He came out and he had this big on forehead >> Just unexplainable from forehead all the way down to the center of his nervous. He's a 1-year-old, a bit malnourished. It was so swollen that his butt was really hard. I don't smoke and talk to speak. Okay, so I'm going to let you know that is an issue. Even though he's in bed, you're the primary caretaker for him. On April 6th, 2023, officers responded to a hospital following a report of concerns regarding a young family member's well-being. Medical staff noted that the individual appeared in poor condition and was not meeting expected developmental milestones. Okay, so what's going on? So Griffin came in. He's got a big and it's from right here down to his nose. Weird markings on his ankles. So that's why they called DHS concerned of non-accidental traumas. Okay. Mom says that he woke up from a nap with the on his face. Explains the ankles as eczema. The doctor said they look more like frostbite burns. Is this concerning? They don't look like burns. Mhm. But you can see we have pictures, too. But it's not like a grab. Mhm. They do look It's It's odd. So they did a full non-accidental workup. So far the CT showed no brain bleeds. He has large ventricles. He's very underweight, very behind developmentally. Belly descended, like a malnourished belly. He does have a mass in his belly. So Mhm. Again, we can't rule out that there isn't malnutrition happening yet, but there is a cause of the distension in his belly, I would say. Yeah. That's what we're concerned. So he had an appointment in February. Okay. I'm a little concerned their lack of looking at this child cuz apparently they checked off all the boxes for meeting developmental milestones. He's in an infant car seat. He's not meeting developmental >> Right. Right. Right. Just Just ask the doctor. He's in the 25th percentile. So he's in that lower But it's not showing that on his medical record though, is it? Like I don't know how they if they put that in there or not. >> And he was 18 lb in February and he's lost 2 lb since then. >> And we could go in there >> Plus we have that way I'll have the detective to contact myself and the phone number then Okay. kind of speed them up there. They might show up just cuz it's on call. We'll figure out what's going on with mom first. I was going to sit down and look at And then uh which one are you, Ashlyn? This is my mom. Okay. Is Griffin doing a little better? Say, how are you? What's going on, huh? All right, I'm sure DHS has a couple questions they got to run through and I'm just here for their half. Basically Generally with injuries like this, we make a case out of it just cuz you know how young he is. So what's going on? You were called because there was concerns regarding potential malnutrition, the bruise on his face. The issue with the face. He woke up this morning at about 9:30, ate breakfast, came to play with him and all of that. [Music] And at about 3:00, he woke up. And I went out there and played with him and then fed him. Sister slept through lunch. What time did you guys lay down for a nap? Uh we laid down at about 11:45. He came out and he had this big on forehead and it was breaking out, so I called my mom So I could tell you that just looking at it, it's more than just recent. He looks more than just a day old. So it didn't just happen within the afternoon. So Well, I didn't see it this morning. So okay, like I was saying, the way Griffin feels, that's not a recent It would have happened within the last several days, but it wouldn't have happened today with the coloration and all of that. >> Well, I have a video of him from yesterday. Yeah, that's what I was just saying. And so he just woke up a random giant bruise on his head. Where does he sleep? He sleeps in his crib and bedroom. Who all was around him? The only people that are ever around him are my roommate, Cassie, and my mom watched him on I want to say Saturday. So what was in his crib because like I said, a bruise like that doesn't just happen. I That's not making sense to me. Uh there's a on his face. It seems like it's actually caused possibly a couple of days ago. It doesn't look so recent from what I'm seeing. Just unexplainable from forehead all the way down to the center of his nervous. He's a 1-year-old, a bit malnourished from what the nurse assistant or the social worker state. It's just mainly the mother brought him in because she found him with a this this afternoon when he woke up. So she's saying she doesn't really know how it occurred. Just placed the child to sleep earlier in the day and then he just found him with a when he woke up. So Okay, so I don't have too much on this. I mean, we're just trying to figure out why he's in good Basically it. I'm sure you're concerned as a mom. I told my pediatrician all of this, but I don't I don't know. Yep, that's what we're trying to figure out. I'm not a doctor. I don't deal with this as often. So whatever she says is is kind of just what I'm going off of. All righty. He seems like he's taking a nice little nap, so or at least laying there peacefully. I don't have a kid of my own, but I do have a lot of nieces and nephews. He is a lot smaller for a 1-year-old. They're I mean, maybe it's just genetics or something, but Well, his parents are short. That's my thing. >> Oh, yeah. But both of their shoulders So I get Right. Right. He is So I've always seen him a good body weight for Mhm. And I have always weighed him for Okay. Okay. Yeah, it's just Yeah, I mean I mean my my in-laws aren't that tall either. They're I'm the tallest. They're about shoulder width and still their kids are 1-year-old. He's a lot larger. Yeah, again it's Yeah, it's it's almost cuz it's genetics. Again, we're just trying to figure out what's going on and this There's a whole process we go through in state of Iowa. That's just the way it is. He never talked to me about the day this Mhm. But I'm not surprised. Okay. Yeah, so you might know a little bit what what's going on and how they investigate. All I know is that DHS workers were called into the home. >> Mhm. They did this long investigation and they Yeah. every day. >> Yep. So that's basically what we're going through. We're just going to figure out what's going on with Griffin here and his injuries. I'm basically just here again just to report record it. They're mandatory reporting, unfortunately, that's why DHS is here. They make a case and then I just make the case for them so they can just follow along with it. It's just how it is. I have pictures and videos from yesterday. That's on your memories. Cuz that I know that wasn't there yesterday. Okay. Yeah, if you guys can find that, that'd be perfect. I'll I'll document that down. Yep, I'll document that if you guys have it. Yes. Mhm. Do you know he fell or something in the last like couple days, maybe? Who else takes care of him? Sometimes Who else takes care? Sometimes when he's in his crib. crib. Mhm. He does get air sick. Okay. So his soothing thing that he does is to rock back and forth. Mhm. Mhm. This is what he does. Okay. Um Which is normal for kids. I I rock back and forth sometimes. Sometimes we'll sit too close to the back of his crib. Mhm. It's on these Right. Right. And it will his head. But every time I hear it, I go out and I move him away from the back of the crib. Mhm. But he always ends up being where he wants. Okay, understandable. I'm going to go ahead and do pictures. Do you mind? Are you okay with standing here while I do pictures? Cuz I have to take pictures those of him as well. But the detective is coming down. So I'm going to hold off on finishing questioning until she gets down here, okay? Um so he was 7 kilos when he checked in. And looking at his growth chart, he was 9 kilos 2 months ago. He was He was malnourished. Which 9 kilos is Yeah, but I think it was like the 27th percentile is what it was. Then he dropped to .11 .11 percentile. So that those two things like this with his significant weight drop was like this got to be something. Okay. And he was relatively bradycardic, so heart rate was a little small. So instead of waiting, we did a lot more. And I'll get you to sleep about what what brought that pain. So they had said this just in the middle of the nap. Like mom didn't know. Went down, he was totally fine. And he woke up, he had this mark on his head. Okay. And that's what she checked in for. Okay. Um and so she had brought him in. It was unclear where it came from. You know, initially the resident had thought maybe it was like something of a liquid burn, which it doesn't look like it to me. Okay. Um and like I said, it made me think it was a The fact that mom had said back there before the nap, now it's there after nap. Mhm. The last thing, yeah. Yeah, absolutely. So anything else so low heart rate that I'm backing that. What is that? Is that indicative of Well, so that So initially with the low heart rate in the in the forehead, he was drinking and fairly responsive, but that makes me think of, you know, when you have intracranial bleeding that smashes stuff. Um irregular breathing, low heart rate again, high blood pressure. It was kind of a big three that we look for. We didn't have the other two, but that low heart rate was like I think it's a real one. So we went and did a CT and it was a okay. It didn't show anything abnormal, significantly abnormal. Okay. Um and then kind of then we were thinking of his back and all of this I think this is. This is his feet also have like this Yeah. of Mhm. super cold and he was cold as well. He was 92° core temperature, which is way low. So all that kind of put together made us think what's going on with this Yes. So it also didn't show anything. The um the CT we also did and that was shows an obstruction of unknown etiology. Um he was his stomach is super full. So as a bunch of air in him they say in the progress for us to get any answers. So I think the plan is to admit and then recheck at some point but don't know what the obstruction's from. Okay. Like a bowel obstruction. Okay. So I mean Kena has not had a previous abdominal surgery. It's It's rare for an obstruction to occur in the first place. >> Okay. Um and so but yes yes. If he has any more questions don't hesitate. Okay yeah I might grab you when we're done if that's okay. Cool. If anything comes up then we'll clarify some stuff. Sounds good. All right thank you. Thank you. So I'm at school and she called me probably about 3:00 to ask me if I could give her a ride to the ER which I don't have a car at the moment so I don't my stepmom had the car cuz she had an appointment and then I had a dentist appointment at 3:00 but then she went and she called one of my other friends and that friend came and gave her a ride. So basically that's how I got involved in this and then And did you just meet him at the hospital then? I got here at 17:55. So I got here around 2:00 after you when is the last time you saw him then? Uh the last time I saw his girlfriend was his birthday party aside from occasional FaceTime calls. So when was his birthday is it Donald's birthday? >> Yep January 15th. Okay. So cuz I'm it's hard getting there with cuz I'm in nursing school. Um the last FaceTime was today and then before that probably a couple weeks ago at best. >> Okay. I've seen occasional snaps on Snapchat but that wasn't that big of a spot today. When did you see Like there was it was probably like there was one like that big like just a little bit of discoloration but that like [Music] it was just on his face. It just he's a very pale baby. He always has been. It was a picture. Yep she's got a bunch of them yes from yesterday as well. >> Do you have the picture that she sent? I don't. It was on Snapchat so it just it automatically went away. Because like even in some of the pictures she has it's just a little bit of discoloration but it's not as like that. Okay. All right thank you thank you. So where does Griffin go most days? Does he with you does he with Cassie does he have He's typically with you? Okay good. >> Right now I am unemployed. Okay. If you can't watch him who would if you have an appointment or Just someone. a break or whatever it may be. Okay. When was the last time mom watched him? I want to say Saturday. At her house or she came to yours? At her house. So he went over there Saturday spent the night home on Sunday? Mhm. Okay. Since then has anyone else watched him? Does Cassie ever watch him or does Nope no one else? Okay. So tell me just a little bit about Griffin. Is he How is he is he a good baby? A fussy baby? Yeah we we thought he's a good sleeper so you got that going for you. Um he is typically very happy. Okay awesome. >> He's typically like laughing and giggling and there's only like two toys he likes to play with other than that he gets into everything else. Okay. Is there anything that's not the toy that seems to be fun right? And everything comes with it. Okay. How old is he is he walking crawling cruising what's he do to get around? >> He is crawling right now. Okay. He's taken his first step but he's not quite to Not like up on his own. Okay. Will he do like you know like pull up and stand up on the couch and then kind of cruise around on that? >> Okay. How many bedrooms is your apartment? Two. So you share with Griffin? My bedroom is too small so he has like a little section in the living room. Oh okay. Just to himself. Okay perfect. What is he a crib or a pack and play or a bed or what? A crib. Okay. He woke up from our nap at 2:00. So that's when I went out and saw the big spot on his forehead Woah. So so let me pause you real quick. Does he take his nap in his crib too or his naps in his crib too? I don't but she I'm too scared to let him sleep in No that is that is great. I just didn't know especially with Cassie if it was a problem in the common area. No it's not a problem. Okay. So he took a nap got up about 2:00 did you nap too? Oh yeah. Okay. Did he wake you up or did you wake him up? I woke up beforehand. I woke up like 30 minutes beforehand. Okay. And then I heard him crying which typically means that he's awake. So that's how he lets you know. Okay okay. Yep. Okay. So about 2:00 you he starts fussing you go out there and tell me what's going on when you get to the crib. Well I get to the crib I see like some red spot on his forehead so I moved his hair and it was like from his hairline to the bridge of his nose and I'm like what in the Right. I got him food because he was supposed to eat. Okay. What did he have? >> I sat him down and then I called my mom. Okay. I'm like mom look at his forehead what do you think this is or should I just take him in to the ER Right. I don't know what to do I'm a first time mom. Right. And she's like take him to the ER. Okay. Okay. Okay. So you got him up what what did you give him for a snack? I gave him Cheerios. Okay. Did he eat them? Yes he did. Okay. Did he have anything to drink did he have his juice? He did have his juice when I put in his snack. Okay. And then after he drank that I gave him bread. Okay. Okay so he ate and drank just fine. Yeah. Okay. So the crying when he woke up was it his normal like hey mom I'm awake or was it like something's wrong? It was his normal hey mom. Okay. Okay. So you go get him did he seem to be uncomfortable or unhappy or what was kind of his demeanor when you got him up? >> Sometimes it's hard to tell. Okay. Typically when I go up there and I go to take him out for a snack or he's Mhm. you know he puts his mark down. Okay. That's what he did. Okay. But he always Okay. So once you got him up did he stop crying? Yeah he stopped crying. Is his little belly sticking out? Is it Can you I mean can you tell? >> out like that. When he's constipated or that's just how Griffin is? That's just how Griffin is. His belly has always stuck out like that since he was born. So you came in cuz of this mark on his forehead and I obviously I just saw it. Does it look now the same as when you got him up or has it gotten bigger or smaller? >> a little bit faded and I have a picture of us too. Okay. Yeah yeah. From earlier when I got Oh perfect okay. I brought him in so it's much redder than before. Okay. This was yesterday. What happened there? Um Do you know what that mark was from? So when he gets angry Uh-huh. or frustrated Mhm. he rocks back and forth. Okay. And just as a self-soothing type thing. Yeah. And I do it too so I never thought it would be a big issue. And he's self-soothing. Okay. So he's talking. Yeah. And sometimes he'll sit too close to the back of his crib and he'll just hit the back of his head. Okay. Uh but when I hear it I'll move him. Okay. >> But he always ends up right back to that same spot. >> Okay. So like I've talked to people about it before to see if it was because he's self-structing or if it's something else. >> Yeah. And they're like well sometimes it can be normal like it's just sitting too close to the back or something. Okay. I don't know if this really applies. But so that he the back of his head when he does that? So what what happened up here yesterday? Uh yesterday he had on his forehead like so the little car he went to lean over and it he hit his forehead. >> Okay. So this was yesterday that that happened around what time? It was like right after lunch. Okay. His foot was was super swollen and they couldn't figure out why. His what he was here for the flu? Yeah. Okay. Like it was so swollen that his foot was really hard. Both feet or just one foot? Just the one. His right foot? Yeah I think so. What urgent care did you go to three weeks ago? I think the one over by South and Fluke. Which urgent care what what name you name Wayne Mercy what? I think it was Wayne. I'm pretty sure it was Wayne Mercy. On Southeast 14th? Yeah. So it was swollen before Christmas and then purple a few weeks ago and they've never they didn't figure out what it is. They never could figure out what Is that the same foot that he has that the mark on now like the dry spot had started? Okay. I think that's left. So it's all been his left foot? It's all been his left. Okay. Any history of substance abuse? So if I were to do a drug screen on you tomorrow you would come back clean no illegal substances whatsoever? Just marijuana that's it. How often do you smoke? Not very often. I just do it when I'm in pain and I cannot sleep. Why are you in pain? Um I have back issues. Uh so where do you use it? I do it in my own room. I have my window wide open the entire time I smoke. Or I'll typically just eat it edible. And then where is Griffin at? He is in bed. I don't smoke until he's asleep. Okay. So I'm going to let you know that is an issue even though he's in bed you're the primary caretaker for him and you have to be sober at all times especially with his age. I understand pain and all of that but you have to be sober at all times when you're caring for a child that age, any child, but especially a child that age. And then my role is, as you know at DHS, is to investigate any suspected alleged child abuse cases. So, we're always called anytime that there's concerns like like that and it's unknown how it happened. Um if it's like a small bruise or something, kids get that's normal. But the significant injury on his forehead and it comes down to his face and not having any answers to what happened and how it happened, that's why a lot of times we're called with stuff like that. Um I do want to make it clear, I got a call from your sister out there um from the front desk. That's not appropriate. Um I gain information from doctors and I'm going to question you. And I'm going to come hard at you at times cuz I want to find out answers um to find out what happened to him. I'm not saying you're guilty or you're or you're innocent. Our job is to find out what happened to him and how how to best help him, okay? So, having your sister call or whoever it was that called me um at the front desk, did you tell someone to call? No. So, who's Kylie, Kaylee, someone like that? They specifically asked for me. So >> My sister's six. Okay, so this was an adult female. They asked by for me by name specifically about this case. And I just told told the person I'm not going to listen to you, harass me, and I'm not giving you any information. For me to like even talk so I can interview anyone, I can talk to your mom and interview her, but I have to have your permission to like give her any information. So, if your mom if you want me to be able to give her any any information regarding my case or anything like that, I have to have permission from you, okay? But I'm not going to be having a bunch of people calling me and doing all that. That's understandable. Okay. Um so, I'm not sure who it was or whatever, but let's not do that again, okay? Cuz that kind of puts the wrong foot forward regarding investigating, okay? You think you know who it is? >> The only person I told about the whole situation was my mom and my best friend who was here. Mhm. The one that you guys had talked to. So, that's Well, I was standing right outside the room when they called that front desk down there at the other room. So, and it wasn't an older woman's voice. So, so just so you're aware that you know that did happen. Um so, let's just make sure that it doesn't happen again. Um you know, I like I said, our job is to investigate, try to figure out what happened. We're not saying you are or aren't guilty or don't figure it out. Hi, I'm Detective Kimpolo with the Des Moines Police. Okay. Is Ashlyn here for Uh no, she's at visitation right now. With Griffin? Yes. She's What's your name, sir? I'm I'm Warren. Warren, I think I talked to you on the phone. I just couldn't remember your name off the top of my head. So, I'm just still still the friend to talk to Ashlyn. Did she get a new number or something cuz she's not responding to any of my messages, she's not returning my calls. We had a had an appointment set up to talk again and I just can't get back a hold of her. So >> All right, I tell you what, she'll be here by 11. Okay, where's she doing the visitation? I'm 10 minutes away. I don't know where he took her at. Oh, Carrie took her. Okay. Okay, I don't know where they do Not a lot of people talking to me about this whole situation. That's it. I know. That's okay and I and I appreciate you and Carrie's help so far. Like I said, Ashlyn just I know her phone was shut off for a little bit, but then we she had sent me the she sent me the hey, I got it back and then we had set up to meet and then she just she didn't show up and then she quit talking to me and so I just again, I'm just trying to get a hold of her. So, that's why I stopped out here. So, okay. She'll be back around 11 though? >> Yep, could be. They should be back here about 10:50. We'll try back or maybe we'll try to call Carrie and trying to trying to get her to answer my calls. So, I appreciate your help, sir. Thank you. >> Thank you. Hi. Yeah, I'm Detective Kimpolo with the Des Moines Police. I need to speak to an Ashlyn I think it's Ford Forge might be her last name. She's here right now on a visit with her child. Are they in a room? Yes. She's going to go to jail. So, we'll wait till the meeting's done. Okay, I just want to make sure she doesn't run. >> want her to run away. So, at the end can maybe Griffin leave and then we'll talk to I don't want to do anything in front of Griffin. Maybe if he can leave the room and then And we'll tell you Well My supervisor will tell you. Okay. We'll wait till the end of the visit. Yeah, 15 minutes. Yeah, he's seeing his child. I'm good with that. So, last time I was with Kiddles with mom. Okay, what time did they say the visit is supposed to be over? 10:30. So, we went out to the Ashlyn has just been evading us. >> Sure. So, um I was just trying to talk to her at one point. I went out to the house and they're like, "Nope, she's at a visit." So, I called mom and she said, "Yeah, she's at the visit till 10:30." So, instead of trying to track them down later, we're just going to come here and try to keep but I don't want She doesn't know I'm coming, but I don't want to do anything in front of Griffin. >> Absolutely. I don't know what the normal protocol is, but at the end if Griffin can maybe leave the room and then we'll go in and talk to her and put her in custody in there. Okay, so You don't want to make a scene. And that's not what we're trying to do, but now that she knows I'm a little bit strapped So, how would it make the most sense to just me go in there when it's over and tell mom that I need you to stand back a little bit and or stay back a little bit and then you come with me? Who is it just Ashlyn and Kaylee and the mom Kaylee and the child? >> okay. Yeah, so yes, I don't Where does Griffin usually go after this? Is the with Okay, so he's the kid from the three of them. Walk out to Kaylee's car. Kaylee takes Kaylee Okay, I didn't know if I can't remember the family that he's placed with. So, they're not here. Kaylee takes him back to daycare. Yeah, okay. Yeah, so maybe if Kaylee can just take Griffin, we'll go in and talk to Ashlyn. We'll make it pretty quick and easy. Thank you. Thank you, buddy. Oh. Yep. Hi, Ashlyn. I didn't know you guys were here. So, this is Detective Beerstrom. He just works with me in my office. So, I I've been trying to get a hold of you and you're not you haven't answered my messages, I've tried calling you. I haven't had any calls and texts coming through me. Okay. Cuz I have your number saved. Yep. I yep and I have your and I know that it was your number was like out of service for a little while there at one point. So, um but since you told me it was back on, we had a meeting set up and you I know we had to reschedule that and then you didn't show up for that meeting. Anyway, I'm just telling you the reason for us coming here is cuz I just can't get a hold of you any other way. So, I'm not being harassed. You are. Since we spoke last, I've talked to the county attorney and charges were approved for just the entire situation with Griffin. So, it's child endangerment and then of a dependent are the charges that were approved by the county attorney. So, that process has already gone through. I've got the charges, they're in the system as a warrant status right now. So, you're going to go to Polk County today to get booked in on those. Can I say goodbye to my mom? Here's what we'll do, okay? So, we'll have you take your backpack off. We are going to have to arrest you, but we can give your backpack and all your property to your mom if you want and you'll be able to see your mom. Totally fine. >> I was going to ask if if not, I can take the No, we'll not have any size Yep, someone's outside. Okay, is she out in the car right now? She should be. She's usually in a big black SUV. Big black SUV? Older kind of suburban. Isn't that what she drives? >> Oh, if she sees me walking in, she'll she'll walk up. Well, how about I just go talk to her right now and tell her what's going on, all right? And that you're going to >> Her mom's not aware. Well, we called her. Okay, okay. So, I'm pretty sure she's aware. I've talked to her times throughout this whole process. Cuz usually your mom is your ride, right? Yeah. Ashlyn? Yeah, that's fine. We'll have her turn around and have her face me. Yep, do you have anything on you? I can take that off. Nope. Put it in the lock box. Ashlyn, so they don't get any tight. Okay. Hi, Carrie. Yeah. I'm Detective Beerstrom Des Moines Police Department. Sorry to bother you. That's okay. So, I have bad news. Um Ashlyn is going to go to jail today. Oh, for what? Well, in light of the whole situation, the charges were approved for of a dependent >> Okay. and some child things just related to the whole situation. I'm not the case agent. The case agent is in there. >> Can I come in and say goodbye? >> Absolutely, yeah. She wanted to see you and could you want to take her bag, too? That might might make it easier. >> Yeah, let me put my window up real quick. >> But I figured I'd just tell get you and let you know I knew you were out here, so How long will she be in there? I you know, honestly, that's going to be a She'll get booked in. I don't know what if she has a bond. She might have to see a judge and then they'll set a bond and figure all that stuff out. Okay. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Did you see Kaylee leave? Yeah, she's gone. Yeah. Okay, I just didn't want them to be sitting in the parking lot. It'll It'll be okay. Things will work out the way they're supposed to work out. Kaylee. Is Kaylee here? Okay, I will. All right, well, I appreciate your >> said he wasn't sure how long she'd be in there. Do you know the process for that? >> I don't know. It's It's going to be up to a judge. So, it'll be at least overnight. Could just see a judge in the morning. There's not a bond on this warrant. So, you will see a judge in the morning. But then from there, I I don't know and I just don't have any say in that. That's up to the judge on what kind of bond he would put on if any and then you know, your ability to to post that. Or if they do pre-trial, that's I I just don't have any part of that. So, I can't give you a a good answer for that. But it will at least be overnight, I can tell you that cuz there's not a bond, okay? Keep me updated, okay? So, Griffin is completely gone, we think. Okay, we wanted to make sure he was gone before we Yeah, he's little but it's still not something we want him to see. So, okay, if you've got her stuff, nothing else you need out of there, Ashlyn? No. Okay. All right, well, we're going to head outside then and next week she'll get phone calls and she can contact you cuz she's got your number, okay? All right, follow her, Ashlyn. I love you. I love you. Hop seat there. All right, hop out, Ashlyn. Go right out to that door. Just you get patted down. Not since we got in here. We got you. Yep, absolutely. If you're going to run, let me get out. She's got her her cell phone here. Hey, patrol, we need you. The woman was charged with endangerment, endangerment causing harm, and failure to provide proper care.