A small key or a seemingly harmless phone can ignite the spark that sets a family tragedy ablaze. The police have to step in and the secrets slowly come to light. >> Get to grab some keys. >> I didn't grab my >> You were letting your kids come against me. >> So if you taking me to jail, take me to jail. >> He put hands on her. >> Stop. Stop. Stop. >> How much does he weigh over you? >> Don't touch me. >> Okay. >> Okay. You just have your mouth. Let me do this. >> And in the end, the ones who suffer the most aren't the father or the mother, but the children trapped in the heart of the chaos. >> In Illinois, a pharmacy, a troubled family, and a missing key revealed a shocking truth that left everyone stunned. >> Would you like would you like to check me? >> I do not. >> Okay. Well, you can check me. I don't have no keys. On April 9th, 2024, Walkegan police received an emergency call from a pharmacy about a man and the mother of his child arguing violently. The conflict peaked when the woman grabbed a set of keys and tried to leave. The manager had to step in and call the police, but the tension didn't ease. They quickly rushed to the store and began confronting the father. >> How you doing? You call police or anything? Are you Are you involved in it? >> Oh god. What's going on? >> You got my keys. >> Like car keys? House keys? Where's your Where's your car at in the lot? around. >> But it's in a lot though >> or is it on the street? >> Oh, damn near on the street. >> Okay. >> So, I'm just trying to recover. >> So, what happened? >> She admitted multiple times just to me and the employee here. >> Yeah. >> That she had and she just tried to flush it down the damn toilet. >> What else started? >> The disagreement or the argument? >> You cheating? >> You cheating? So, she call you cheating or something like that? >> Well, yeah. She say, "Hey, you mother." And um I was on the way to take her home cuz the girl that I was cheating on was actually she saw her. >> Oh, okay. >> Yep. Took some keys. Hey, he had verified over there. And he an employee, man. My keys. >> Okay. Where where you dropping her off at? >> I was going to take her to North Chicago. >> That's where she was at. Okay. Uh do you have an ID with you or anything? >> My name is >> She took my keys and ran over. >> Hang on one second. >> Just going to I'm I was trying to drop her ass off. >> Okay. So doing all this right here. It's best that you don't be >> mind that she don't >> because y'all got the kids going to cry. >> I know. That's what I'm saying. But she don't understand that [ __ ] cuz she don't give. >> Do you mind if I just talk to her? I appreciate it. Thank you. I >> I'll catch you back at the car. >> Okay. So, you're driving her? >> I am. >> You're driving her home and then she just grabbed the keys out of your car. >> Yes. And then um it was like a couple other people in the car and I had stopped and they was like, "Oh, well." She was like, "Oh, you just want to go back." >> Yeah. >> I'm going to do anyway. She I'm taking your keys. >> And I had parked and then of course I pressed the brakes. She took her out and now she up in the high. >> Okay, >> that's you know y'all need to go there. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Then they turned their attention to the pharmacy staff. >> Hey, look. And that man right there, he'll tell you exactly. >> Hello. >> Hello. She's currently in the facility. >> Okay. What's going on? >> Use the bathroom. So, she is currently not trying to flush her. >> I don't know. I'm trying to just >> sure right now. See anyone hitting anyone at the time? No. Okay. Well, I'm going to go talk to her. So, do you know her name or anything? >> Nope. >> Well, she's still >> Oh, I'll I'll determine that. >> I got >> Following the staff's guidance, they approached and questioned the mother. And as expected, she completely denied all allegations. >> Hi, ma'am. >> All right. What's going on? >> Ain't nothing going on. >> All right. See, we got you got called because he got called the same way from Chicago. My baby daddy is just a peasant. >> I'm taking this. And if you spell it, spell it. I'm not worried about that. But so so did you grab some keys? >> I didn't grab >> I didn't grab my gold. >> You didn't grab any keys? >> Where the kids right now? >> In this car. >> Where's the car at? >> Back there. A Buick with no mirrors. >> I don't look >> parking lot. >> The Bu parking lot. >> This is my bag. >> Okay. >> I don't have no keys. >> I'm taking this. >> I understand. And he followed me cuz he's upset that another mother probably took his keys. >> So then where would his keys go? >> I don't know. But I'll run away like I do and came and take a and he followed me. >> Why would he call us and why would he say you you guys were He was dropping you off at home. >> He was never He's banned from where I live. So how could he drop? I'm I'm calm. My hand smell like So I'm trying to wash. >> Okay, go ahead. Wash your hand. >> How did he come to where I live when he's banned? >> I don't know. He said he said he was dropping you off. He can't drop me off. He's trying to force me to drop drop me off. He has my daughter in his car. That's the argument right there. >> Is it your haste kid, too, or you just? >> It's our daughter, but my daughter is on my le I'm not worried about, you know, who's on about none of that. I will leave without my baby because I can call the police in North Chicago and get my baby while Keegan is helpful. >> Well, that's what I'm trying to figure out. >> Ain't nothing to figure out, y'all. Don't believe what he said. >> Oh, I never said that. >> Okay. >> I spoke to him. Don't you smell it? >> I'm not worried about you taking a Okay. Well, how could I take anything when my ass is placed on a pedestal? I don't have no I don't even got my daughter in me. >> I spoke to him and I'm trying to talk to you about want you here, babe. He just called the police on me 3 days ago about my children being home alone for me walking to the mailbox. He going to walk and work with y'all while kicking [ __ ] >> I live in North Chicago. >> You have your ID with you at all? I don't, but my name is >> The police split into two teams. One took a statement from the mother while the other approached the father to review footage from the cameras. >> And you know what? >> I want to press charges if she don't give me my And if she trust me, that toilet, I want to press charges. It's all on that camera right there. Her assaulting me twice. Better let her know that I'm dead. You better let her know that cuz I I can't get no one to keep for that mother. Now you just see her stuff from the down. >> Make it happen. Go that way. >> I'm not trying to hurt you. >> Okay, here we go. >> Can see him on the ground. >> Right there. Where they right now? And she dropped them. >> She dropped them. >> Yeah, she dropped them. There you go. right there. You have the key. >> Oh, yeah. Thank >> on this side. Officers patiently demanded that she hand over the keys, but she stubbornly replied, "I didn't take any keys." Despite the camera footage proving otherwise, >> why would he say like, you know, you grab some keys and then you guys have an argument? >> I'm just trying to understand why he would say that. And >> because he's a drunk and he wants to try any reason to keep me how down. I would walk home. I just walked home two days ago. How far away you live? >> I live in North Chicago. >> So, I just walk >> and he's going to do anything to say that I got his I don't I just want to get my 10-month old daughter and walk home. But I don't have no keys. >> No keys? Nothing? >> Nope. >> Not any car keys to his car? >> I don't have any keys. >> Hey, ma'am. The video I just watched saw you drop the car keys. Can we just have them back, please? >> I didn't drop any car keys. You want to check? >> The video shows that you dropped the car keys. All it is is showing. >> All he wants is his keys. >> He's dropping them and him picking them up. But y'all don't see that. >> All he wants is his keys. That's it. And we'd be done. >> And all I want is my daughter. >> Well, that's fine. >> Throw them out in the trash can. >> I took the >> flush them down the toilet. >> You smell it? >> I do. You keep mentioning that. I heard you drop them on the camera. >> You heard me drop them off the camera. So what if they drop the camera drop? >> Just give us the keys. >> Okay. All right. It's not that serious to me. I walked home yesterday, so it's not that serious to me. It has nothing to do with yesterday. It is with you dropping the keys over by the toilet. >> I was dropping them over where? >> By the toilet when you were sitting down on the toilet. He has it recorded. >> He didn't even come in here with me on the floor. >> Yeah, he did. >> Would you like Would you like to check me? >> I do not. >> Okay. Well, you can check me. I don't have no keys. My You said he trying to say that. I don't have no keys. I came here to take off my >> Well, you probably don't have them now. >> If I flush them out of the toilet on my kids, I would have said I flush them. Take me to jail. I've never been to jail to jail. >> I don't want you to take you to jail. >> So, what we doing? Am I going to jail or what? >> We're just trying to get the keys. That's all. >> I don't have the keys. >> We're looking for the keys. >> Okay. >> Well, we can establish that my hands I ain't never move from my to the sink, my You get that? >> Why you get all upset? >> Because I don't got time for that weird. I ain't take no mother, [ __ ] Ready to go home to my own kids. So, if I'm going to jail, take it. But I don't have no kids. Let's do that. That's 15 20 something cent. If I had keys, I would have gave it to him. We went through this a lot. It's not the first time we went through this, bro. We go through this a lot, >> ma'am. He said that he said that he was assaulted and if and it's all on camera on the on this work cameras. >> Okay. So, take me to jail. >> He doesn't want to pursue charges if you just give him the key. >> Take me to jail. I don't I never take me to jail. >> I feel the same way. >> You're making it bigger than it should be. We're not trying. >> I never touched him. take you to jail. >> I just want my I came here to take a but you going to believe not you my going to believe what the say I came in there I don't have on me >> like I said at some point you probably had the keys >> I did not >> Mhm. >> talk you taking me to jail. Take me to jail. >> All right. Hang tight right here real quick. >> No I don't want to wait in the bathroom. I can >> Well, no cuz I don't want >> No, I can come out. I don't want to wait no bathroom. That's fine. I'm not going to wait no bathroom. But talk and lock me up though and then call my baby daddy Jerry to let him know that this kid is at home by herself. >> The case grew more complicated as gender issues blocked the search. >> Could you have a female officer come up here and check the bathroom? I hope she didn't one >> plus each key. Well, do you have the video to pull it up? >> I understand, but I didn't see it. >> How old is the baby? >> My baby's she's out there somewhere. So, we might as well get her took by DCFS because he's not a real father. >> Is someone with the kid? I don't know where the he at this point. >> He don't even got a home to live in. >> He lives just stop. >> He lives in a hotel. He don't even have a room to live in with my baby. I don't have excuse. But what I can do is go to jail and then call my baby daddy so he get my other two kids. Send the other baby to DCF. That's what we can do cuz I don't have a mother. >> And I hope she didn't bust here and then going to jail for real. Look, I'm I'm trying to tell her. Maybe y'all need to speak some sense into her cuz that'll be bogus as hell. >> I just want to go home and then give me a the papers to get him a restrain order protection and let me get my baby cuz my baby is with him and he's not even a father with my baby. He lives outside. >> I'm going to check the bathroom for you. Okay, real quick. >> I'm text I'm going to check the bathroom. >> Please check it. >> Well, clearly clearly you were on video. You had in your right hand while taking a and you dropped them. drop >> on the floor but then at some >> man >> outside the mother kept yelling and daring take me to jail. The police immediately responded with handcuffs and the order put your hands behind your back. >> Where's my baby at? >> I don't know. I left you to come. >> Okay. So, y'all need to worry about my daughter. My daughter is 10 months old. My daughter is 10 months old. >> My keys. You said you said that someone's with the kid, right? >> No, she's not. He's lying >> cuz you don't stop my daughter. >> I can't stop. >> Hey, I guarantee this. >> Just stop. Stop. Stop. >> I'm not stop. >> Stop. Stop. Stop. >> What are you doing? >> Just stop. >> I don't care. >> Stop. >> I go to jail. I don't care. Take me to jail. Stop. Take me to jail. >> What are you doing? >> Take me to jail. I want my baby. >> Get your baby. >> Sit up. Go sit up. I don't have >> What did you say? >> I don't have his keys. I don't have >> a seat. >> I don't have them. I don't have them. I don't have them. >> You don't have them now, but he has a video of you taking a and dropping the keys cuz they're in your right hand. >> You have a video of me taking a toilet with the door >> with the key. >> You're a liar. >> I'm a liar. >> You're a liar. >> I'm a liar. You're the one lying to yourself. >> Okay, take me to jail. Take me to jail. That's what we can do. We can we can I can go to jail. Just go have a seat. >> I can go to jail. >> Just go have a seat. >> I can go to jail. >> Have a seat, ma'am. Stop. I I swear to God. >> I don't go have a seat. Stop. >> I'm not. >> Max, are we going to arrest her or not? >> Arrest me. I didn't do nothing. >> Just stop. >> Take me to jail. >> Are you going to arrest her or not? >> Arrest me. >> Stand over here. >> Arrest me. >> Stand over here. >> Arrest me. If you hurt my ass, I'm a creep. >> Stand over here. >> I'm not. Take me to jail. Take me to jail. >> Stand over here right to jail. >> Stand over here. >> I'm not I'm not >> Don't touch me. >> Okay. >> Well, I can go to jail. >> That's fine. >> Why' you have to push him? >> Why'd you push me? I was getting around me. >> I don't care. >> I don't care. I don't. >> Y'all don't care about what I got to say. And you don't got to tighten that. >> I'm not. You're the one moving your wrist. >> I'm not moving [ __ ] >> Yes, you are. >> I'm [ __ ] sitting still. >> No, you're not. >> You steady tightening my >> I'm trying to keep them loose and readjust. >> I'm moving. I've never been in jail. I swear I'm not moving. You're tightening them up tighter on my wrist. Tighten up tighter on my wrist. >> Where'd he go? >> He just went out to the smoke. >> Sorry, officer. I'm I've never been to jail, but he handling me like I'm wrong. I didn't do nothing. I came here to take a You don't got to be rough with me. Don't be I'm talking to him. You can handle me carefully. >> That's what I'm trying to do. >> Okay. Are we stopping now or we moving? >> We're going. >> Y'all want to stop so y'all can push on me? >> Just like that. One side kept yelling while the other quietly led her away. >> Turn the car. >> You don't got to pull on me. You don't got to pull on me. You don't got to pull on me. >> She's the baby's mama. >> Okay. >> It was being rough and ruled to me. >> And I didn't do nothing. >> Just go wait over there. Why are you waiting? Why? >> I don't got no keys. >> Doesn't look like you're getting your keys. Go wait over there. >> All right. I'm going to jail, [ __ ] Ain't no key. >> I can't get in with that in my way. >> Yeah, you can. That's the way seat belt. >> I've never been to jail. I need >> I'm telling you how to get in the car. Have a seat regularly. The seat belt's going to go over you >> cuz I I got broken hip and I cannot sit like that. I cannot sit like this. >> No problem sitting on the toilet. Go sit. >> I I I want no mothering smallest piece on me. >> What can we do? This is squad they give us. >> What am I supposed to do? >> Put your leg in. Don't worry. I'll put the >> I got screws in this hip. I cannot put my hip in. It hurts. >> I don't know how you're going to sit through here. >> Sit on the other side. Can you scoot your leg out? >> Now what y'all need to do is help me with my hip. This zip got screws in it. >> How am I going to help you? >> I don't know. I never been in a police car, but I know that this zip got got screws in it. >> Okay, now screw it over to that other seat. >> But where you going to put the seat belt on me at? >> Now it's on the other side. I have to go grab it. >> I do not know how to do that. Never been in jail before. I don't know how to work or nothing. >> After everything, the police could only tell the father that the mystery of the missing key remained unsolved. >> Where's your car at? >> My car fogged all the way over there with no keys. >> You didn't find garbage can or nothing? >> Nothing. I checked the inside of the toilet like the little cover. >> I checked all the I checked her bag twice. You know, >> it's probably in her. >> I'll get a female officer to check, but you know what I'm asking for. Man, let me go up in there myself. >> You know what? This is This is unavoidable. >> I know. That's what we're trying to explain to her. >> Yeah, but she going on. >> So, she's going to jail for pushing me as of right now. >> Come on. No, dude. >> It's all on camera. I was trying to get by her and move her arm and she's the one that shoves me out of the way. >> It's imperative that we find them. Well, I understand that, but you know, at the same time, they weren't in the bathroom. I can check. You can check yourself if you want. >> Suddenly, a woman revealed a truth that had never been exposed. >> He was calling her every name in the book as I'm youring baby mama. >> Okay. So, he's a baby daddy >> and they're fighting. They took it on in there. I don't know what happened in there. I don't know. >> All right. >> She has nothing to do with it. >> Well, you don't even know how it all started. So, >> he pushed her. >> You don't know how it all started. >> But he told me that someone was with the kids the entire time. And I think it was the girl in the beginning. Oh, the other. >> Yeah. So, I'll You're taking her back right now? >> Where's he at? >> He went back into the check the bathroom himself. >> Hey, where's uh where's your kid at? >> Lock key is they over there. I told you >> in the park. What's the What's Are they in the park? >> They say they they they safe. They right there. >> Where's right there? >> When you turn into the park. >> What kind of car is it? >> It's a Buick. >> The children couldn't be ignored. Their safety had to be the top priority. >> Hello. >> How you doing? >> Good. Sorry to bother you. We're just trying. We just wanted to make Hey, we just wanted to make sure that the kids are okay. That's all. >> I just wanted to make sure that the adults Yeah. Uh is your guy, what's his name? >> He's on his way back right now. >> Okay. Cuz these are not my >> Yeah, we weren't we weren't able to Oh, you ain't going nowhere. Okay. >> I appreciate it. >> Leave the kids. >> I love my niece. >> I appreciate that. >> Is he coming back though? >> Yeah, he's right there. >> Where my brother? He right there exactly. Thank God for him. I want to switch position. Is that Is that your brother? >> All right, sir. Sorry we couldn't get your keys back. >> With the help of a female officer, they finally found the key. >> Take a few steps back while I close the door. I >> know. >> All right. Walk up there. Stand over here to the stable. >> Mhm. What What's What's a stable? >> Table. >> Table. >> This table. >> How you doing? >> Good. How are you? >> I could be better. It's my first time here. So, you got to run me through the courses. But for right now, I'm the one that's going to be cutting it down. Okay. No guns, no knives, no bazookas, no needles anywhere. Something somebody's going to have. >> What are you arrested for? >> I don't know. Domestic battery. >> Oh, of course it's not. >> And eggbat po. >> A domestic domestic battery. >> Yes. The way that works, that part of it works is you sit there, get arrested. We got to call the state attorney. It's going to be up to the state attorney if you are going to be spending the night or not. So, you might be leaving. You might not be leaving. I don't honestly know. >> He actually had the keys here so I can swing them by to drop them off. >> You may take them. This car is at the older part, but I'll drive over there. Thank you. We'll walk over to the cell right here. Cell two. >> Anywhere where I need a glove or no? >> It was in her shoe. >> All she had to do was just >> That's what I said. Yeah. >> All right. I'm going to race it back over to him. But then there was family with the kids already. >> But it wasn't over. The issue with the father remained. The police had to return to clarify the previous allegations against him. >> My partner just wanted to ask you a couple more questions about the assault. >> It wasn't. >> Well, hold on one second. >> I lied. It was true. It was all just a verb on you. >> So she didn't put hands on you. She didn't spit on you. Nothing like that. >> You lied to me. >> I'm sorry. >> Then why would you say that? Just try to get your keys back or >> Yeah, that's exactly what it was. Officer, >> I mean, you know, you go to jail, right? You know, for falsifying a police report? I do. You know, >> I'm sorry. You know who what man is going to try to get a woman locked up. I'm not going to try. >> I understand that possible. I don't know if you can, you know, just have an understanding she probably was just mad. Has she been drinking or has she been like >> this is the woman that she met? >> Yeah, I understand. >> Okay. >> Yeah, we we saw her at the Walgreens, right? >> Yeah. She's just a woman scorning, man. And I I know she didn't mean to do nothing. She wouldn't jeopardize her children, anything like that, man. Please just forgive her, man. >> You know, unfortunately, it's not up to me at this point. I got to call the states attorney. Okay. >> Put her hands on him. >> She was blocking the doorway of that bathroom and I was trying to get around her. So, I moved her arm. I did that and walked through and then that's when she me. So again, was it necessary for her to >> tell you this as a man? Shut your mouth, please. >> Hang on, man. Can we just have the talk real quick? Okay. I don't want a domestic happening between you two now. >> Listen, officer. Everybody had their feelings hurt, man. Yeah. >> Once upon a time, I unless she just heartless. Her feelings her feelings are just hurt. >> That's why he asked. >> And she just wanted to be like, "My daughter, I don't know if if reality really kicking in with her. I could possibly be losing my daughter for doing dumb like this." And it's possible. So it might have just kicked in like, "Wait a minute, my kids." Cuz I heard her saying that, but I left. I went to go smoke a cigarette. >> Then he suddenly dropped to his knees and begged. >> Let me do this. >> Mhm. >> Oh, you don't need to, sir. Stay up. Say >> if you can just >> Hey, hang on. Hey, man. Just leave. Uh, >> move. >> Just leave. >> That's your problem. >> No, that's your problem. Why you on your >> It'll be your problem now. >> Hey, man. Just just just just please if you can just, man, say just just >> I'll see I'll see what I can do. But take your baby home. Take care of you. >> I am I'm on my way. Y'all don't ram my license. >> So again, just making sure nothing no assault happened, right? >> No assault. Hey, man. >> Yeah. Just try to get home then with your daughter, you know. >> Get my number. Can I get a contact information? >> I got your number. Yeah, I got your number. >> Call me, man. And just let that girl. >> Okay. All right. >> The mother, Williamson Thompson, was arrested on charges of battery and childment. Under Illinois law, she could face up to two years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. Hopefully, after being released, the mother will realize that her actions can deeply affect the children. They feel fear and worry and may develop lasting insecurity and trauma from violence. Think the Illinois case was chaotic? Just wait. Next. Things spiral out of control when secrets on a phone turn the whole family into a battlefield. >> I'm like, "Well, I'm going to see your phone." He's like, "Nope, don't need to see my phone." Whatever. I'm like, "Well, I'll never be in any relationship where there's no no seeing the phone." On June 8th, 2024, police received an emergency call reporting a woman punching her husband and damaging furniture after discovering something on his phone. Officers immediately intervened to protect the children and ensure everyone's safety. >> How it going? So, apparently she's been away for a couple days. She's bipolar, not on any kind of medication for it. She got home, they got in an altercation. He says she punched him twice. He's got a bust of lip. She says she didn't touch him. I haven't went inside yet, but supposedly she's destroyed the house and the bathroom. The kids were home when it happened, but not in the same room. I guess he hit her while they were in the bathroom. The kids were in the front living room. >> He hit her. >> No, she I'm sorry. She hit him. >> Okay. Yeah. She says she didn't. He's got blood on his hands and he's got a busted top lip on that right side of his face. >> How are you? >> Pretty good. She's been, you know, last couple days saying me and my family'sing her grandchild. That's not true. So, she's been staying at her mother's or daughters. I don't know. Staying one of them. Well, this is the first day. Three days she came here. My kids are in the living room. I just got out of the shower, comes into the bathroom, takes everything, scoops it off her and she said something about my phone. I I don't know what she said on her. She said, "Whatever you got on your phone, get it off her?" I don't know. I don't even know what she was talking about. And then she hit me right in the side. >> Is that what's wrong with your lip right there? >> My lip? My nose? My nose even started bleeding. >> Your lip Your lips still bleeding. You got red right in there. Is that what she hit you at? >> Yeah. Started breaking stuff. >> And what's her name? >> Jessica Hog. And like I said, I got my mom coming. I don't know if they're bringing trailers and trucks. So, I'm going to try to get what I can and I got two. >> Do you both live here? >> Yeah, this is my residence. Hers, too. I got two kids, though. I have room. So, it's it's kind of a big deal. Yeah, >> it really is. >> So, you're voluntarily like moving. You're done. >> It's going to take time. >> I mean, say I mean, it's going to take me a It was going to take me a week to get everything. >> If you live here, nobody can make you move out. >> We can't make you leave >> if if this is your residence. >> It is. This is my mailing address. I've been here almost 4 years and like I said, I can mostly deal with her and stuff like that. Stop. >> You're going to press charges on her for domestic. I just don't want her coming here bothering me till I can get out. And if she can I don't want to press charges, man. I don't. But I She wasn't going to stop. I got two kids. I can't have her screaming and throwing. She took stuff off the wall and put it back on the wall. I don't know what's going on. I'm going to tell you the truth. >> What kids What kids were here? >> These two right here. >> Okay. >> My daughter's in here. Okay. >> You're okay, sis. I promise. >> You guys are both You're all good. >> Yep. You're all good. >> Unfortunately, it all happened in front of the children, making the situation even more urgent. >> How old are you? 11. >> What did you What did you see? >> I didn't see anything. I just heard it. >> You just heard it. Did you see anything? You just heard it. Also sounds like it. >> Okay. Would you fill out a battery affidavit for me? >> I can. What is it though? Like what is it that is? Is she going to get >> Here's the thing. Is she she I got to take her no matter what cuz the kids were here and everything. Okay. >> She has a grandbaby though. So could she call someone to come get him? >> I can't take it to her family. >> It's going to Yeah. I'll have to call DCS. It's not up to you. So I got to take her. She's given us no choice. I mean, what she's done in front of the kids, you know what I mean? It kind of forces our hands. Yeah. >> You know what I mean? >> Can you go talk to her about that? >> I'm going to. >> When police approached the mother, the story took an unexpected turn. From the phone, privacy issues to long-standing tensions. She seemed to be the true victim of the conflict. >> Hello. >> Hello. It all comes down to we've been fighting. He needs to leave. And it's a good thing that you guys like did show up because then maybe he'll stop >> and realize you do have an amount of time to where you're going to have to leave. Timmy, don't. You're going to squirt all over. And so I whatever it is with the eviction notices, I know I'll have to go get one, but then whatever the steps are. >> So are you guys renting this place or what? >> It's a lease on Freedom Energy. >> Who done the lease? >> Me. And then I signed like the where you have to go make sure that it's notorized or whatever because last year we separated and he went and got a place to rent and everything like that. And then I let him come back >> last time. Yeah. He said he's been living here for a while now. >> About a year. Okay. >> Well, last time when he was going off on me about why I live here and you can't make me leave. I went ahead and called Freedom Energy. He's kind of freaking me out because he's telling me that he have to leave. Well, I'm first on the thing which he didn't sign nothing on the notary and they just put his name behind it and they told me they only did that for courtesy. So, I talked to the guy that's over Freedom Energy and he goes, "Listen," I said, "He's kind of freaking me out about it." And he goes, "If we need to get legal, like let him know." Well, I never called him back because we got along, we got back together, whatever, whatever. And then February when the lease renewed, they obviously put his name behind my >> What happened today? Why? >> Well, I came back over because I've had to sleep at my daughter's for the last two or three nights because his kids just came back last night, but sometimes even if his kids are here, he'll still follow me into the other room or wherever and like cuss me out, you can't go to sleep. And then it's I'm sorry. And then, oh my god, I have to get to sleep. So, I'm like, I'm not doing that. I'm not playing that game. But then I'm like, I have to get a shower. Like, this is my these are my things. This is my stuff. And you back and forth all the time are like, oh, you know, but then you don't. Oh, yeah. I know. I have to leave. Then he's like, nope, not going nowhere. So then I come in the house. I'm like, listen, cuz whatever's on his phone. I said, because the other night before I left around 8:00 to go to my daughter's, he was like doing that whole like playing games with his phone. I'm like, well, I'm going to see your phone. He's like, nope, don't need to see my phone, whatever. I'm like, well, I'll never be in any relationship where there's no no seeing the phone. So, he did this, slept with it, blah blah blah. So, I'm on the phone with my daughter. I'm like, "Listen, Ken, what should I do?" Cuz I don't want to get totally mad about it if it's just so petty. And she's like, "No." And then she's like, "Okay." You know, about him not letting me see his phone, whatever. So, I was like, "Forget it. I got to say her question." So, then I come back here today and I'm like, "Come in here to get my shower." And I'm like, "Whatever is on your phone, which because if you're going to be living in my house, you don't need to be doing other things against me and have things on your phone." So, then I'm in the bathroom and I'm like, "Listen, like I'm mad. Don't because he does that." Like, "Oh, everything's fine. Everything so this and that." I'm like, "It's not cuz you one minute want to say everything's fine and they want to say it's not." And then he like come over like he's coming at me and I'm like, "Well, there's in the bathroom a thing in the floor that's like the scale and whatever." So, I go back like this and fall. I And I don't know. And then I go into the kitchen and I don't know. He says that. He'll say, "Oh." And then you switch stuff and he's like, "What?" And I'll call the police, "Could you hit me in the face?" And I'm like, "Hit you in the face?" Yeah. Like when and how? If I can even recall that. I recall that with what? Like my hand some object cuz I didn't even throw anything. telling you what. >> How are you? >> No, he didn't say you doubled up your fist and hit him. He said that you just kind of slapped him and it made that like little red mark or something. >> Busted your lip with a slap. Like that's what I'm saying. No, I didn't. I didn't even go >> I mean he has I mean right through here his nose is I don't know what he might have done to himself or like I really don't know. You come in the other room and said that to me and yeah, am I flipping out? Am I acting out of sort? Yes, I am. But it's because I'm not going to. And I've told him that I'm not going to live like this. I've never went against and said things about his kids. They're 11 and 15. Yes, you told him. You are letting your kids come against me and you think it's funny to come in my house. His daughter is coming. She's bringing her friends and you don't have balls enough to stand up to your 11-year-old daughter and you want her to run the muck. Go get your own place and she can do that. She is moving out of her mom's going to counseling because she can't live there. Why? Cuz the stepdad's not going to allow that. This is his house. He's making the rules. You're not going to. But that's what I'm saying. It started here with all of that. I'm sorry. It's come to this, but you're not going to come to my house, start your stuff, and your dad not say a word, and twist everything that just is this whatever I am. >> Who's uh >> That's my grandson. And that's what I'm saying. Yeah. He >> just babysitting. >> Oh, yeah. I mean, there's grandma. >> Whose parents? >> Ethan, right? >> So, he didn't touch you or nothing? >> Okay. >> And I say, I don't even remember if there was No, I did not even touch you. How any of that whatever he's saying happened, I can't even recall any of that. Okay. >> Because of this, police had to consider transferring custody of the children to someone else. >> Come over here. >> Can you call mom and dad? >> Well, I can call my mom. They went out of town like the whole world. >> Here's here's what we got. So, I mean, I'm pretty straightforward. It's with the domestic. Yeah. Got to >> I don't have to tell Mojo he's drinking in this. >> Huh? >> I was telling Mojo he's drinking in that. >> And I'm going to call DCS cuz the kids the kids were here. But you know if who has custody? Is it mom and dad? >> Ethan. >> Okay. And Ethan's out of town. >> Yeah, he's at Holiday World. >> So, I'll probably and they could possibly do it over the phone. We'll see. But before I just release her to anybody besides mom and dad, it's got to go through DCS. >> Yeah. >> Um, so DCS will have to tell like, "Hey, yeah, you're good or not." But yeah, I mean, my >> like they have to do like a background check and stuff and be like, "Hey, this went on in the home. >> Your child is here." >> No, they just have to say this child is good to go with Grandma John. Grandma Grandpa John's not an offender or nothing. You know what I mean? Like that. Or >> Well, I can get my phone and Yeah. You want to call each of them? Is that what you're trying to do? >> Well, I'm going to have to call DCS either way, but just somebody that can come pick her up. >> Oh, my mom can pick him. It's a boy. They just don't cut his hair, Timmy. >> No, call my mom. >> I got to take you. We're domestic though. >> The mother also faced the risk of imprisonment. >> So then what happens on that? >> Oh, hold on. I got to take you in the house. >> What happened? I don't know what happened. >> Oh, should I go call my mom? >> Oh, is your phone in the house? Yeah. And then I'll call DCS and we'll get all that started and that way the process is starting. >> Like I don't know what you're telling me to do. >> Well, I got to take you to jail for domestic. You understand that part, right? >> Yeah. Not really. So then I don't know what happened from there. I've never been to jail. >> So you act like you knew what like >> So I got to take you to jail for the domestic. I have no choice on it. The state law, you know, even if even if he didn't want to press charges, state law kind of forces our hand, especially when there's children involved and stuff. Okay. He got a busted lip. He got a bloody nose. You got a mark, a slap mark on his face. I just need to find out who would be safe until you can get back out of jail. You know what I mean? >> So, how much do they charge on bail like that or anything? >> I don't know. You have to wait till we get there and ask him. Listen, I'm not going to cuff you up or nothing right now. As long as you stay cool. Okay. I mean, if you get out of hand, then I mean, I don't want to do that in front of him. So, can we do that? >> Oh, yeah. And I'm just like, this makes me sick. But sometimes when you bring people into your life, like they mess with you more than >> some some people go together like oil and water. You know what I mean? And it's just >> and I'm like to turn against me and even in this manner like it's just God saying listen this is your way out. >> You want you want to go ahead and get your phone and call? >> Yeah. >> Do you care though? >> In a desperate situation, she had no choice but to call relatives for help in caring for the children. Did they just let you like use the phone in jail? >> You don't get to take your cell phone, but there is phones you can put money on if you got to call. >> Oh my. >> You are a monkey boo. >> Did you get a hold of Ethan? >> No, I know who you I have to call my mom. >> So DCS said that if you can get a hold of Ethan or the mom and they say that he's good to go with this person, then we can go ahead and release him. Listen, I'm sorry, but Josh started stuff with me at the house and the police came and then he said that I slapped him, hit him, I don't know, whatever. He said that I done these things to him. Now the police are here and they want to know if if Timmy can go with mom with mama because they have to send me to jail, I guess. >> Yeah. So, my mom's coming to pick Timmy up cuz after I left your house, I came here to get a shower and Josh started stuff with me and he accused me of hitting him in the lip, hitting him in the face, all these different things. And so, he like pressed charges on me and then I have to go to jail and I'm like, "Oh my god, I'm kind of scared about jail, but I don't know. I >> Is it okay that she goes with >> Timmy? My mom's coming. So, can she can take Timmy, right? because they had to call DCS because Demi was here because Josh >> No, they have to. It's like the law, right? >> This law because the kids were here and if it's like all this domestic whatever if I was beating Josh up. >> Yeah, that's fine. >> Okay. >> What was your name? >> Do you know Copeland? He's the officer. >> Yeah, I'm not sure. I'm not sure who that is. >> Well, sorry this holiday world trip, but like I've been telling you guys about how he was arguing with Timmy last week. Honestly, Jessica, I awful. >> I know. And it's just been to a part of Josh has to leave our life. But him accusing me of all this and Timmy involved. I just hate it for everyone and myself because I've never been to jail. But if I'm around a man that wants to send me to jail, like obviously God's he's taking care of me. >> Is is your mom on the way? >> Yeah. >> All right. You want to go back outside and wait on mom? >> After playing the victim, she switched to the role of the innocent, complaining about the violence while saying, "I don't want to call the police. We're adults and can handle this ourselves. >> I'm gonna put you on hold. This her daughter here telling me to get the out of this house and all this guys. Hang up. This is This is bull crap. See what I'm saying? >> Is that her daughter? >> This ain't your mom's house. >> Just hang out. There ain't no point there ain't no point in inserting it if it's not your house. >> I know legally we got to go to court. We'll settle it. I don't care. >> Yep. That's going to be civil. >> Okay, Timmy, come here. You need to change this diaper because he shoved you in the bathroom when you did that with my face. I told my mom that. Well, I told her what you did. So, I mean, that's what you did. I said, "I'm calling the police." So, that's what she's saying. But since you turned the tables on me cuz I didn't touch you. >> No, we're not going to argue. >> But I didn't say that about you. But since my mom knows the truth that that's what you did to me. >> You will be filling out a statement, too. You can put that on there. >> I'll put it on there. >> But whenever I talked to you a little bit ago, you told me there's nothing physical there. >> No, because I went to the bathroom, fell against wall. Yes. And then he did that to me. And he's saying I did it to him. >> Okay. Well, why did you lie to me then? >> I didn't. I just told you everything that happened. I went over there on the against the wall, but I mean, he went like this and had his hands on my face. >> I I legitimately said he didn't touch you, nothing physical, and you said no. >> I mean, like, he put his hands on my face. >> And then and I'm not saying that physical because I did go back. >> And I'm not saying that didn't happen. I'm just telling you because of the way you told me to begin with. Now, do you see now you've talked to your mom and I'm not saying you guys did this, but it could be a well tell him that he touched you too that way. You know what I mean? So, if that happened, you can't be deceptive with me. You've got to everybody's got to be straight with me from the get-go. Okay. >> When I fell against the wall and then he or whatever how he >> whatever happened, >> I'm not telling you what to put on there. Just whatever actually happened. >> But I think she's sour, too, though, because I not called the police on him when he I called her probably three nights ago when he was getting physical with me. And I was like, listen, I am scared to sleep in this house. Like, I'm going to have to leave because he gets physical with me. >> Why didn't you call the police? >> Because I don't want to do that. I don't want to do that to somebody like that's a move. >> It's not. I mean, your safety, your kids safety. >> I know, but I mean, we're adults and we can be human about it. >> Outside, her relatives arrived. One by one, they spoke up in her defense, making the scene more chaotic than ever. >> What is it like to go to jail? And then how do I what is it like to go to jail? And then >> Wait a minute. You know the guy's on you know what he's done to you? Well, if he has to take a test because he's on trend and he takes Adderall, like he takes these different things. >> I can't make him unless he >> Okay. Come here, Timmy. >> Come here. Come here, Timmy. >> I'm gonna walk you to my car. >> I'm trying to stay calm. >> Okay. >> This house is in her name. I'll be staying here tonight. >> The house? I can't do nothing with the the house. >> I'll be staying here tonight. So, I need a restraining order. >> A restraining order for what? >> For my protection. >> First of all, it' be a protection order. But >> I need a protection order. >> You have to do that through the court. >> Here tonight. >> Okay. Okay. So, why is she going to jail? >> Because she put hands on him. >> He put hands on her. I told her not to say nothing. >> Well, then you shouldn't have told her that cuz that's exactly what she told me. >> I said he'd be smart enough to not get charges. >> I didn't do anything to him. I really didn't. >> Don't tell somebody to You know how bad of advice that is tell somebody be deceptive to the police. >> But where's the bruises? >> Listen, where's the bruises on him? Where's the bruises? >> I know. He said it's on his ear. Put him in the seat. >> How much does he weigh over you? >> Matter weigh. It don't matter how much they weigh. All right. At the root end when they're angry man. >> Just let him fly all over the car. Just let him fly. Let him fly in the car. >> Who's that? >> Timmy. Because he's got to end desk. >> It is ended. This is got to end. >> This is ended. >> This is your house. >> It is. But he won't leave. And now he has to leave. >> He's got 30 days. >> No, I want a protective order cuz I'm staying here tonight. >> Stay here tonight, mother. Stay here with Josh. You guys can be friends. Just >> No, I'm not going to be friends. >> I know, but I'm saying do it. Don't leave him the better half of it. >> Put him in the seat. It's ended. Mother, just stay calm. This is God's way of saying you can't keep this in your life. No. And I didn't touch him. I did not touch him. So, however that goes back and forth to find out the determination of that. >> It's going to go in front of a judge probably Monday. >> How much is our bond? >> I don't know. We'll have to wait till we get done. >> Tony's up at the jail now. >> The jail will be able to tell him. >> Tony's up there now. >> I should have stayed at his house when I told him that I was scared of him and that I didn't know what to do. >> Tony's up there now. should have char put his charges when he was getting very bullying me. I know, but I didn't want to do that to somebody. He did it to me. He did it. I know. But you can't do that on the left >> that you can't treat people nicely and they allow their kids to walk all over you. They walk over. Ethan and them said, "I think they're coming home." So, you'll probably be hearing from them here soon. All right. We'll be out in a little how to not have a man. >> We've got the cat. Well, look in the right places and you'll find a good man. Well, I really want one, but I mean I can't keep that. >> Ask him. Put him in your seat. >> Well, you got to turn blueey on. And where's your phone? >> Here. >> He doesn't know. He He doesn't know about >> here, buddy. >> His kids are His kids are used to this cuz he's fought with his ex. >> Hey, let's just look. >> Let's just get out of here. We'll take care of things. I'll get her bonded out and we'll deal with it. >> Look, when I go >> and I'll get a lawyer tomorrow. >> What do you guys want to do? I hope you're proud of yourself. >> Do you want to go get my phone off? >> I hope you're real proud of yourself. >> Hey. Hey. Let's get in. Listen. Listen. >> Take her out of here. >> All right. Listen. We're done with it. Okay. Let's get the kid get going before anything else escalates. Let's go. Thank you. >> But despite their protests, the truth remained. The children had to be placed with their grandparents. >> I'm going to stay here tonight. >> Can I go talk to Matt? >> Listen, I can't. Matt who? >> Josh is the only one. You have to leave. Mother, just stay here. >> Matt Price has no authority here. >> It's part of shelter. >> This is in the county. >> Mother, just stay here. >> So Matt Price has no authority. It's all going to go through me. I can't keep him from staying here. >> Well, I don't give a he does. He won't put hands on me. >> Okay. I want to make sure that I don't come back for anything. You know what I mean? >> Well, then you better tell him. >> I've told everybody. I've told everybody. But >> no, cuz EMS will pick him up. He won't put hands on me. >> Stay here. Like I said, he's going to have to leave. >> He'll have to leave. Mom, don't worry. >> The mother now faced the grip of the law. >> All right, I got to cuff you. Okay, that >> Where's the guy behind? >> I'm going to put him in front. You leave behind. But you've been super cool with me. So, we're going to make it a little bit more comfortable. All right. You stay cool and then stay in the front. Sound good? All right. Hop in. Put your seat belt on, please. >> I don't know if I have this. I'll just put it on. Just when you give it to me. >> Yeah. Got it. >> I'm not that coordinated. >> Before leaving, the police made sure to remind the father about the legal procedures and requirements. >> Thank you for staying quiet and cool and collected. >> Obviously, I can't tell you to leave. If you're wanting to move out, I would say now would be the perfect time to start getting your stuff cuz she's going for domestic, but she's going to put a hold on her. Okay. So, she's probably not going to get till Monday, I think. >> So, I mean, it's going to take me all weekend. So, >> she's she won't be out here for the weekend. Now, >> mom and dad, come back for any reason. Call us. I mean, don't get in Don't put hands on them. Don't try not to let them put hands on you. Get in the car. Call the cops so we can come take care of it. Okay. All right. >> I think there's a chance they will come back. Oh yeah. >> Yeah. >> You just have a plan of what you're going to do immediately. Just call us. Okay. Because everybody's everybody's going to keep going higher and higher. You know what I mean? >> Oh, I know. And uh >> if they come back, just call us, walk to your car, and pull off down. >> When will I know to go to court? Monday. >> Your court won't be Monday. >> Okay. >> I'm saying she'll probably see the judge Monday. Yep. >> That's when we know. >> All righty. >> Cuz uh all that stuff saying, all that, I'll pee in a cup right now. You know, I mean, I'm just saying. You see what I'm saying? Yeah, if I got to go to court, I'll go right now with your guys' department, I'll pee right now. >> I mean, I pee. I'm iron worker, guys. I got every job I go on. I'm just saying. >> I'm not doubting it. >> I just heard her saying stuff and uh >> Well, she don't even have no idea. >> Emotions are high. >> I mean, I get prescription. Okay. I get prescription for my testosterone C. So, that's what I take. >> If they come back, get in the car, drive down the road a little bit, call us, and that way we can come take care of it. Okay. >> I'm going to get all my kids and stuff. That's the main stuff. If you would tell, like I said, I got I got probably two trailers loaded weight weight equipment inside that room right there. So, >> whoever's helping you, just tell them the same thing. Nothing physical. Stay away and then we'll come take care of it. Okay. >> Right on. Like I said, I'm not staying tonight. I ain't dealing with her, but I'm going to get as much as I can today, >> tomorrow, and if her if her mom is here and I come here to get my stuff, I'll probably just have a deputy come here while I'm getting my stuff. >> Absolutely. Call us before you even come here. >> Yep. I pull in here and I see a car here. >> Go down the road. Call us. Yep. >> Yep. I appreciate you guys. >> Hey, >> you have a good rest of your day. >> The mother was arrested and held on charges of domestic battery in the presence of a child under 16. In most US states, this offense can carry up to 3 years in prison and fines up to $10,000 with bail expected between $5,000 and $10,000. Children are not weapons or shields in adult conflicts. Any violence or chaos directly affects their mental health and development. Thank you for watching until the end. These two dramatic stories from Illinois reveal a painful truth. Behind the arguments, losses, and even the phone, children are always the silent victims. Never forget that the safety and happiness of children are the most important. Share this message to help protect the next generation. If you found this video meaningful, don't hesitate to hit like, share, and comment below. And don't forget to subscribe so you won't miss more powerful stories to come. [Music] You can't [Music]