listen to me. I'm investigating something. I'm investigating something, okay? >> Okay. Thank you. Please step off the curtilage of my Please, sir. Okay, I got his number. Do you want me to call him? Please step off the Okay. Officer Thirston made contact with the father, whose behavior immediately raised concerns. He was defensive and dismissive. [music] He knew that the cops being at his doorstep meant that karma had finally come around a little faster than usual. He needed to somehow justify his actions, even if he sounded ridiculous. Hello. Yeah. Hello. Hey, this is Deputy Thirston with King County Sheriff's Office. All right. Hey, hey, what's going on? Hey, uh you're the one who called? Hello, officer. >> I called earlier. Okay, are you here? Uh yeah, I'm in the back right Okay, can you come out and meet father is not really complying with us, so Okay, uh, I'm in socks right now and the back door is locked, so Okay. All right, thank you, sir. I'm still I'm talking to him right now. So, when he comes out He is a minor, sir. Thank you. Is there a mother or anybody else? No, I'm in the house, okay. I'm his father. Thank you so much. Okay. Can you please give me a little space here, sir? I'm not You You have You have the whole door, man. Sir, you're just making all this up. Hey, what's up, officer? All Dude, stay away, please. We're having a family emergency. Okay. Okay. Give me your card, sir. Yeah, well, I'm going to have to talk to you, okay? Just so you know, this is a This is an ongoing investigation, okay? Good. There's You're going to Okay. No, I'm going to have to talk to you like in person. Okay, well, give me a second. Let me talk to your son first. Sir, please leave your cards. Thank you, sir. Give a card, sir. Okay, well, I need I need Jesus Christ. Are you injured or anything? Uh, a little bit, not that bad, it's fine. Okay, do you want the I got it. Jesus Christ, Sam. What's he trying to hit me with the chair, dude? Please. Please, please. Please don't >> Get your shoes on. All right, don't close the door, man. I'm right here, sir. I'm right here, sir. Yeah, call your lawyer, but don't close the door on me. That version of events began to fall apart once the officer spoke with the son. He was quite calm and cooperative and painted a very different picture, contradicting his father's claims and suggesting a pattern of troubling behavior. What you got, my man? Give me your card, sir. I do. It's in my car, I'll get it later. Sir? Huh? >> believe there's any imminent harm or threats to you or your partner. What's that? Will you please give me your card, sir? I'll get it later. I'm not going to get it now. Yeah. No. What's What's going on? Why are we here? Okay, well, can you talk to me about it? I have kids. Maybe I understand. Okay. So, your your statement is you have kids and that's why we're here. Keller 102. Last name Keller, badge number 102. Okay. Nope, 102. Why are we here? So, we're here investigating a domestic battery possibly. So, I'd like to get your side of the story. You have no comments. Mhm. Yeah. Yeah, it qualifies. So, you don't want to talk to me. I understand. Are you saying you don't want to speak to me? I need to figure out what happened here. As the interview continued, the son detailed exactly what had happened inside the home, leaving little room for doubt. What caused the argument? Can I see Can I take a picture? Oh, yeah. This is from yesterday. He did that yesterday? Yeah, he was fighting here and this is from 2 days ago. We We're fighting in the middle of the street. You were fighting in the middle of the street? It It It was bad. This I've explained this to so many people. No one has helped me. I'm just kind of tired of explaining the same thing. So, I'm just Dude, I'm I'm so fed up. Can I just show you photos I've been taking of events that's been leading up This we got into a fight a long time ago last time we got this bad where I got injured like this. We got into a fight where I was trying to take a shower in the morning. There's no hot water. And he comes I'm still naked, mind you. He comes breaking down the door while I'm still naked and he tries to hit me. I gave him two black eyes that day. I'm sure if he shows you a photo of that, you understand. This This isn't a new thing. This isn't a new thing. Good. Come on. No, no, no. You A lot of this is just over He's been I found out he's been taking my money, which has annoyed me and he's denied it and he's tried charging me for it. I don't want to leave him. I don't want to leave him cuz I do believe he has potential but he can get like this. Can I help you? Thank you. Okay. Explain to me what happened. Why are we here? Okay. What happened today? Today I caught him drinking and I was like, "Dude, you can't keep drinking like this. Can you please get up? 6:00, can you please get up?" He goes, "The morning, 6:00 p.m." You're still sleeping. I caught him drinking. I'm like, "Dude, can you please stop drinking? It's 6:00. Please get up." >> Shut the [ __ ] up. I don't know how it escalated. He tried to hit me. I defended myself and that turned him into pushing me into the chair and trying to hit me in the head. Then he moved from the chair and tried to hit me with the white chair that you can see back there just behind him. It's on the floor right now in the kitchen. And he started hitting you with the chair, right? Yeah. No, I defended myself from the chair and then he tried to go back. I'm It was really fast. Meanwhile, the father remained combative and unwilling to cooperate, making it increasingly clear that he was hiding something. Based on the son's statements and the totality of the circumstances, officers had little choice but to take action. How old is he? He can take care of himself. So, again, if you don't want to cooperate, you can go sit in jail for 72 hours. I'm going to jail for 72 hours. If you're not to give me any part of your story, that's a possibility. >> Let me just start with the uh insurance. I mean, this is not the time or place for that. You only need an attorney if you're being arrested. >> arresting me, sir? I am not arresting you. Not at this point, no. However, if you don't want to cooperate, you will be held on a 72-hour investigative hold. Sorry? If you don't want to cooperate, you will be held on a 72-hour investigative detention. That is not an arrest. You know, you're not Don't try to manipulate >> to him. Oh, I'm sorry. Ignore him while we figure out what's going on. So, he's got injuries. I do believe he can be a cooperative person that doesn't get like this. But I don't know what happened. I seriously don't. Okay. He said around 6:30 he told his dad he ain't stopping drinking. He passed out on the sleeping all night. So, he doesn't do anything. So, he lashed out on him and started beating him. He He said throwing you on the ground and hitting you on the head? >> throw me on the ground. He threw me off the chair. And he tried to hit me. I don't know if there's a bruise on my head. I doubt it. It didn't feel that hard. But he still hit me like around this area. And then all the stuff on your left arm is from him? Uh today, yesterday, and 2 days ago. So, yesterday they had They said they were having a fight right there. So, you've had fights 3 days in a row that have gotten physical with your dad? Yeah. Oh, wonderful. I mean, it's been like this for months. But it's I don't want to be taken like DCFS. I don't want that to be involved cuz that happened to my brother and I saw how bad that can get. I Like I said, I do believe it can get better. He's just in this weird phase right now and I just need to be away from I can't I can't be near that. I get that. Um This hap This has been a story with his family for his entire life. He gets like this during certain points. Is Is mom in the picture at all? She is, but she lives far, far away. So, they're not together? No. She wants to take me, but I go to school here. She hasn't given up parental rights or anything like that? >> Um she did go to prison a few years ago, so my custody did get handed over to her, but I went back with him, so [music] I'm confused on what that does mean Okay. >> for me. Anything recent though? No. Any recent custody agreements that you know of? >> we haven't. Was it through Kane or a different county? I'm not sure. It might have been through Kane, but I'm not 100% on the situation. Okay. I was only 12 when all that happened. Right, understandable. Did you call the police yesterday? Uh no. >> No. No. >> The day before that, no? Yeah. Nobody else called? >> defending for myself yesterday, that's why I didn't call anybody. Today is just like the first day he actually got the upper hand on me in the fight. Um the house has been trashed, like looks like a homeless person, and I've been trying so hard to fix it. This is what it used to look like before I started cleaning it. Um I've been pissed cuz he's not helping me clean it, and he just continues to make it worse. I'm like, "Come on, dude. Can you please help me? Can you please help me?" He's like, "Stop. Stop. Just don't clean it. Don't clean it." And he tries to fight me when I'm trying to help him. I don't understand. Right. Give us 1 minute, okay? Even as he was placed under arrest, the father attempted to deflect blame and portray himself as the victim, refusing to take any responsibility for his actions. Come here. >> you to come out. Am I under arrest? Yes. What's the charge? You need to come out. Okay, can I write a phone number down, sir? Will you Yeah, I'll give you a second. Let me put you in handcuffs, and then we will give you We will write it down for you. How about that? Can I talk to my son, please? Let Let him talk. Just walk out. >> I understand. Can I please talk to my son? Yes, you can, but we have to put you in handcuffs first, okay? Is there any way we can avoid the handcuffs and jail? >> Brian. Brian. All right, be compliant with us. You know how this goes. You've been You You've been that road before, right? Brian, so you need to come out. Yeah, you need to come out. >> Am I going to jail? Yes, you are going to jail. You need to come out. Brian. What's the bond or They're You need to come out and we'll talk about it. So, if you just come out. Okay. I got to call a friend so I may just come >> Brian, come outside and then make your phone call. Okay, thanks. Uh Brian. Yes, sir. I'm going to let you know >> Excuse me, I got gas. 60215 I'm going to let you know this now. If this doesn't go smooth, I'm >> Yeah, yeah, I got I got I'm also charging you with obstruction. I got you, sir. Excuse me. So, make this as easy as possible. >> sir. I I I'm not going to I can drop the cigarette. Put it out. You may pull me out here, please. Man, this is my this is my son, man. Come on. >> out the cigarette. Come on, put the cigarette out, bro. Tell you what, if you're going to cooperate and you stick your I'll let you finish the cigarette. >> yes, sir. Yes, But, if you're going to be a jackass >> I know I Buddy, I'm not trying to be a jackass. Do you need a Yes, sir. >> The way you were with me at the door pretty well signaled that you were going to be a jackass. I I You don't deserve that So, if you're going to cooperate, I'll let you finish the cigarette. But, we're going to do it out here. Okay. There is no bond. There's no more bond in Illinois. [snorts] Remember when Illinois passed the Safety Act? Yeah, I got to see a judge tomorrow. More than likely, the judge will let you out tomorrow. But, you have to see a judge. Can I Can I get some socks, man? I'm not trying to run, but today >> They're not They have socks for you at the jail. They They have everything. Can I Could we Could we save a little time, please? He's not in any imminent danger, man. This is what it is. Just finish finish your cigarette. And then we're going to do what we have to do. You know, could you please Brian. Could you please stand there? He's Just finish your cigarette and we're going to do what we have to do. >> dad, man. Come on. I get it. That's that's called Uh uh tampering with a witness. It's not You know just to keep everything, brother. I don't have to tell you nothing. Stop talking to him or we're going to get rid of the cigarette. We're going to get rid of the >> there's more charges are adding to your future. So, stop stop talking. I'm not We're not charging you, but if you could stop start stop talking, brother. Just finish your cigarette and then let's get this over with. So, so here Oh, okay. Here's the thing with these charges. Yes, sir. He may be the victim, but it's domestic battery. So, the state becomes the complainant. >> How's this sleep, man? The way Illinois law is codified is victims in a domestic battery situation, the state becomes the victim. The state places a high severity on domestic battery. This is my son, a single dad. I get it. >> He's going through some teenage stuff, man. He's going through some really He's He's also got injuries. Injuries from what, sir? Would you Oh, I'm sorry. >> Stop it. Finish the cigarette. Who's pressing the charges, you or I am. Come on. Come on, brother. There's no come on. Would you please reconsider, man? There I I literally don't have a choice. If I don't arrest you, I go to jail. That's how serious this is. >> sit down and talk, man, over a cup of coffee, please? Please. Without without whatever it is with the witness, man. Can we please sit down and talk? >> We can go over to my car and talk. >> We have my son there. I mean, you can I can talk through to you You can talk to me over here. Anything on you that's going to poke me, stick me, stab me? You got any bullets? Alcohol? Knives? I best say no. Any Okay, put your left foot in first. Okay, put >> Put your left foot in. You got a bad back. Thanks. I can put fingers in between there. What the You got any doubt there, brother? Sir, In the end, the father was charged with domestic battery.