How's your baby doing? >> Good. >> Is he here with you now or where's your baby at? >> Can we make sure he's okay? >> No, you didn't. >> No. >> All right. So, can we have you go to the hospital just to make sure everything's okay? >> So, there's no if ends or buts. Either we go in or you guys are being arrested. Okay. >> Okay. >> I did see a little container on the couch. Who is this? >> Thursday, January 11th, 2024. Pasco, New Mexico. In a rural community surrounded by mountains, an anonymous 911 call reported what at first seemed to be a routine situation. A welfare check at an isolated home. But what officers didn't know as they approached was that behind that door, they would uncover a scene capable of calling into question the entire child protection system of the state. I'm Tyler and this is your daily dose of crime. We see you watching, but only about 11% of you are subscribed to the channel. So, if you enjoy this video, make sure to hit subscribe and ring that bell so that we can reach more people and you can keep getting your daily dose of crime. As always, thanks for being here. >> You, Darlene? >> Have you had your baby already? >> Yeah. >> How's your baby doing? >> Good. >> Is he here with you now? Or where's your baby at? >> Can we make sure he's okay? That's just our only concern right now. Okay. >> You're okay, though? You don't need any help. You don't need any services, nothing like that. Okay. >> Yeah. We just got a call saying you might have had a baby and people haven't heard from you in a while, so we're just checking on you. Okay. No, >> he's okay. >> Can you bring your baby out here or can we come in? >> Officers arrive intending to carry out a routine check. But what happens the moment they knock immediately shifts the dynamic. A woman appears at the doorway, visibly nervous, and instead of letting them in, she steps outside and firmly closes the door behind her. With that simple gesture, she blocks any view of the interior, setting an immediate barrier the officers know they'll have to overcome. To every question about her baby, she responds briefly and repetitively, assuring that everything is fine without offering any detail. That resistance, far from conveying calm, raises instant suspicion for the officers. The true reason behind her behavior was hidden behind that closed door. And by denying entry, she made it clear that something serious was happening inside. >> I know it's cold, but can we see him real quick? It's just part of our job. Okay. >> Yeah, he's fighting everything. >> You guys have food? You guys have running water here? >> Yes. Okay. Turn the light on him. Okay. Did you go to the hospital when you had him? >> No, I didn't. >> No, you didn't. >> No. >> All right. So, can we have you go to the hospital just to make sure everything's okay? You want to ride with us? You want us to call you an ambulance to go? >> We could call an ambulance. >> You can go ambulance. Okay. So, we're going to call an ambulance. Can >> I have a friend take me? >> Can I have a friend take me? >> Yeah, but we just got to make sure you go. Okay. >> No, I I'll go. >> Okay, cool. So, we just want to make sure everything's okay. Okay, sound good. >> Yeah. >> So, u can you call a friend to come get you and take you now? >> Yes. >> Okay. When she finally emerges holding her baby, the officers notice two alarming facts. First, it's a newborn who had never been taken to a hospital, suggesting the birth occurred inside that very home. And second, under the flashlight beam, the baby shows a bluish skin tone, a clear sign of severe respiratory distress. >> What was your name, sir? >> Ronald. >> Ronald. Okay. >> Okay. There wasn't What was the number on? Uh, >> could I ask who called? >> I don't know. It was an anonymous caller. Okay. So, that's why we had to stop. >> Try again. >> Hello. >> Hi, Mom. >> Hi. >> Uh, we need a ride to the hospital, I guess. >> Okay. Um, you know what? We don't have a car seat. Oh, we >> So, if we call an ambulance, it's no charge to you guys. Okay. >> All right. Well, I guess >> uh I don't know. >> But >> he doesn't have a car seat either, though. >> Uh the the the state police came over here. They wanted us to go to the to the hospital. or what? >> Let me see what >> the baby's father contacts the mother asking for a ride to the hospital, but her response is immediate. She does not have a child seat in the car. Even when an officer reminds him that an ambulance is available, the man resists that option, as if trying to avoid official medical intervention at all costs. That refusal in the middle of an emergency reflects deep mistrust of institutions and an attempt to retain control over the situation even when it endangered his son's life. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. >> All right. Okay. >> Let me know what happened. Okay. >> Okay. Okay. Bye. >> So, give us a sec. We're going to move on. Okay. >> All right. Huh? >> Just late. >> No, I I get it. I understand. Okay. But just because he wasn't uh born at the hospital, we need to make sure that he's okay. He, you know, he's at the, you know, he's got proper weight, all proper nutrition, all that stuff. Okay. Um, it's my job, okay? It's nothing against you. With that being said, I will have to go inside and make sure that you guys do have food, running water, and heat. Okay? So, I have to go inside and look at all that stuff. >> So, can we do that? >> Let me talk to my husband. >> So, there's no if ends or buts. Either we go in or you guys are being arrested. Okay. Okay. For in um interference with the child uh welfare investigation. >> Okay. >> All right. Can you just give me a second? >> So, I can't let you close the door by yourself in there, but I can stand by the door. Okay. I won't go in. But either way, we're going to have to house. Okay. [Applause] You have come to the door. You can have him come to the door. >> They want to come inside the house. >> So, have him come out here so we can explain it to him. Okay. >> Hey, Ronald, talk to us real quick. Okay. So, here's the thing, okay? Because we did get a call saying we have to come check on your child. Uh, we do have to make sure you have food, uh, running water and electricity. I mean, or and heat. Okay. I can see the chimney. I just got to make sure you have running water and food. Okay. Can we come and check on that? >> My house is a mess right now, but >> it's fine. That that doesn't >> That's what you guys say every time. You know, when something else goes wrong, you know, >> as long as there's no weapons laying around, I mean, you know what I mean? Everyone's everyone's lifestyle is different. Okay. We can work with you. Okay. So, we're going to check on that. After confirming the newborn's fragile state, officers explained to Darlene Gonzalez, the baby's mother, that medical assistance would not be the only step required. By protocol, they also had to inspect the living conditions inside the home. The request sounded simple. Check for portable water, enough food, and a safe space for the baby. Yet, Darlene's immediate discomfort would reveal her awareness of the interior and revealing more than just material shortcomings. The measure was presented not as an option, but as a mandatory step in the procedure. For officers, her reaction became as telling as the baby's condition itself. Since a refusal to let them in often signals that something is wrong, that moment marked a turning point, and what began as a simple welfare check was turning into a deeper intervention with a looming question of what they would find inside. Once the officers step inside, the scene is obvious with everything in complete disarray, trash piled up, and no clean space set aside for the baby. [Music] >> Can you guys show me the area where you keep um your baby? >> Huh? >> Does he have a place to where he he sleeps? >> On the couch. on the couch right here. >> Right behind you. >> Right here. Okay. >> And do you guys sleep with him or how do you take care of that? >> I sleep with him. >> Okay. Do you have running water? >> Yeah. >> Pop water. >> I just got to feel real quick. Make sure it's hot water. Okay. >> Yeah, I know. That works for me. Okay. You can check it out. You said food. Yes, >> I can see you. >> Okay, sounds good. So, I have a couple questions. Okay. >> Have you guys been trying to clean up the place a little bit more since you had your baby? >> Yes. >> Okay. How's How long have you guys been working on that? >> Huh? >> How long have you guys been working on >> One day? >> Yeah. >> Huh? >> One day. >> Just one day. >> Yeah. >> Okay, sounds good. >> Can I have you guys walk over here for me? Can you guys have you guys go both walk to the door for me real quick? and we'll talk by the door. Okay. [Applause] >> So, I'm just going to explain what happened and why we're here right now. Okay. So, we got a call saying that you were pregnant. I don't know who called. Anonymous caller. I have no idea. Okay, guys. They were saying you possibly Well, you were pregnant. you possibly had your baby here at home without going to the hospital. Um I don't think I don't think that's a crime. Um I'd have to double check. Okay. As far as I'm concerned, it's not a crime. Okay. Uh you're wanting to get your son checked out at the hospital. You're okay with all that. So that's why we're, you know, so with that being said, because we have to you did have a child, we have to check to make sure the child's safe, healthy, he's got food, running, all that water. Okay. >> Um I can see around the house. Okay. Um, do you guys need help with that? Do you guys need services we can guys get you guys clean? Um, were you using while you were pregnant? >> No. >> No. >> No. Okay, sounds good. So, that that's just what's going on right now. Okay. >> Sound good? >> Yeah. >> Espanola. >> Espanola. Okay. When uh How long was she in Espanola? She was going to school for an appointment in the morning and she's going to take us afterwards. >> Okay. And then um how long how old is your baby? When did you have him? >> 7:20. >> At 7:20 a.m. or PM? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, here's the deal. Okay. I did see a little container on the couch on it. Who's is it? >> Yours. Okay. So, we'll deal with that here in a little bit. Okay. Right now, we're worried about your son, okay? We're going to let you go to the hospital with him and all that good stuff. Okay. >> Inside, officers confirm their worst fears. The house lacks even the minimum conditions for an infant. Amidst the general disorder, they also find Darlene denies using during pregnancy, but medical evidence pointed otherwise. In over 70% of cases of prenatal opioid exposure, symptoms appear within the first 72 hours of life. Her denial fits a common psychological pattern in addiction, minimizing immediate consequences to avoid accountability, even when a child's life hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, Ronald Martinez claims ownership of a container with residue that's located in the kitchen. That admission, far from cooperation, aligns with a dynamic often seen in couples. One takes the legal fall in order to shield the other despite their shared responsibility in sustaining a dangerous environment. >> Okay. >> So, because we see it, I mean, we can't let you guys stay in here by yourselves, but we're not going to Nobody's under arrest as of this very moment. Okay. >> So, we're just going to wait here till the case gets here. Okay. >> So, what's going to happen then? >> Huh? >> What's going to happen? >> Um, we'll probably type up a CCP sheet. You'll go to court for it. Um, I don't exactly know all the details at the time, but something along those lines. Um, my main concern is to make sure your son is safe, he's healthy, all that. Okay. >> He is. >> Okay. Do you use Cuz if you guys use, I would really like to get you guys help. That way, we can get you guys clean and then that way you can be with your son, you know, not have to worry about us or CP or anything. Okay. >> So, is anybody going to be arrested? Huh? >> Is anybody going to be arrested? Um, >> as of right now, no. Okay. Cuz like I said, we're worried about your son right now. Okay. Yeah. Okay. Does this sound good with you, Ronald? Okay. >> Darlene's question about whether someone would be arrested reveals a chilling contrast. While her baby showed signs of a medical crisis, her primary fear centered on legal consequences rather than her child's survival. Um, >> do you guys have everything you need? Do >> you guys have everything you need? >> I'll get my stuff, my diapers. Okay. Oh, where your diapers at? >> You guys see any weapons in this house? No. >> No guns, no eyes, or nothing? >> I see her there, too. [Music] [Music] [Music] How many animals do you guys have? >> Three cats and a dog. >> One dog. >> Is it just the one? >> You have to put the dog outside before we go. >> Okay. >> We'll get that figured out here in a sec. Okay. >> Keep him warm. Yeah, he looks he's has a good color and everything. Just >> Oh, yeah. He's fine. He's not our first one. >> As Ronald climbs into the patrol car holding the newborn, his mother arrives and checks the baby briefly. With a quick glance, she states he has a good color, trying to downplay what officers had already identified as an alarming sign of respiratory failure. The contradiction underscores how even within the family, there was an effort to minimize the risk, openly dismissing professional assessments. I don't know. >> His foot's out. Try and hurry cuz he's getting cold. It's freezing out here tonight. >> Is it just you guys that live here? >> Yeah. >> So, what did you say? >> I haven't talked to him yet. So, I was on the phone with the miss the whole time. Okay. Um, they those other officers showed up and then so we're just I haven't had a chance to call >> then. >> Huh? >> So, what's going on now? >> So, right now, um, I want I would like for you to get checked out at the hospital, too. I know you say you're fine, but just just in case. Okay. Um, I don't I would >> more concerned about the baby. I'm fine. >> Yeah. But, um, I And then that way you're not separated from your child on the way over there either. You know what I mean? Um, so that's what I would like. Um, so my concern was the pills. Okay. Um, that was my concern. I haven't had a chance to talk to him yet. Um, but as far as I know, your husband claimed ownership of it. So, um, that's why I needed >> You gonna be arrested? >> Um, so that's what I wanted to talk about. I know you guys just had your baby. Um, I wanted to talk to my sergeant about that. Like I said, I haven't got a chance to call him yet, but that's that was my concern. Okay. So, that's what we were talking about. Um, I would prefer probably not to, but I mean, a sergeant's a sergeant. Okay. You know what I mean? I take orders from a sergeant. Okay. >> This is not even his baby in that. >> It's not It's not his. No. >> Okay. Well, um that was my concern. Okay. Um so just so you're updated. Okay. Um would you like to step outside to smoke or would you like to go to the ambulance? Um I would like them just to you know blood pressure all that on you too. Okay. >> Yeah. I'm sorry. >> I know but just the kitty kitty kitty kitty. >> I think they ran that way towards the back again. Upon a second entry into the house, an officer informs Darlene that Ronald will be taken under arrest. Her reaction is immediate. She hastens to clarify that Ronald is not the baby's biological father, as if that distinction lessened her responsibility. It was a defense mechanism, drawing distance, disassociating from the man she lived with as though doing so would reduce the weight of her own negligence. Instead of focusing on her son's condition, she shifts the topics, asking about her cats. That displacement of attention in the middle of a crisis showed her inability to confront the severity of the situation. [Music] [Applause] If anything is supposed to start >> after Ronald admits ownership of the fentinel container, officers handcuff him and escort him to the patrol car. The arrest is not only about the but also about the shared responsibility of having a newborn in such an unsafe and hazardous environment. Only you [Music] >> Yeah, pretty much. Well, >> he's okay with my brother-in-law. >> Are we all right to close the door? I was like, "Right now?" Hey, callasa. >> What you want to do? I was like, "Right now, I'm going to say no." >> She's asking if she's good to close the door. >> No. No. >> I was like, "Yeah, just leave it open." [Applause] >> So, I don't know what it's going to happen with my dog then. your dog. >> Yeah. >> Right now we're told that he he'll be okay inside for at least a day. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. He's in the bathroom. My daddy doesn't I have a phone or that? >> You don't have a phone? >> No. >> Okay. >> So, what are we good to go to the hospital already? Me and the baby then? >> Uh we're just waiting for that clarification, right? >> Yeah. So, right now we're just holding here for right now. You're more than welcome to wait inside the um ambulance with your baby. >> Yeah. Well, I wanted to smoke a cigarette. >> Okay. >> What I figured I just come in and sit in the car, close the door, you know. >> Mhm. >> So, it's cold. >> That seat straight ahead. Buckle up for us. >> Now, we did it. >> As officers finish processing the scene, Darlene sits inside a vehicle smoking a cigarette. Her questions revolve not around her child's condition, but the legal outcome. Will Ronald go to jail? Will she face any charges? Her priorities remain inverted, fear of justice outweighing concern for her newborn's fragile state. Minutes later, the ambulance arrives. Paramedics confirm the suspicions. The baby suffers from dehydration, low weight, and a bluish skin tone. All classic symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome. The diagnosis is clear. He was born under opioid exposure. Stabilization and immediate hospital transfer became critical. Knowing that the first 72 hours of life are decisive for survival in such cases. The urgency of the medical team stood in stark contrast to the detachment of the very adults who should have protected him from birth. >> There we go. Before we get to it, man, um I got to advise you of your rights. Okay. So you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in the court of law. You have the right to talk to a lawyer to have the law present while you are being questioned. If you cannot afford it one uh one will be appointed to represent you before questioning if you wish. You can decide at any time to exercise these rights and not answer any questions or make any statements. You understand your rights? Okay. >> I got here too. >> And you need the restroom. Okay. >> And you need the restroom. Well, yeah. >> Okay. >> I need something to change into or something. I feel like gross. >> Okay. Let me go let them know what's going on and then we'll get this taken care of. Okay. I'll be right back. Just a moment. Come. Okay. So, just watch your step here. Okay. It's a little slippery. Okay. So, I'm going to go ahead and turn up the heater for you. The transfer of the baby to Holy Cross Medical Center confirmed the severity of the damage. His condition was so critical that doctors attempted an airlift to a specialized hospital in Albuquerque, but weather forced stabilization in Teaos while further care was coordinated. Meanwhile, the legal process moved quickly. Darlene Gonzalez would be charged with resulting in great bodily harm, a first-degree felony carrying up to 18 years in prison. Her husband, Ronald Martinez, faced charges of possession and thirdderee with a possible sentence of up to 4 and 1/2 years. Custody of the baby was transferred to CYFD, placing him under care with suitable relatives to ensure his recovery. Beyond the charges, the case would expose a much deeper systemic failure. Both Gonzalez and Martinez had prior cases resolved through dismissals or plea deals that allowed them to remain around children. The discovery not only saved the life of a newborn, but also highlighted the shortcomings of a system that had overlooked earlier warnings, leaving a vulnerable from his very first day of life.