Most calls involving the vulnerable are tough to hear. [music] With some reveal neglect, that's on a whole different level. >> And you have a dog that's back here. >> We're going to walk over here and get these kids out next. >> Y'all so lame. >> Nobody's lame. It's the >> lame. >> Can you come over here? Mom can't move around with these cuffs. And when cops [music] discover kids left alone by parents who never should have had them in the first place, [music] the mission becomes clear. Get those children to safety >> because you left your children unattended. >> They were fine. >> Yeah, but they're a little young. >> And so my daughter knows the girl. She knows to stay home and you can mind your business. >> You're upsetting her and making her cry. I'm just walking down. >> No, you can close my door and get out of my house. They'll be dismissed. My cases are all dismissed. >> I'm sure the judge will love to hear you say that. Here are the times when cops find kids abandoned by heartless parents. Starting with the case of 10-year-old Rebecca Baptiste, discovered unresponsive beside a highway after fleeing her home in a final [music] attempt to escape. >> They found her in the wash. >> Okay. >> She's been unresponsive. >> Who's your parents? >> She was involved in an accident. >> She ran away. She had bruises on her hands and her arms and they took pictures and thought Becca had told her that he had done it. and kind of was her way to try to get taken out. >> On the 27th of July 2025, officers responded to a 911 call about a young girl found unresponsive near the side of a highway. The child was later identified as 10-year-old Rebecca [music] Baptiste. When the police officers arrived, they were met by her father and his girlfriend. And even more surprising was that they were both showing little to no concern [music] for what had just happened to young Rebecca. >> They found her in the wash. >> She's been unresponsive. We didn't know where to take her. There's no hospital near here. >> I do need to warn you. She has >> Who's your parents? >> Oh, sorry. She's respons laying in the washing. >> How long ago? >> I don't know how long it took us to to get here. 30 minutes to get here. >> We live uh 20 miles east of Petrify Forest. >> And you guys didn't call the ambulance. >> I was I was calling and I the phone kept dropping. I talked to a sheriff. >> There's no reception out there. >> It dropped. And I told her we were headed 20 m east of the petrified forest. This time I was trying to flag somebody down on the side of the road and I thought it would not be beginning CPR. Copy 42. First responders worked urgently to save her life while officers questioned the adults responsible for her care. But instead of clarity, their answers only deepened [music] the confusion. >> How long has it been since she's been responsive? >> We don't know. She ran away and they found her in the the dirt. We only know for as long as that he got her on the quad and waved us up. >> Where were you guys at? um >> east of Patrick Forest and we're like 20 20 minutes in. >> You're in Apache County. >> Yeah. Yeah, boys. I I we just moved here at the start of the month, so I'm still kind of getting uh >> She was involved in an accident. >> No, she ran away. She's on medication >> and she hasn't been she hasn't been on these medications about a month because we've been moving. >> Okay. And she ran away. >> Hold on a second. Sorry. What happened, guys? >> Ran away. And when they found her, just >> How long? >> We don't know. >> It's been at least 30 minutes. >> It took us like 30 minutes just to get here. >> How? >> Okay. Let's Let's get her in our rig. >> I think she's been down a while, though. But we'll just work her in a rig. Yeah. >> I didn't know where else to take. I don't know where the closest place was. >> Let's just like smack down right between here and that's it. Babe. >> Detectives pressed Richard for details. [music] Yet nothing he said brought them closer to the truth. >> How long has it been since you found her unresponsive? >> We don't know. The neighbor. >> When When did a neighbor bring her? >> It's 11:48. It had to have been probably close to 11. >> At least 30. >> At least 30. What's your neighbor's name? >> I don't know. I I just moved out here. Most of the people that most of the people that I know are relatives of my my uncle. So, I'm still getting used to the people. Who's Whose child? Is that hers, too? >> No. No, that's my girlfriend. Okay. >> Did you hear her any? >> No. Her name's uh Her name's Rebecca. >> I got to get her ID. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you >> You guys might have been closer to Poncho. >> We didn't know Poncho had facility that would be able to >> Well, EMS would be closer. >> That's That's why I was hauling ass the EMS center down there past um past the overpass. What's a good phone number for you? We started the day out with normal >> and she's been running away for the last like 3 or 4 weeks since we've been here. >> Okay. >> She ran away this morning. We went out and tried to find her and our neighbor found her. >> What time this morning? >> We got up about 9:30. So it would have been close to 10:30. >> So you guys saw her the night before? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. We were all We all sleep in the same same building. >> Okay. And then So you said she ran around that morning and you guys were trying to find her. >> This one? >> Yeah. This morning? Yeah. Yeah. This one? Yeah. >> And you guys went out trying to find her and then your neighbors found her. >> Neighbor found her. Yeah. >> Okay. What were they doing down there? How'd they find her? >> They were on quads. >> They were on their quads. Okay. And then they brought her to you. >> Yeah. >> At your house. >> Yeah. Well, it's technically was my great uncles. He recently, so we moved in there. >> Okay. Okay. So, that's kind of how people know us up there. >> Did she have any signs of life when she brought when she got brought to you? >> She was almost basically like this. She was slightly responsive. She was still breathing on her own. >> What do you explain to me what you mean responsive? >> Like she was just breathing on her own. >> Breathing on her own, >> but that was about it. >> And then as we were driving this way, started seeing color change in her lips and we were just all >> Okay. You said she >> Yeah, she got that when she was in Phoenix. >> Okay. >> She um she ran away. Do you guys take her to get treated for it? >> Yes, she has a primary care and then she also did a 7-day stay down. >> Okay. >> Fearing for the safety of the other children in his care, officers questioned him further. His responses echoed the same troubling pattern, reinforcing their suspicions. >> Hi guys. >> You guys doing okay? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, what happened today? >> Um, today she ran away. >> She ran away. >> Yeah. >> Okay. And then what happened? >> And then she came back home. >> Okay. when she came back home. How did that So, did mom and dad bring her home? >> No. Well, one of our um neighbors in their um they they saw them laying they they saw her laying down on the ground and then and then they brought her back. >> That's how they brought they brought her home. >> Okay. All right. What's your name? How you spell that? >> What's your last name? >> Okay. You like your dad? >> Do you know when you were born? >> It was then that the officers questioned Ania Woods, Richard's girlfriend. [music] By the way she spoke, it was clear she understood how serious the situation had become. Her version of events felt carefully arranged, as if she knew that she and Richard were in deep trouble and was trying to cushion the damage however she could. >> All right, ma'am. So, walk me through what happened today. >> We were outside starting the morning before I can get waters in the the bottles. She went running off again. >> Okay. You saw her run off. >> No, she disappeared. She We have them play in the yard and >> she was supposed to start. She was supposed to go stand in the shade and go wait for me because that's where we've been keeping her to be outside. She can't she can't be trusted in the building because she gets there. There's knives, weapons, there's everything. >> So, I had her standing outside. I turned around to go grab waters for bottles and she was gone. >> Okay. Um was she complaining of any pain, any sickness, anything like that? She's been she's been complaining of a headache. >> A headache. >> Ever since she ran away the first day, she's been complaining of a headache. >> Okay. She's been This is frequently running away lately. >> Yes, it's been it's three times in less than two weeks. >> She actually ran away a week before we moved out here since. >> Yeah. She actually jumped out the window. I was telling the other officer over there in the the beige that she just before we came up here, she I didn't tell him about the what he was bringing up. My dad brought up she just ran away before we came up here. That one was super scary. She jumped. She kicked out a screen and jumped out where the second store window a week before we moved here. It was last week of June. >> So, it sounds like there's been a history of behavioral issues. >> Yes. He was asking me if she had a history. She's had this long history of running away. >> Okay. >> So, I don't know exactly where. Do you know where they're going? Cuz >> LCMC >> Little Colorado Medical Center in Winsow. >> Will one of you guys be able to to like uh we follow someone that way? We don't know the >> I can just Google it. I >> Yeah, it's I'll I'll get you the address. >> All right. We're not We're not from this area. >> They go to LCMC >> most likely. Unless they got a pulse. >> Did they? >> I noticed when when he had handed her to us that that bulge in her chest and that was making me afraid of I didn't even think to start CPR. I just thought let me keep breathing for her and let's just go. >> Okay. But um I was telling that officer she has a long history of no like physical health conditions but it's mental health for like the last 3 years. >> Has she been seeing a provider for her mental health? >> We took her to Teros. She was seeing a psychiatrist there that put her on Teros. T E R R O S. >> Who's the doctor? >> Um it was starts with a K, but it's >> with a K. Last name is K. >> K. >> Yes. >> And then where was that? >> Um, it's in Phoenix. So, there's multiple offices, but it's one off of >> And what was that other street, babe? >> How long did she see them? >> She's been seeing them for like two and a half years. >> Investigators soon learned that this wasn't the first time state agencies had been involved with the family. interviews raised even more red flags, especially after discovering that Rebecca's biological mother was no [music] longer in the picture. >> And that that's where I was telling you, I told him the first time that you she ran away, she was taken over to Phoenix Children's Hospital and ended up she ended up on a 7-day hold, a psychiatric hold. Um, she has a long history with running to DCS and making up stories of her brothers. >> So, there has been DCS cases before. >> Yeah, they were. >> I just got them back from the state. >> Okay. Okay. Who is your case worker? >> No, there is none. Now, >> there who was? >> Uh, there was multiple. The last one was >> transferred to a different division. >> When was the last time you had contact with them? >> We The case was closed May and May of this year. >> May of last year. >> Last year. >> That's when we got our youngest back. >> Okay. >> And that's when the official case was closed. Her case was closed about a year before that. >> Okay. But she still while his case was open, DCS kept having new cases open because Rebecca would go to school, okay, and had all these different allegations. And what what was becoming alarming to not only her therapist, but just DCS workers was that she started having markings like she was she had bruises on her hands and her arms and they took pictures and thought Rebecca had told her that he had done it and it was her way to try to get taken out. The first time she ran away, she told us that she didn't want to live here. She was just trying to leave. But we explained to her, everyone explained to her the the dangers that come with this. She did she ran away like three days after that and then now this. But she's been complaining of headaches since the first day and basically dehydrated ever since the first day. I was telling him her mouth has been really bad since the first day. >> Okay, I need to talk with him real quick >> just cuz I don't know out here. Is this really the only way like it's just call 911 and hope the signal keeps going? We just kept losing the call the whole way up here. Well, you should probably when you get back home or something like that, just look at what's closer. Um, not necessarily. I mean, you could call, you know, way out there. EMS could have met you way out there um on the way. >> We were trying to call >> like that and I understand you guys do what you can. Okay. But, um, we'll let you guys get out of here and get to the hospital. Okay. >> So, let's go. Little Colorado Medical Center if you want to look it up on your phone. >> We do. >> Okay. >> So, let's just get there safely. Okay. Seat belts and equipment. >> Well, just try and get there for your daughter. Okay. >> Thanks, >> Jose. >> Rebecca was found severely dehydrated and malnourished. She was missing multiple toenails, suggesting [music] previous mistreatment long before the day that she was discovered. Her condition led medical personnel to conclude that she had beened with clear signs of ongoing. The school she [music] attended along with two of her siblings had reported concerns to the Department of Child Safety 12 times between November 2023 [music] and January 2025, including three reports in a single week. Court records later revealed more. 140 [music] pages of prior hospital documentation detailing injuries similar to those officers witnessed that day. Rebecca passed away [music] on July the 30th. 3 days after she was found. In the end, Richard Baptiste and Ania [music] Woods were charged with first-degree. And Rebecca's case was just as disturbing as this next one, where hikers and officers came across an unidentified victim [music] hidden in the brush. >> This a woman? >> No, it looks like a boy. I got a dead body in the bushes. Somebody was behind that house. >> On the 28th of May 2021, officers responded to urgent calls from a group of [music] hikers who had spotted an unresponsive individual near the bushes. When police arrived, they uncovered a disturbing scene that immediately raised alarms. >> How's it going? >> I told this guy not to put this trash in. Maybe there is some where >> right here just let me roll the window up. >> I see him taking trash. Maybe there is some evidence. So, let's >> Yeah. Hey guys, can you just hold on for a second? >> Thanks, man. I appreciate it. >> Where where is it at? Hang on. Hang on. Hang on. Come here. Come here. Come here. Come here. Come here. Just tell me where it's at real quick. So, I don't want to be walking where I might have some marks or anything. >> Yeah, I make accidental marks. So, I want to show you all the way closer. Please come. >> We're going This is this way. My need to go. You're supposed to go this way. So we go this way and the field and she start naked. >> Slow down. >> So I I was from there and she and you see I and I saw it here right there. >> Okay. My step. >> All right. Go wait over there by that sign. >> Okay. >> Questions piled up quickly. [music] The first officer found the remains with no belongings, no clues, and no witnesses. [music] No one had seen what happened, and no one even knew who the victim was. >> We got medical in route. It looks like it's going to be 419. And uh looks like it's going to be a [music] male, not a female. >> Yeah. Don't mistake, guys. >> Okay. Come back here. Come back here. >> Okay. So, those are two steps. >> Okay. Do you have your ID with you? >> Yeah. This is your car? >> Yeah, that's my car. >> Okay. I'm going to have to have you stay here for a while. Okay. >> So, I tell the ladies to go and hide on their own. >> Okay. Hey guys, I got a So, uh, if you could just leave the trash can, I don't know if I'm going to have any evidentiary value in there. So, >> it has it had locked that we we had access to. >> Okay. >> So, >> cool. There's no way they could they could have done anything inside, but yeah. Yeah, we can just leave it. >> Okay. I appreciate it. Did you already dump it or >> No, no, no. >> Just hook it up, but we can just leave it. >> Yeah, just leave it. And uh I don't I don't know if we're going to have anything in there, but yeah, just leave it. >> Do we get a check on these guys back here? >> On who? >> I can't I got to deal with this right now. >> Well, make sure it wasn't one of them that was over there. Yeah, I'll work on that when my partner gets here. So, cool. Thanks, man. I appreciate it. >> You need to talk to me? >> Yeah. I need your Do you have your ID? But they can go hiking. Yeah. I don't want to interrupt there. You know, the plants. >> Yeah. You're the one that found it. >> No, she she found it. She saw it first. >> I was at a party, so I went and I saw the person a lag there. Did you saw it? >> Yeah. >> It's a person. It's a dog. This a woman? >> No. Oh, it looks like a boy. >> Is it a boy? >> Yeah. >> EMS arrived to provide aid, but the circumstances [music] remained almost completely unclear. >> Uh, I got a body in the bushes. Are you able to pronounce cuz you're a paramedic or >> That's pronounced. >> Yeah, you got my blessing. >> All right. For the paramedic on AMR 111 419. Um, yeah. So, they were hiking. His wife came out here to take a leak in the bushes and saw the body. So, it's not sunburnt. So, I think it was obviously overnight. >> But I have homicide ID and everybody else coming out. So, are you guys able to I I don't know if ID is going to want all of our shoe prints. Are you guys uh able to stick around for a while? >> Absolutely. We have no >> Okay. I'm pretty sure they I mean, I don't know how far they're going to take it or what their their deal is, but uh and here's the deal. I need you guys, if you could, to just hang out by the tree. I have detectives on the way out, and I want to try to limit everybody's movements here as much as possible. You think you'd be able to help me out with that? We don't need fire, right? >> I already canled them, but they'll come anyway if they think it's cool. Just so they can like >> Well, they're not coming in my scene. >> I was going to say tell them not to over. I already cancelled. >> Yeah, I got the whole works coming out, so I'm trying to limit uh all the footprints and everything I got. So, um I don't know. Hey, is this BLM or US? >> Uh, depends. >> Right up there where that cone is. >> US Forest Service. >> Forest Service >> might be. >> I need to find out. >> You need to call your boss right now. >> Okay. >> And he's already been made aware of it, but you definitely want to get ahead of that. Who's that? >> That's witnesses. To the right of that cone is Hey, Sergeant. What's up? Hey, sorry. I've been uh a little inundated with the tasks over here. Um, so I got a uh what looks to be 12 to 14year-old Asian uh male dumped in Yeah, it looks like strangulation. Yeah, I got to call 911, figure out if this is Forest Service or BLM or US. I got to call Ray Spencer back. Then I got to call Isaac Uton. Yeah, he I was on the line with Spencer when he was calling me. Yeah. No, it's it's very accessible. It's literally like maybe 150 to 200 y off of the 160. No, no, it's right before. So when you're going up, right before you hit pinion, you know that little dirt parking lot with all the trees? That's off to the We're right there. By this point, investigators estimated the victim to be a young teen around 12 to 14 years old. Specialized units were [music] called to try and unravel the mystery. >> What's up? >> When I got here, there was a biker sitting. There's three here. M biker >> sitting with the the red thing or whatever. So, when we she start yelling and uh and I start after I found it, I start making phone call walking this way. He kind of drove it closer, but then he took off. I didn't pay attention. >> Okay. >> Too much. >> You guys okay? >> I like investigating war. I will and I knew it. I screw with stepping in front right away. And I because she started yelling. So I I was looking naked man. I was thinking some idiot exposing the self to in the wood. So I I make it from the trail to set and that was in front of me. I didn't pay. >> It's fine. >> All right. Um I got some more stuff I got to do and then a whole bunch of people are going to be showing up. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Hi. Yeah. My name's Pete. >> Joseph. >> Joseph. Nice to meet you. Um, >> they didn't go up towards the scene, correct? >> Who? >> Your friends. >> We pass all by. >> Okay. >> This lady and this show the pearls. >> Okay. >> No, I was looking to push >> because we here we parked right here and we her and me, we went on the trail. Yeah. We start walking and they need bathroom. So they they went this to the bushes and just no 30 seconds after we get from the car she hear naked body or naked body on the ground or something like that. This lady understood snake and I hear snake force too. Snakes I know and and then she say no naked body naked body. So I was on the track and I I start looking kind of far if I see something. It was in front of me and I actually leave the two imprints from me >> because I was just walking and I >> Do you have your IDs with you? >> Yeah, but we have to >> I'm not going to have you fill out a statement. I just need to document it that you're here. >> Yeah, he didn't give it to me my ID. >> Yeah, I still have it. >> Yeah. >> Oh, it was you? >> Yep. No, no, no. It was the other guy. But I have it now. >> Okay. We are so >> I'll make sure you get it back. Trust me. We we have destroyed the thing where it's supposed to be done. >> Well, we'll get you guys out of here shortly. Okay. We'll do our best. >> Not not right now. >> Thank you. >> Mine. >> That's okay. >> I don't know when going to send it. >> G. >> Perfect. Thank you. Neighbors nearby felt something wasn't right but couldn't pinpoint what it was. None of them realized just how close the truth actually [music] was. >> We were wondering one if you know your neighbors. >> We don't that that alarm that's been going off for like 2 weeks. Is that what you're talking about? >> No. There what happened was is there was a homicide right behind your house. >> Oh. >> And we wanted to know if you guys heard anything from the hours last night from >> coyotes and my dogs are going crazy about 11:30. >> Yeah. Somebody was behind that house. >> It's >> Oh, >> you know where the archery range? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> It's right across from there. >> Oh, in the round area. The parking area. >> No, it it's on this side of the street. So, it's literally If we go to your backyard, you could probably see where we're working. >> Okay. So, I told him I heard coyotes at 11:30. >> It was a strange coyote. I don't think that's We're just going around and talking to the neighbors, finding out. >> Did you hear anything? Did you see anything? Did you >> Our dog got excited about the coyotes last night. That's what we thought it was. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. No, >> he's got the best cameras >> next door. This great house. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Um but she has an alarm, like I said, that's been going off for like 3 weeks. So, >> okay. Anybody hear anything from 5 5:00 p.m. to 7 a.m.? >> See any cars? anything like that in you know but the coyotes howling and stuff like that at 11:30 might have been a good chance that that's >> it 11:30 >> I know it was 11:30 I looked at the clock but >> well I mean maybe they came across the body at that time I don't know he's satisfied >> the body was later identified 11 days later as Liam Houston a boy with autism from San Jose California later admitted that she had grown frustrated with his triggers and him for nearly 15 [music] minutes, leaving him there without calling for help. She eventually gave a full confession in court. In the end, the mother, Samantha Marino Rodriguez, was convicted of secondderee and sentenced to 17 to 20 years in prison. The last case reveals how deeply things can go [music] wrong when a caregiver loses control. But this next one uncovers a different kind of threat. in a collect so severe it nearly [music] put six lives at risk. >> Okay. >> Ran in cuz my sister >> ran in. How long? >> Not long. >> She's been here an hour. >> We're going to walk over here and get these kids out next. >> Well, >> I don't appreciate the attitude. They're young. It's hot. >> I know it wasn't long. Um, how long? >> Pretty aware. >> I'm not answering that. >> Can we just rewind, man? Little >> on the 19th of June 2023, officers were dispatched to a parking lot after reports that several children had been left alone inside multiple vehicles. The scene looked unsettling and the cars appeared abandoned. Yet, there wasn't a single adult anywhere nearby. The kids had been trapped inside for nearly an hour before an officer finally located the woman responsible. [music] Agreeing that it might have been a mistake, the cop didn't expect to meet with one of the most careless parents she would ever encounter. 104. I'm going to have three children in that vehicle. Probably all under the age of five. It's been an hour I got here. It's been an hour. They've been here for over an hour. Hi. >> Hi. N both. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Ran in cuz my sister >> ran in. How long? >> Not long. >> She's been here an hour. >> I don't care. I don't care. It's 86° outside. You have three There's three children under the age of five. in that vehicle I'm going to pursue and probably three under the age of five in that vehicle I'm going to presume. Is that correct? >> Okay. >> So, you have six children in two vehicles unattended. >> Right. >> Where's your information? >> I don't have my information. >> You have no information. How did you drive two vehicles here? >> No. My I told you I met my sister here. >> Okay. Open the door and start getting kids out. It is 86°. You have a baby and a carrier in that one. You have three ch How old is the youngest that's on >> How old is the youngest that's on the phone in there? You can't even get the doors open for these kids. Does the driver's side door open? >> Yes, it does. They all open. >> Go open it up. >> I know what I'm doing. >> I'm not worried about whether you know you don't know what you're doing. You have six children unattended. No, you don't. >> Yes, I do. >> Two cars and I just have a adult that came out. I know. I'm trying to get her to open the car so I can get the kids out, though. Thus far, she has no information. I'm trying to get kids out because it's hot and she can't get the doors open. >> Yes, I can. >> Okay, on the radio. >> Instead of acknowledging the danger the children were in, the woman tried to downplay everything and act as if the officer was the one being unreasonable. >> Let me have the keys. >> No, I could do it. >> No, it's not a question of whether you can. I want the kids out. >> And you have a dog that's back here. >> We're going to walk over here and get these kids out next. >> Well, >> I don't appreciate the attitude. Here's where I'm at. I got six children that I am going to yell at you because you're not leaving once you get the kids out. >> Yes, I am. >> No, ma'am. You're not. >> Yes, I am. >> No, I'm sorry. >> I don't give a [ __ ] what a [ __ ] got to say. I'm going based off of what she's saying. You don't even know the whole truth. So, you >> I don't need to know the whole truth. You're not even These kids are not even allowed to be unattended in a vehicle at all. >> I could run in for an emergency not for children. Yes, I can. >> No, I'm sorry. >> Show me the law book. >> I will show you the law book. >> Show me the law book. >> Get the kids out first. >> Girl, bye. [ __ ] out of here. >> There's too much going on out here for y'all to be worried about some straight up. >> You're right. People stealing vehicles and three kids are six kids are in two cars. >> Girl, bye. Ain't no vehicle being stolen. You're you're you're making >> No, I'm not making anything up. >> Yes, you are. >> Let's get the kids out. Shut the up. >> Officer Bennett, there's still a puppy that needs to come out of this Acura that's in the trunk. >> Yay. >> Y'all so lame. >> Nobody's lame. It's the lame. That's fine. You guys are lame. >> That's fine. You can call us lame. That's fine. Sorry people are worrying about your children. >> Girl, bye. That's not worrying about my children. That's overstepping. >> They're overstepping. You want to sit around? That's cool. >> I am sitting around cuz you're not leaving. >> I am leaving because >> Okay. Hello. How you doing? >> Good until now. >> Why is that? >> Cuz allegations, of course. But you know, >> allegations obviousations, actually. >> Because you left your kids in the car. >> No one left the kids in the car. >> Well, you weren't here when I came to the cars, so therefore they're left. >> So therefore, they're left. >> What's up, kid? High five. >> Where was I? Where did you come from? >> You don't even know where you are. >> You don't even know where you are. >> So, where were you? I went to go get my sister a diaper because she's changing a baby inside as well. So, we're multitasking. No one left for a long time. >> Okay. Now that the kids are out of the car, I need you to start finding me some identification identification. >> Okay, then you can start providing me your name. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> Okay. So, we have three kids in this vehicle. These three here. Three kids. And there's still a puppy in the Acura. >> You're not You're not free to go. Hang on. >> You're not free to go from here. >> All right, ma'am. You're going to make this harder than it needs to be. >> Okay. So, what do you need? I don't have my information to choose my first amendment. And I'm not going to give my information and that's it. You don't have a choice at this point to give your information. >> Yes, I do. >> You really want to do this? >> No. What? What is the problem? Why are you guys four? >> With six children distressed and multiple officers growing [music] increasingly concerned, it was clear that the situation wasn't calming down anytime soon. provide me information or we're going to just put all the kids in cars and we'll go to the police station so we can fingerprint. >> Okay. You guys really want to do that today? >> 100%. >> Okay. >> I at least know that they'll be cool and they'll be in a place for a little bit where they can get some food and water. >> So, what's the last name? >> Oh, my kids look starved and thirst. Okay. >> Well, they look hot and in distress. >> Okay. So, >> what's the last? >> Yes. My sister's here. >> Who's your sister? Where's she? >> She's inside. And you got these are all your kids or some of them your sister? >> Some are my sister's kids, too. >> It was quick. I was just giving her diapers cuz she has another child. That's it. It's >> What's the last name? We can get this ball rolling a little bit faster if you would just provide the information. You're just making it more difficult and you're just putting on a show at this point. >> You guys are putting on a show. >> Looking for the welfare of your kids. Yes. Call us crazy. >> What other girl? >> Call us crazy. Whatever, girl. I'll start grabbing car seats so we can take them off to the police department. >> You're not taking my kids. >> You're not taking my kids. You're not taking my kids. >> What am I under arrest for? And what are you going to take my kids for? >> You're being detained for the welfare. >> No, I'm not being detained. >> I would like to aid to a supervisor then because >> my supervisor right here. >> We need to move your kids. This young lady wants to leave. We got to move them this way. Let's go into that empty parking space over there, please. >> Do you have a lock for the car seats? >> What do you mean this? >> Yes, a lock. So they don't go backwards. I was getting to it. >> I'm just asking. >> I know. And I'm responding. Your question. Okay. >> Give your date of birth. >> Like cuz I know how you guys are. You guys going to try to make a report. >> There is already a report. >> We got called here. There's a report regarding. >> I didn't just drive by and see, >> right? So we got called. So now a report has to be done. >> When the woman's sister finally arrived, officers [music] hoped that they had found someone trustworthy who would step in. But that hope evaporated quickly once they noticed troubling behavior that raised [music] even more alarms. >> Where's your sister right now? After she's done taking care of the other child, >> she still hasn't given you her information. >> No. >> Is that Is that your sister right there? Hi. >> Hello. Which vehicle is yours? >> Okay. I'm talking to you. >> Which vehicle is yours? >> Yeah. Someone called and said that we got So, who will call? Some person concerned of the children in vehicles. >> They're fine. I had my phone on. >> Okay. They're young. It's hot. >> I know. It wasn't long. Um, >> how long? >> Pretty aware. >> I'm not answering that. >> You're not answering any >> This is too much. You're under arrest. What? Where? What? >> I have our kids. >> We can talk. >> I lost my kid's father. >> All you gave was a smart answer back. >> No, I didn't. >> Yes, you did. You were aware of how long. Answer my question. My question was how long? >> I'm not going to answer questions. >> Great. So, that's fine. So, the kids are coming with us and you'll go to the police department. >> Oh my god. The medics are coming to check out your kids to make sure your kids are fine because they were left in the car. >> Right now, I'm in a panic. I don't want to say nothing stupid where I'm going to get my sentence recorrected and recorrected. >> Give all of your information to >> I'm going to get I'm going to get the information, but please can we just have some humane? Please. Come on, man. You don't got to always be the bad guy, man. I understand. I understand. Can we just rewind, man? >> Little too late for >> Why is it too late? You guys are making it too late. You guys know that. >> Come over here. It's okay. Look it. It's okay. >> Can you come over here? Mommy can't move around with these little sound. >> At that point, any excuses [music] they tried to offer didn't matter. The law wasn't going to overlook what had just unfolded. >> Nobody touch my kids. >> I'm saying nobody trustworthy over there either. You stay safe if you're in the car and get kidnapped in the damn mall. We don't even come outside. That makes me not want to go outside at all now. Can't go in the public nowhere cuz everybody's all in your >> Sarah. Just so you understand here with DCFS. So, if I can just reiterate and make sure you understand, today you're going to be charged with three counts of all three children. Okay. You are receiving an eyebond. You will be released in a little bit. Okay. The children right now are still at the hospital. They're waiting on from for the hospital to discharge and release the kids. It is five working business days. So, you are not able to come and take the kids within those 5 days. So, you may not just come in and pop pop by and take them or, you know, go for a walk or anything. Mr. I just want to make you aware. I'm going to go finish the paperwork on my end today. You're being charged with three counts of for the three children that were left in the car. Okay? So, I'm just making you aware of that. Just so you know, when I come back here and book you, it's going to be for those three charges. >> Security footage later confirmed the truth. The sisters [music] had left the children in those vehicles for nearly 3 hours, long enough for a scorching summer day to turn. In the end, both were charged with child endangerment. Rebecca's case was devastating, and this next one shows a very [music] different kind of danger. A know-it-all mother who was convinced that she could do no wrong when it came to her children. And if Sulive AFD takes my own children, I will be suing the officers and everything. >> You're ridiculous. Why don't you mind your business? Don't touch my kids. I don't give you permission. [screaming] young children had been left [music] alone. When they spoke with the mother, she insisted nothing was wrong and brushed off any concern about leaving the kids unsupervised. >> Hello, this is Officer Shawn Delaney with the Albuquerque Police Department. Is this Samantha Sanchez? Well, I'm trying to get a hold of you because uh I'm at your apartment with your unattended children and I was wondering where you were at. Okay. How long are you planning on being gone? Okay, we'll see you shortly. How far out are you? >> Okay, that's a wise off. We'll see you when you get here. >> What's that? >> What do you mean off? >> Yeah. Why are you here? >> Because you left your children unattended. >> They're fine. >> Yeah, but they're a little young. >> And so my daughter knows the drill. She knows to stay home and you can mind your business. And yeah, >> I could mind my business if there wasn't a violation of There's not a violation of a law. You just need to mind your business. >> No. 7. >> So, who the who the You know what? Get away from my house. >> Okay. There's an officer inside your apartment. >> Is there? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Did you call the cops on me? >> No. >> Frank. >> Excuse me. You can like take your tone down in my house. >> So, you don't need to yell at your kids because you left them here. You understand that? >> She They're taken care of. They know better. >> They know better than what? >> They know. They They always stay home. >> Can you and I talk outside, please? >> No, you can mind your business. >> Okay. >> I have the right to >> This is This is a investigation. Okay. >> No, it's not an investigation. They're not even been >> It is This is a neglect. >> They're notation. >> They're not. >> Can you like come out? Go in. Go inside. >> I would like her to stay inside and I don't want to see I want her to see her mom upset like this. Can you come on cuz I want to talk. >> Instead of acknowledging the issue, she only [music] kept defending every decision as if the rules simply didn't apply to her. With every minute that passed, her explanations became harder to believe. >> You call the cops on me. >> She didn't. >> All right. Cops on me. First off, I want to know who called the cops on. >> First of all, there's a few things we need to work out before you decide who which of your neighbors ratted on you. >> Yes. Who snitched on me? I want to know who it was first. And then second of all, >> so you don't see a problem with leaving your children? >> No, because they've been here all the time. They do this all the time and they're taking care of. >> So you're upsetting her and making her cry just walking down? >> No, you can close my door and get out of my house. That's what you can >> criminal investigation. >> No, it's not. It's not. Nothing's been criminally done. >> Actually, this is a crime. >> No, it's not. Okay. Well, I'm going to leave, sir. So, um you can like >> So, are are you requesting that uh CFD takes your children? Is that what you're requesting? And if I lived takes my um children, I will be suing the officers and everything. >> So right now, this is >> what you've done here is >> take the lawsuit. >> Take the lawsuit. Okay, then get >> So are you wanting to go to jail? Is that what you're wanting? >> I'm not even doing anything wrong to my kids. My kids are taken care of. >> Everything's fine. >> So here's the thing. You're making her upset right now. Okay. >> You can talk to her for a second, but we need we need to sort this out and leave them out of the >> No, you left your kids alone and that's why we're here. Ina, they have everything. They are fine, officer. >> Yeah. >> Yes, we're fine. Why are you picking on us? >> Then or what do you want to do? >> I guess if she's not going to cooperate. >> What is wrong? Why? No, I don't want to be under. >> We can either have a conversation about this civily or you can go in the back of a police car. Do you understand how that works? >> Okay. Well, let's talk and you need to do your voice down about >> so that you're not upsetting her so much. >> I don't need to walk away from my doorway, sir. So, let's talk. Go ahead and put your hands behind your back. >> I want to talk. >> Put your hands behind your back. >> Tensions escalated quickly. She put her hands on the officers and even claims [music] that she planned to take legal action against them. >> Don't pull away from us. We don't >> go to my car. Hurry. Go to my car and tell Thurman to come get the van. The baby I need another cup. This is ridiculous. >> You're ridiculous. Why don't you mind your business? >> Stop pulling away from us. Stop fighting. >> Get off of me now. >> Get off. Get >> on your stomach. >> Oh my. Get off of me. [screaming] >> Let go of this stuff. Wake up. This is my living in there like that. >> Stop this. >> Operate with this. >> Let me up now. >> I guess another unit, please. >> Get off me. Let me up. >> Where's the child? >> I got a person coming. >> Get off. Get off. Get [screaming] off me. >> Stop kicking. >> Stop kicking the police. >> No. Get the [ __ ] out of your house. Sir, are you involved in this? >> Get the >> Okay, just give us >> Just give us a second. Okay. >> Meanwhile, her children were safe with [music] other officers, but she kept lashing out with no clear reason for the hostility. [screaming] >> Just stay down there, sir. >> Okay. >> Where's the young child? Okay. Is she safe? >> Yeah. Stop fighting with me. >> I'm 300 lb. I can do whatever. >> Stop pinching me. Are you serious? >> Yep. >> Wow. >> Get off of me. >> Cooperate with this. >> If you stop attacking us, >> if you stop attacking us, we can get off of you. >> I said get the off me now. I can't breathe. >> Then you need to stop resisting us. >> Stop fighting with us. >> Do you need anything from me? >> Your side. >> Fin. Burn. >> What? >> The phone. My phone and my keys. Do you got them? >> I don't got them. I'll get him. >> I need to talk to you cuz I'm here. >> Don't come over here. >> So, one of the children is with somebody over there in the parking lot. Okay. The baby's in there. >> If you want to grab him, that's fine. >> Leave my kids alone. Don't touch my kids. I don't give you permission. >> No. >> Okay. Yeah, I'm okay with that. >> Let me up. >> Stop fighting with us. Sure. Let me >> stop fighting with us. >> I said, "Get up." >> And I said, "Stop fighting with us. >> Off me. >> Stop fighting with us. >> Get off me. >> My toes. >> Stop pulling away from me. >> Off me. Let me up. >> Run, Nikki. I need to pull. >> Let me Let me up. Let me up. Ow. Ow. My leg. Stop pulling away from me. [crying] >> You understand that? >> I can't breathe. >> Then stop it. [screaming] >> Stop grabbing me. >> Things only got worse when she refused to follow basic instructions. >> You pig. >> This is ridiculous. >> You're ridiculous. >> Unreal. >> You're unreal. >> Unreal. >> Mind your business. >> This is our business. No, it's not. >> Now you have to go to jail for battery on the police officer. >> I don't give a what I got to do and I'm not cooperating. So there's that. >> Just to remind you being recorded. >> Everything's being recorded here. You understand that? >> I don't give a what's recorded. You little >> arrest. >> You're hurting my arm. >> Huh? >> Just stop pulling away from us. >> Go to my car. Tell my home girl I'm getting arrested. Tell her that she can stay the night in my house. I give her permission. >> Off me, bro. My arm is hurting. Get off. All I ask is to get off this dog. Get off of me. >> What did she say? >> There's dog on me. Come on. Get off. Let me up. My god. Let me up. Please let me up. >> We're still here with the subject. She's still fighting with us, but we got her in handcuffs. We got a couple other subjects around us, too. But they're uh they're staying back. >> There's dog right here. Can I please get up? >> Where is it? >> Right in front of me. I want to get off the floor. >> Okay, you stop wiggling around. We'll move you away from me. >> Did you hear her last question? >> Please just let me up. >> I can't hear anything with this. >> It's awful. >> Yeah, >> my arms. Everything hurts. Come on, let me up. >> Yeah. Negotiate. [clears throat] Let me up. >> Stop. >> I keep telling you, you stupid. >> Don't you hear me to let me up? >> Stop moving. >> No. >> By then, she was fully convinced she could file a lawsuit against the police. An idea completely unsupported by the situation. >> When you break anything on me, I will sue you. Let me up. Let me up. >> Stop moving. I said, "No, I have the right to move." >> So, the guy that was kind of bothering us walked away, so that's better. What do you think? >> He's going to We're going to have to get her in the car, but it's going to be uh we're going to have to drag her. >> No, no dragging. Please. >> Yeah. >> I can walk. I promise. I can walk. Oh, my arm. My arm. If Samantha >> Samantha, >> please let me up. Officer, >> Samantha, you got to cooperate. >> I know, but let me get up and I'll cooperate. Stop. >> Well, then let me, >> bro. [screaming] Come on. >> Stop pinching me. >> I'm not even pinching you, you stupid. My head's far away from you. Let me up. My arm is hurting. [screaming] Turtle. >> I can't breathe. I don't want to get out. >> Stop moving. Shut the You're ugly as [ __ ] Oh my [screaming] [laughter] my arm. My arm. My arm. I can't breathe. >> Get both of them. >> Hold on. [screaming] Why are you guys so mean? >> Kicking us. Take deep breaths. Try to relax. >> Let me open up this nasty tight. >> Why is pulling it off of me? >> Oh, why is this hurting me? Ow. This one's hurting my arm. It's not moving. >> By now, she believed that the cops were wrong in this situation. >> You guys are wrong. This is so unnecessary. >> What you did was unnecessary. >> No, he came at me the wrong way. >> Let me go. >> Not too tired. >> Let me go. That hurt. >> A little bit. >> Listen, your yelling and screaming is not making it anything better. >> Leave me alone. I wasn't even [crying] doing anything wrong. >> So, right now, we're past that point. Okay, >> let me go. >> Take some deep breaths. >> Let me try to calm down a little bit. >> I don't want to talk. >> I hate you guys. >> Okay. >> No. >> So, what's going to happen next? We'll >> probably bring him to [crying] do anything wrong. My children are falling. Let me go. >> Well, just let me get up. >> Get your phone. Don't worry about that. >> I want my baby daddy to have my phone. And you guys need to stop minding your business. >> Tell this landlord to go away. >> I'll stay here with their property. >> No, these things are too tight. I'm not walking until they're looser. Well, we can't do it until we get the girls. [clears throat] Okay. >> I can't walk. They're too painful. >> Samantha, your daughter wants to know if she can have her phone. Would that be okay for me to give that to her? >> I didn't even do anything wrong. >> Okay, >> go ahead. Just get my keys and my phone and go give it to my baby daddy. >> Can you get my phone and my keys to my baby daddy, please? We >> will. We'll we'll make sure all that gets there. Okay. >> Please. We said yes. >> Can you loosen them? They hurt and I want my slippers. >> I'm not walking on these floors. They're infested. [laughter] [crying] [laughter] >> Okay. Have everything you need asking you to do. Okay. Take small steps. Take small steps. Here you go. [laughter] Third, take my keys and my phone. >> I didn't even do anything wrong. My kids are fine. Third, >> let me talk to Please let me talk to my baby daddy. Please Samantha, please let me talk to my baby daddy. My daughter's dad's right there. Let me talk to him. >> Let us in the car. >> No, I want to talk to him. >> You get to us to you. >> We can stand here all day. Please just let me talk to my baby daddy. [snorts] >> We already loosened them up for you. >> I want to talk to my baby daddy cuz I need to tell him something. >> Get in from the car because you're going to jail anyway. >> Let go of me. I can walk on my own. >> No, please. Take your arm off me. >> That's not how it works. >> I hate you. I take all of you. You guys don't even give me a drug. Why are you here for me when this whole place is infested with? >> When it finally hit her that she was being taken into custody, she shifted into full dramatic mode, crying, yelling, and hoping to sway the officer's sympathy. It didn't work. >> I'm going to So, she asked the security to her baby daddy. >> Um, I picked up her ear. >> Can I please talk to my daughter's dad? >> Yeah. >> From the cop car. Yeah. The kids are in the front office right now. >> If you guys want to help. >> No, I want my daughter's dad to have my daughter. >> Okay. >> We got to handle all the semantics of Ty. >> You guys don't even let me talk. >> Let us let us. >> No, cuz you guys already want to use force on me anyway. >> You were the ones on top of me. >> Dad, how does that feel? made me disappointed. >> Let me talk to my daughter's dad. My son's dad is an MPT. >> First getting here. >> Let me talk to him now. >> I can't do anything. >> How are you going to expect somebody to jump? >> I was involved. So, let me just do everything. >> These things hurt. You want the seat belt now or you want that? >> I will get dismissed anyways. >> There's no evidence. >> Besides battery officer, you're fighting. That's it. The >> fact that you weren't here. >> No, there isn't. >> They'll get a negative. They'll be dismissed. My cases are dismissed. >> I'm sure the judge will love to hear you say that. Yep. >> Let me talk to my daughter's dad. >> Now, please >> I get crazy when somebody yells at me like that. Or >> you get all you get all crazy or what? >> Yeah. I'm nice. I'm nice if you talk to me. Nice. You know what I mean? It's It's just normal thing. I'm sorry. >> As long as >> In the end, she was transported and booked on multiple charges, including offenses against law enforcement, child abandonment, and driving without a license. Months later, the situation took an even more disturbing turn when she was arrested again. This time for injuring her young son in a horrific way. Off his toes. And then [music] there's Patricia Bronson, a mother who left her toddlers alone and acted as if accountability didn't apply to her. >> I know. Listen. >> So, you can't do that. >> You endangered these children. >> But you you don't understand. I will lose my job. You're right. You're going to ruin my life. I just lost my >> thought about that. I But I'm so sorry. >> How long did you know that the children were left unattended? >> I know. I know. I know. I should never have. This was the stupidest thing I've ever seen. >> Listen to me. If you knew. On the 7th of October 2023, police officers were dispatched to a beach after reports that her mother had left her two toddlers alone for more than 15 minutes while she went to park her car. What she didn't seem to grasp was that every [music] choice she made carried real consequences. >> No, I like >> I don't have a choice. I don't have a choice. >> Sir, please. I literally last time she flipped me like she does not matter. >> This is crazy. No, there's so many people here like they're invasion. >> No, listen. >> Sir, you can't do this. >> You endangered these children. But you you don't understand. They would be more like like >> sir, they we're here every week. They could swim amazingly. Go chase her. Please go chase her. No. This is crazy. I can't. Sir, I cannot. Please. I'll do anything. I'll do anything. I'll do anything. Please. You cannot arrest me. Please. >> I will lose my I will lose my job. You're right. You're going to ruin my life. I just have thought about that. But I'm so sorry, sir. I just thought about last time her her flipping it. I was right there and it was just going to be 5 minutes. You know, everybody here, please. My sister was right there. She was coming right then. >> No, your sister wasn't. >> Is your sister here now? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, [music] you can walk to my car. >> Please sir, please don't. >> Or I can take you to this. Please don't do this. Please do not arrest me. >> Listen to me. Do not force me. What is going on? >> Do not force me. Come to my car. >> Okay. Come to my car and don't make a scene for yourself here. Okay? >> Come to your car. No. No. >> This is crazy. I'm so sorry. Like, >> sir, please don't do this. I will lose my house. I'll lose my job. I'll lose everything. I'll lose my kids. >> Okay. Give me the wallet. Give me the wallet. >> Okay. I am going to put handcuffs on you. >> Oh my god. Are you serious? >> Oh my god. Oh my god. Are you serious right now? Oh my god. Sorry. Sorry. Please don't do this. This is nuts. Oh my god. I have I'm going to I'll lose my job. I'm going to lose everything. >> Well, that's something you should have thought about before you left the kids unattended. Okay. >> Oh my god. I was going to be I was right back. I was right there. No, you've been gone a lot longer than 15 minutes. >> I was going to be gone like 3 minutes over there. They >> were gone. It doesn't matter. >> Sir, please don't do this. Please don't. You have kids. You have kids. Seriously. >> And I wouldn't leave my kids out of time. >> I'm telling [laughter] you, we're here all the time. >> Grab a seat. Grab a seat. Sir, please grab a seat. >> Please don't do this. >> Grab a seat. >> Please don't do this. Please. >> Does it say to have shoes for you? >> Just grab a seat. Relax. >> Please don't do this. Please. I can't drink a year and a half ago. Like, please. Please don't do this. Please don't do this. I just love my husband. Please, please don't do this. Please don't do this. >> Is your sister Are you able to leave your si the kids with your sister? >> Okay. What's your sister's name? >> Okay. >> By the time officers spoke with Patricia's sister and brother-in-law, both were defensive and trying [music] to shield her from responsibility, but their efforts weren't going to change the situation or erase what had already happened. >> How you doing? Are you dad? >> No, I'm not dad. >> You're not dead? I'm uncle though. >> Uncle to them. To >> not to them. I don't know who these kids are anymore. >> Can I speak to you? >> Okay. So, I'm going to leave the care with you with the kids. These sisters being arrested. >> I do appreciate. >> Okay. You want to talk? >> You walk away. I don't have nothing to do. >> That's fine. All right. Come on over here for a minute. >> My 13-year-old can watch the children right now. >> I'm not going to. >> Okay. So, >> I don't live here. I live in Cincinnati. I don't know what's going on. We just showed up. We were late coming. Okay. We were >> So, you guys are all together. We're all together. >> Okay. >> We were supposed to have a nice beach day. >> Okay. Let's Let's use some common sense here, right? We're all adults. >> Yes. >> Where in anybody's right mind would you leave a 2-year-old and a six-year-old unattended? Don't speak until I'm done. >> Cuz this is really >> Would you leave your kids unattended? Would you drop them off here knowing that there's tourists that come through here? We don't know who comes through here. It's a public place. Anybody could snatch those kids and walk off cuz nobody knows who they are or who they belong to. >> And just leave them here to go park a car for more than 15 minutes. Who would in their right mind would do that? Would you do that for your kids? >> I would not. >> Okay, >> I'll let you continue. >> All right. >> So, under Florida statute laws, that's a felony. >> Okay. It's endangering the welfare of a child and leaving unattended and unsupervised. Then they walk off to the water where thankfully these good people grab the 2-year-old and stop them. And the excuse that I get from the mom is, "Well, they can swim better than me." So that's basically telling me, "You don't care if your 2-year-old goes into the ocean. I can swim real good, too." But I would just I mean, let's use some common sense here for that. >> Okay. So So that is >> Let me say this. Okay. My sister and her husband are currently separated. They are going through a divorce. They are used to coming here together with the kids. He was coming here today. >> Where were you when when she dropped the kids off? Were you with her? >> We were running late. >> So, you weren't with her? >> Not here. >> We were in our own vehicle. >> Okay. >> Don't you think it'd be appropriate if your sister would have said, "Hey, let's wait for you to get here. When you get here, can you keep an eye on the kids? I'm going to try to find a parking spot and vice versa." >> Sure. No. And I'm not I'm not disagreeing with them. Okay, >> I've now heard five different times of how long these children were left and I understand that 2 minutes is too long. I I understand that. So, I've heard 15 minutes. I've heard >> I don't want to know what you heard from them. I want you to talk to me in reference to >> How long do you How long did you know that the children were left unattended? [music] >> For well over 20 minutes and I'll take witness statements and make your sister has the right in court. >> Sure. >> She's an attorney, right? So, [music] um >> so I've heard I've heard like five different times. >> I know. I I understand that. I understand. >> I leave it unattended for 5 minutes. >> I I completely I completely agree with you. I completely agree with you. >> I mean, look at that little girl. That little girl's been running off all over the place since I got here. >> And no other stranger should be trying to restrain that little girl. Could be a family or a parent. I >> I understand. >> You know, >> even as they pushed [music] for leniency, the damage was done and nothing could undo the risk the children had been put in. stupidity and lack of common sense when [music] you don't that little girl could have walked off into the road. Somebody could have drove and ran her over all kinds of [music] my niece. So I I'm fully aware and I fully agree with you. >> And as parents and family members, >> our number one priority is to keep the safety of our children. >> Understood. >> Okay. When you have something like that, >> we are down here visiting because >> I can't turn a blind eye to it. >> Yeah, I understand. We were right. So let me ask you this. So we're [music] right behind them, right? trying to get here as fast as we can, but then the speed limits and things like that, right? >> See, they were left here for fun. >> Is there anything we could do to ask her to get >> the the only thing you could do is we can get her rollerblades off and get some kind of better footwear for her. >> Okay. She's already in cups. >> And she's already in the backseat of my car. That's >> why she in the back. [music] >> Okay. You do see that we're right here. Like sir, I'm I really am asking and that story that she told is a real story that she her now ex or soon to [music] be ex-husband. It's true. >> Doesn't it doesn't matter. You don't leave kids unattended. That's point. Let's let's let's stick with the facts. The fact is she dropped them off unattended and left them alone. [music] >> Thank God these people somebody woke up and said, "Wait, these this little girl is unattended going into the [music] ocean. Thank God I'm not going to a drowning right now." Right. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So that that's [music] where we're at with this. You're going to take care of the kids. >> Okay. She's going to go to Penelis County Jail. >> My sister. >> Yeah. She's Can you You have proper footwear for her >> so that we can get the sandals, anything so we not rollerblading into the jail. >> I mean, we'll do that at least. So, I'll have you go over there and talk to her. >> Patricia knew deep down that her judgment had failed her. Any outburst at that point would have only added to her problems. >> Listen. Listen to me. Your sister's going to help you with the roller blades. Take them off. >> Don't do this. I'm just kidding. My life like my life is just going okay now like what is take them off >> sir [laughter] please please please please sir please please I'll like sir I'll do anything please please please sir like I'll >> I thought I was going to be right there and you know what and the other thing is help me understand something okay I'm going to take these sunglasses off your head okay help me understand something you were parking a car in rollerblades You were trying to find a parking spot and rollerblade. >> No, I parked the car and then I rollerblade here. So that's what I do. And then and then so last week when I park the car I parked the car over there and by something first and like >> where's the car? >> It's a few blocks away. >> Okay. >> And and but last week when I did there and I put her all I put her all in there that they both kids were in there. Tori took a thing and she like jammed it in the the wheel and I flipped it. So that's what I was thinking. I was thinking like, okay, last week it was so horrible and she was so bad. They'll just sit here for 2 seconds. I'm going to play. I'll be right back. >> These are not mine, but they're like, "Sir, we know everybody here." I was like, "Go right to volleyball. Go right to the things. They know everybody there. I'm on the league." >> Then you should have had somebody monitor. >> You're right. I absolutely should have. But I thought they were going to be here quicker. I thought my husband was going to be here quicker. I thought everything was going to be like that. Sir, it was just a minute. Please, sir, please don't do that to me. I'm going to lose my house. I'm going to lose my job. I'm going to lose everything. >> You want to take >> Please, sir. I just left my husband. I don't even I don't have prescription glasses. I mean, what? >> Are they prescription? >> I don't even care. Yeah, I guess I don't need to see. >> Are they prescription or Cuz they're okay. If you if you need them, then you can have them. >> I need like something like I need a sweatshirt. Freezing. >> So, sir, please don't do this. Please. Like, we're going to do your foot in. Keep your foot in. Please, please, please don't do this. Please. She'll call you. Where are your keys? >> Where are your car keys? >> My keys are stuck to that bag. >> Okay, >> they're stuck to that bag. >> Okay. Is Larry coming? >> He plays at 1, so he should be here. He was supposed to be here way earlier, but he's not answering the phone. Sir, please. This is Please, I will do anything. I will do like please cannot be on my record. Like, I'm I'm I'm on so thin ice. Like, I just left my husband for years. I quit drinking two years, you know, a year and a half ago. like everything has been like so much better and I just let the kids like my she just peed everywhere. They were fighting so bad and I just I'm so sorry. Like >> listen I I I listen to me I have a heart for you I can't go get Listen Listen to me. Calm down. Okay. I I have a heart and I feel for you, but I can't overlook that you left two children, 2-year-old and a six-year-old. Listen to me. Unsupervised at an ocean in a public place. Listen to me. Stop. Stop. You have you. It does. >> I know. I know. I know. I should never have. This was the stupidest thing ever. >> Listen to me. If you knew people here, you should have said, "Hey, listen. Can you keep an eye on them while I go and park the car?" You didn't. >> I did. I told her, "Go run over there to volleyball right there. Is there anything you want to say? >> My sister are like blaming me. >> Is there anything else? Is there anything else you want to >> Okay, she'll call you from the Penelis County Jail. >> Oh my god. Can I call? >> She doesn't even know my phone number. >> Write it down and then we'll give it to her. So, get a pen and paper. Write it down. >> Um, I don't have >> You're her sister. You don't have a number? >> No. >> Okay, let me get it. Let me get it. Hold on. Okay, you're right. >> No matter how many adults stepped in to soften the blow, officers were firm. The accountability had to fall where it belonged. The dad's on his way here. >> If you want to turn the kids over to dad, you can. What's that? >> He said he's 20 minutes down the beach. He really wanted to talk. >> I I have too many witnesses. It's over 30 minutes. It's unacceptable. There's nothing I can do. My hands are tied. I have to do my job. >> I understand. Yeah. >> At the end of the day, my heart goes out to her, >> but I can't turn around and arrest her. I really can't. >> I know. But I'm saying like even I mean, her friends are coming up to us and going, "Oh my god, I'm so sorry. Like the other kids were right here. It doesn't matter. But those other kids are watched by their parents and they're so we can't what if you know we got to think about the safety of our kids. It's bad enough as everything else, you know. >> I feel like this is all >> I mean I understand. She says that she's been an alcoholic for 25 years. She got sober for 2 years. I hope she continues that cuz that's important. >> You know, [clears throat] just closed on a house and stuff. >> That's unfortunate. >> We don't know. It may hopefully maybe it's not. Maybe it's some treatment program. Maybe it's a child uh treatment program and stuff like that. >> Yeah. Were you watching? Were you Were you the ones watching? >> I was not. >> Oh, sorry. >> Yeah. But can you speak on >> Can you speak on behalf of Pat that they come? They come every week. >> She's here every week. >> You come every week. There are other children out here that usually watch. You all tend to try to keep an eye on >> These are our friends. These are our friends from >> I did not see. >> Daddy didn't say, "Hey, I need you to keep an eye on the kids." 2-year-old and then a six-year-old. It's it's not going to work. So, all right. If there's anything from me you need, just let me know. I'll be in my car over there. Okay. >> Yeah. Those people left. >> Yeah. Just you guys just, you know, >> if they I'm just I will stay away from you cuz you're big. But they give me a >> I got it. And they're not going to. All right. >> Okay. >> By the way, as soon as I walked up, they said to me, "Do you have a parent?" They're upset. >> Look, that woman, she's a crazy kid. Come on. She looked me in the face. He goes, "Well, you must be a terrible mother, too." And I was like, >> that's that's why I'm saying I know that's uncaus like if they >> take what they said and cut it. >> It's probably not accurate, >> right? No, I >> the gentleman here the gentleman here who was more concerned about or not right here, but like a different gentleman goes like, you know, you can't leave your kids in. Totally agree. He's like, he's a couple more, >> right? He wasn't saying 45 minutes and then 50 minutes and then an hour and then all these other things. So that's all she was asking to get. >> Okay. >> Like there take that down with a grain of salt is my personal opinion and I understand that you're going. >> So all right spin around. I know it's difficult. Just come around. Okay. I know these aren't made to be comfortable. Give me that rest. You have nothing on you, right? Okay. >> Please don't do this. >> What the heck? I'm not doing it. Please go crazy. >> Patty's his policy. Okay. That's how it is. All right. [laughter] It's not anything doing directly to you. Okay. In the end, Patricia Bronson was charged with possession of contraband and two counts of neglect of a dependent. At least Patricia recognized the weight of her choices. But this next case involves a mother who left her one-year-old alone for an alarming amount of time [music] and acted as if nothing about it was a problem. >> Can you talk to me for a second? >> I know exactly what it's about. I >> So, hold on. Ma'am, come here. >> Ma'am, come here. Come here. >> Who is watching her right now? >> No one. >> You want to act smart? You want to be smart about it? That's fine. We're not here to play games with you. On the 16th of June 2024, police officers were dispatched to a hotel after receiving reports of a woman leaving her one-year-old child unattended for [music] an extended period. Upon arrival, the officers encountered a woman who was uncooperative and dismissive of their concerns. Hello. >> When the door, that's the moment she just pulled back up. >> Okay. Uh, where's the kid? >> Is somebody with him? >> No. >> Okay. Can you show me where it is? Excuse me, ma'am. Excuse me. >> Yes. >> Can you talk to me for a second? >> I know exactly what it's about. I >> So, hold on. What's going on? >> What do you mean? >> Okay. You said you know what's going on, right? You just told me that. So, what's going on? >> Because up there, I literally want to go get food. I work 12 hours a day. Ma'am, come here. Come here. Come here. Come here. That's >> Listen, we're trying to talk to you. >> This isn't a police matter now. >> All right. And you doing this is not helping you out. Okay? >> We're trying to talk to you, but unless you talk to us, you're going to push it one way. All right? >> Where the baby at right now? >> All right. Let's go. Let's go. Yeah. >> She led them to the sleeping child but refused to acknowledge her negligence. >> Everything was fine with her. Everything is not fine with the woman downstairs. >> Okay. >> You have to pull it to the left a little to shut it. >> Hold on. Is your address current on this or is this where you stay? >> This is where I stay for right now until the 19th. >> Okay, Harley, you said you know why we're here. >> What happened today? >> I went to work. >> Where you were at? >> I worked at Culver's. >> Okay. When did you go to work? >> 6:00. >> Okay. >> I left around like maybe 5:45. >> Okay. >> I went to work. >> Okay. What then? >> What? >> What happened then? >> Alert until about I think it was 1 12 12:01. No, 12ish. Um, came here, took like an hour nap, and then I went picked her up, went to Fallen Creek, came here, laid her down. No. Gave her a drive, laid her down for a nap, and went to go get food. >> Okay. Who was watching her right now? >> No one. How long were you gone? >> Maybe 20 minutes. [music] >> Maybe 20 minutes. Sure. >> Okay. Why did you leave her alone just now? >> Cuz I was just going across the street to get food. >> Why didn't you take her with you? >> Cuz she was asleep. So, so you think >> I wake up at 1:00 a.m. in the morning. >> Okay. >> I think you're you're you're negligence. >> I >> First of all, do you know what the Florida state statute is for? Because this absolutely meets the requirements for it. >> Who is we're alone in that room >> under me? No, we're we're talking about Florida state statute >> and the safety of this apartment comp or hotel complex, whatever. >> I don't think you're understanding though. We're not talking about somebody intervening up and starts coughing as a medical emergency. Something where she somebody to go, hey, something's wrong. Who is going to respond and go, hey, we [music] need to do something about this? >> So, what's the difference of being in a house and her being in a different room? What's the difference in [music] that? >> You are in the house with her. She's under your supervision. >> So the matter of the fact is she was alone. >> Noone come back. >> This is good. Hey Siri. >> Patrick, hang up. >> Hey Siri, >> on you? >> No. >> No weapons on you? Nothing like that? >> No. [snorts] >> Okay, we're not playing these games. >> Hey Siri, >> understand me? >> All right, so >> call UCI. >> Despite her attempts to act clever, the cops were not easily swayed. Hey Siri. >> Hey, that that's enough of that. You understand? We're trying to figure something out. You are being difficult with us right now. [music] >> How old? >> She's one year old. Can a one-year-old take care of themselves in a room alone? So, we placed restraints because this is a criminal act. Okay. Just like you were trying to be smart. Be like, "Oh, what's the difference between this and that?" Because you're going to go to jail. Okay? That's the difference. All right. You want to act smart, you want to be smart about it, that's fine. We're not here to play games with you. Okay. 54 for now, but if you want to be 51. >> Okay. >> Anybody could take the baby to mom. >> Is there a way the mom could get here? Like asking a friend, asking someone to come over here? What's your What's your address? and five points. >> What's the address? >> Thank you. >> So, so going back to your question, do you know the difference now between leaving a baby in a house and leaving a baby here? >> Yes or no? >> Yes. >> Okay. I hope you understood that. And I hope you answered your own question, right? You just and take off. Ain't no difference when you can't hear the baby in the house. You can articulate that, but you just left. You're not in the freaking kitchen. You're not in the freaking lobby. You left the property. [snorts] Does that answer your freaking question? Cuz that [music] was the dumb analogy I ever heard in my life. What's the difference between leaving a baby in the other room while you're in the kitchen? [music] You can't hear? Are you serious? Please don't send me to jail. >> So, the reason why I detained you is because I needed to show you the difference [music] between you leaving a baby here while you're in the kitchen. >> All right. Do you understand the difference now? Yes, sir. [music] >> Okay. That's a crime in the state of Florida. You cannot do that to them and call for help if they need it. Okay. >> Yes, sir. That's the difference. I'm not playing no games [music] with you because that little attitude that you got, I'm not going to reciprocate that. >> It soon became clear to her that she was facing nononsense officers who were solely [music] focused on ensuring her child's safety. >> I can get her dad to come get her, please. >> Oh, now you can get Okay, get somebody. >> I need my phone. >> Do you know his number? >> He's not going to He can't answer. >> Where does he live? >> He lives in Jacksonville, but he works. >> What's his name? Okay, we're going to wait for a sergeant to get [music] here. We're going to explain to her the situation, explain to her what's going on, okay? The reason why you're detained right now. You're not under arrest, [music] but the reason why we had to face your detainment, okay? The reason why we're here is not because we just chose 2259 for no reason. We're here for a call for service about a baby being left here alone. [music] You confirmed that by opening the door. You let us in. The baby [music] was indeed by herself. Okay. You thought it was okay to do that. And you wanted to know the difference about leaving the baby in the room while someone's in the kitchen. This is the difference. You get in place of handcuffs because this is not the same analogy you gave me. Do you understand that? Do we have a clear understanding that you are breaking a Florida statute of law? You are [music] indeed you just committed a crime. Do you understand that? Which is what child? What? What you said you weren't [music] that you were not. Okay. That's what That's what you [music] are. That's what we just did right now. Okay. That's what you just did. We're not just making this up. That's what you just did. [music] You know Ske's on the way. >> Yeah, she's on the way. Yeah. >> Where baby at? >> She's sleeping. Please hold. >> No. So, you can't just go out get something to eat. Eat the baby here without supervision and come back. She gave me the example of what's the difference between the baby being in another room while I'm in the kitchen. So, I detained her. That's the difference. hot. >> Yeah. >> And then she tried [music] she resisted a little bit, >> but wait till [music] Sarge gets here. Kind of explain to her the basis of it. Mom don't have access. She lives in five points, >> which is not hard to try to get [music] access to get over here. If there's a mean, there's a way. In worst case, we'll just transport the child back to the station and then have a family member come pick up their >> sheets. She Okay, we got [music] to who? >> So, I want to see if I can make 1025 with mom cuz mom was taking care [music] of her before. Mom's in five. >> She works at work. >> I'm supposed to talk to the office to >> I'm going to go do that. See if I can contact mom. If I can't get nothing from mom, [clears throat] we'll go to the next step. >> She's probably asleep. >> I I got other 42 with me. [music] I'm just going to go downstairs to do it. >> Okay. Yeah. In the end, the woman was charged with the GL and resisting arrest without violence.