How many people are still inside? >> One lady was in there, but the kid said it was two. >> Are you drink? You intoxicated using What's going on? >> No, I'm not doing I'm not >> Oh, you good? >> A child goes missing. An adult makes a questionable choice and a series [music] of unexpected events unfold, all revealing the consequences of poor judgment. >> Said, "I never want to see you again. I don't want to see dad. Don't talk to me. Don't find me. Don't call me." >> What did you say your mom's been doing your whole life? >> She's been trying to kill me my whole entire life. and she got on top of her, grabbed her and was pulling her to the ground. >> The search for the truth begins with the smallest details where a single decision can change a life. A boy leaves home without a trace and the Ray All surprise comes when authorities discover where he had been staying for days. >> That the find has probable cause to believe and does believe that the property connected to the above elicit crime crimes is currently being contained, stored, or concealed. A 15-year-old boy suddenly loses contact, leaving behind his phone, money, and personal belongings. The family is thrown into worry, prompting the mother to call 911 for assistance. On August 12th, 2022, authorities officially begin the search. The mother reports concerning changes in her son, once a model student and athlete, now showing troubling behavior, leaving the family deeply concerned. >> Your son that took off? Yeah. And um so you said that last time he was found at those apartments uh downstairs. >> Is there a friend of his that lives there or something? >> I have no clue. He's changed his entire friend group to be honest. He went from honors classes and a football player to >> whoever these people are that >> whoever these people are. Um I know he's smoking and drinking. I've seen it on his Snapchat. >> Okay. >> Um he's been stealing from us and that's what arose yesterday is he stole $100 out of my wallet. >> Okay. and he meets people down at the gate to buy um and he basically said, "I never want to see you again. I don't want to see dad. Don't talk to me. Don't find me. Don't call me." >> Okay. >> Um this has happened a lot with him over the summer. >> When did he take off? >> Um I want to say it was between 9:40 and 9:50 last night. >> Okay. And I know you gave a description of what he was wearing. He He's on foot, too. >> He's on foot. He's also has a gray Nike backpack that he's had that he's carrying with him. >> Okay. Uh, we don't have a picture of him. Uh, I mean, I can find it through, you know, body camera interactions, but um Can I give you one? >> Yeah, give me a picture if you let me grab my phone. >> Yep. Yeah, I'll get mine, too. I'll be right back. >> Um, and like I will like I'll just I mean I want you guys to have as much information as you can. Um, >> I don't know. There was some party at a beach in Charlotte County and there was a huge fight and some guy was out there stabbing kids, people. >> Okay. >> What was this? >> He was out there and that's what they did to him. Okay. >> Um, so I took him to the ER. >> He broke the nose. Yeah. >> Oh crap. Okay. >> A 25year-old. Um, >> where was this at again? Uh, that it all went down. >> This was in July. This was in July. And this is when he sent me this picture and said, "Mom, somebody broke my nose." >> Where was it at though? Here in uh >> It was here in Charlotte County. >> Was it at a park or something? >> Yeah, it was at like the um the beach park down the street. >> Okay. Okay. >> And my oldest son is um at college and he and he sent him that picture. So he came home for a week and that's when he text my older son, I'm at Charleston K, come get me. >> Okay. >> And that's when he came home. We took him to the ER. >> We did all that. >> Okay. So right now you pretty much have no no idea where he could be at. That's just an idea based on where he was found last time. And that's when he was found with Devonte, right? This Devonte guy. Okay. >> Yeah. >> All right. So, that all went down a couple weeks ago at the >> Mhm. >> at the park. Uh, >> yeah. >> Down the street. And is this the the longest he's done this for that he's taken off or >> No, but we had a really long conversation that school's in session. He had told us over the summer when we didn't hear from for a couple days that he was at a trap house. No clue what that is or what goes on there, >> right? >> Um, you know, we definitely don't do anything like that. So, I I I don't know. I know he's with the older crowd. all his friends that he used to hang out with from football, he's just kind of pushed them to the side. >> Okay. Which is the crowd he should be hanging out with right now. Or at least that should be his friend group. But >> Right. >> Okay. You say he he does drug and alcohol. Have you seen him impaired before about >> He was high the other night when he stole money from me. He went down to the gate and I'm sure he bought >> Mhm. Okay. >> And this isn't the first time he stole from us. I mean, he stole over $1,500 out of our safe. >> Okay. That's big right there. Yeah. you should have. I mean, and I know as a parent, you probably try to avoid getting them in trouble, but press charges. >> Yeah. Other parents are just like, he stole from us. He needs to learn his lesson. But then again, you sit there and wonder what what that'll do to his long-term chances in life, >> right? And, you know, that's my whole thing. But then, you know, it was that money and then it was my daughter's babysitting money and then it was another $100 for me. And literally, I came home last night from my daughter's chair. I put my purse on my counter cuz I've been leaving it in my room. I went to the bathroom, washed my hands, and in that that instant, >> that's how quick >> that's how quick he was. And the only reason I know is cuz I took my daughter to the store to get a sketchbook for school and it was gone. So, I had 126 and the 100 was missing. >> Okay. Do the same. Um, I'm going to go and see if we can locate where he could be at. You haven't driven to the Charleston K place, right? Cuz you don't know exactly where it is. >> I don't I mean, I know where it is. Like, I'll be honest. I just drove through there like around the parking lot just to see if I recognized a car that might have been here to pick him up or if he, you know, was walking around, but I didn't. And that was 30 minutes ago. >> Okay. So, >> after I drop my daughter off the chair, >> you don't know of any of of his uh friends or a girlfriend or anything like that. >> Police search the surrounding area, speak with neighbors, and collect [music] every small clue. Multiple leads are followed, but the boy's location remains unknown. Um, you guys know >> never heard of it. >> What about a uh Kaylee Resin? >> Kylie? Yeah. >> Yeah. Kylie. >> Okay. Who's Kylie to you guys? >> My daughter. >> Your daughter? >> Yeah. >> Okay. She doesn't know anybody named Jones. >> I don't think so. I've never heard of >> She's not even home right now. >> She isn't? >> No. >> Do you know where she's at? >> No, I don't. She's at work or something. I don't know where she went. >> How old is she? >> She's about to be 18. >> Okay. But you think she's at work? I don't know where she is actually. I don't know. I tried calling her earlier, but she didn't answer cuz she's not home though. >> Yeah, I've never heard >> I've never heard of him. I mean, heard of all kinds of [ __ ] >> Yeah, he's he's currently missing. He's been missing for about 4 days. And >> he's not here. >> Okay. The information that we got was he might be with her. >> Yeah, she's not here. >> Okay. Where does she work? >> She works with me and at Dunkin Donuts, but I don't know. I don't I honestly She wasn't home last night. Which Dunkin Donuts was that? >> One over here um on uh what is it? 41 or whatever. >> Is it in the gas station next to the subway? >> No. >> Is it down south of Midway? >> Yeah, it's right across the street from Republic. >> Hancock next to Rim City. >> Yeah. Yeah. Where Rip City used to be. Yeah. Yeah. She's not home. She wasn't home last night either. So, she was staying by her girlfriend. So, >> if you guys hear anything about him or whatever the case may be, give us a call. Okay. >> All right. Yeah, I'll I'll try calling her. >> All right. Sounds good. Thank you. A turning point occurs when the mother receives messages from students. Her son appears on social media and is seen at a teacher's home. This information is quickly passed to police. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. I'm Sergeant Curt with criminal investigations. >> Um, >> hi >> Martin with criminal investigations. Also, >> unfortunately, we're here because of one of your teachers, Kelly Simpson. >> Um, this reference to case number 2208-007100 where she was tampering with child custody. Um, we have reason to believe that she may have, um, evidence in her classroom to support said charges and possibly other charges. >> Okay. >> Sexual conduct. >> All right. >> Um, that being known to you, uh, you're allowing us to come on campus and go into our classroom. Is that correct? I have. >> Okay. All right. >> Um, so what I said is we've moved our class. We have a sub there. They're going to be in the center. The doors locked. So, um, is my one of my SRO's going with you or do you want me to go to unlock the classroom or >> as long as somebody can somebody stand by with us, that's all. >> Yep. No, that's good. And those Nobody should be back in there until you're done. >> Okay. All right. Thank you very much. >> All right. >> Sidebar. >> Authorities go to the teacher's home to check on the boy and speak with the teacher. It is discovered that she had taken the boy from an unknown location and [music] allowed him to stay desping that his family was searching for him. Bas going to read off the search warrant just so you know what's going on. All right. Case number is 2271 0. Suspect's name that the client has probable cause of believe and does believe that the property connected to above listed crime crimes is currently being contained, stored or concealed within the following location. The residence located at 1390 Maker Street, Port Charlotte, Florida. Zip code of 33952. the suspect's residents of as I stated before 1390 Maker Street, Portark, Florida for zip code 33952. The property software are any and all electronic devices used to facilitate communication between parties for full forensic downloads which may include cell phones, tablets, computers, etc. Ring security cameras for full forensic download. Any and all evidence of the crime committed to include receipts, papers, pictures, additional license plates, etc. All right. Next, you can do whatever you want to do with this paperwork. All right. green to you. >> Oh yeah, we just have you step out the way. >> You can bring your water too if you want. >> 227. >> Do you have anything in your pockets or anything like that that I need to be concerned about? >> I have a vape. >> Okay. Is it just a paper copy of the uh search warrant they provided to you and the car key? Just go ahead and leave your car key on the seat. Vape is okay. >> Yeah, just take it and move. >> Yeah, >> I'll take that. Um Yeah. and then I'll take the paper for you. And we'll just come over here to the passenger side of the mark. receipt. >> Is that a piece of gum that somebody put in my gun? >> Yep. >> Nice. A former Charlotte County teacher later faced a charge of interfering with the custody of a minor. She was sentenced to 5 years of probation, 100 hours of community service, and ordered to pay $916 in court costs. Under the plea agreement, she is permanently prohibited from working with children. Someone once trusted to guide others crossed a critical line. This is not only a legal matter, but also a reminder of professional ethics and the responsibility adults have in safeguarding a child's well-being. A mother stands in front of a smoke-filled house, yet makes no call for help. Could she be connected to the unusual situation unfolding inside? >> 911. Where's your emergency? >> Hi. The house next door is on fire. >> Okay. Is it 9? The fire department is on the way. Do you see where the smoke is coming from? >> I'm sorry. What? >> Can you see the smoke and flames and where it's coming from? >> I can see a lot of smoke coming out of the house. Okay. >> And the flames look like it's coming from the front of the house. >> From the front like the front door. >> Yeah. >> Okay. We We are on the way. Okay. Grand Rapids 911. Where is your emergency? >> Hi. Um I don't know where the exact house is, but there's a house on eastern bite Delaware. I can see it from my room. The house on fire. >> Okay. Yep. We've got the fire department on the way. Okay. Let's see. >> Yeah, I see it from my my room. It's bad. It's getting big. I hear people swimming. On January 25th, 2025, in less than 2 minutes, police received three calls from neighbors reporting a home where three children are in potential. Notably, none of the calls come from the mother, even though she is standing right outside her own home. When officers arrive, they find the mother strangely calm, while the children have not yet been brought to safety. How many people are still inside? >> One lady was in there, but the kids said it was two. >> There's still two kids. >> But the two kids are in the house right here. Where? Right here. Right here. >> They're in this one. >> Are there anybody still in this one? >> But that lady wasn't in there, right? You said two. Are there any kids still in the house? >> Was in there? Yes. >> Is she still in there? Where is she? Second floor. What corner? >> Where's her bedroom? >> Which corner? >> Saying there might be still one kid inside on the second floor. She's saying there might still be one child inside on the second floor. >> Okay. Is that her? >> Those are two of my kids. One still upstairs. >> Okay. >> What's your first name? >> Roanda. >> R O C O >> N D A. >> N D A. Let's get out of their way. Last name. Who's the child that you think is still in? Stay here for me. kid who might still be inside his name. >> Upstairs. >> You should be extremely happy. >> Yep. >> I know. That's what I'm saying. >> Why you pretending to be like you not being an officer? >> Uh neighbor's house. >> Why you pretending to be an officer? >> I don't know. >> I know. That's why I'm saying for joy. You should be You should be doing cuff wheels. >> Rakanda, tell me what happened. >> I don't know what happened. Ask him what happened. H how'd you get out >> the window? >> Okay. What was going on when you needed to climb out the window? >> I don't know nothing. I don't know nothing. I just know the officer that turned my bike around is right here. I don't know nothing. I just know I've been standing with the boy that Hey, it is what it is. That old officer friendly over there. >> He's a friendly one. >> Yeah, he's a good one. He's a friendly one. He's a good one. >> My god. Wow. Officer friendly. Oh my god. Officer Frenzy. Officer friend. Oh, that for you. You that my wife. They knew they [ __ ] up. You assh in a worker. It's over now. It's over. knew they knew that girl was a [ __ ] Know that little girl was that officer know that little girl was >> It don't matter. I'm going to >> can't hear you. >> I don't know nothing. >> Did you get how many people were possibly inside? >> Just one. >> Just one. >> You know my daughter was they did this. You know that little girl was man know my daughter was dog >> know my baby was dog dog a dirty cop a dirty cop that baby was mad she I can't even take her to the doctor to get checked behind this bush. >> Fortunately neighbors quickly help bring the children to safety. However, when police return the children to the home, something concerning occurs. The children show reluctance to go back to their mother. >> Please not pardon. My babies did die. >> See what I'm feeling? Not see what I'm saying? Creepy, man. Hi. Are there two girls? >> You just here to get the kids. You'll be >> Can I say something? I reported her this summer for threatening to kill my um siblings. My auntie is a nurse. We did report. They said the most we could do is a welfare chest. She is known crazy. Those kids are scared. They are You could talk to the kids, but my mom called her friend. They swear to God. They friend my mom called and um to get in contact with their dad. But I promise on my life we did. You could check try to check. We did reports on her for three kids and they told us just stay in the house and stuff. >> You know how long ago that was? >> You could talk to her kids. >> They scared. >> You could talk to her kids. They said that this is the first time she tried to She said that she explained stuff to start a fire. So I y'all I me personally I >> taking them to their sister house that you got to tell her. >> I don't know these people. >> I promise. Okay. >> You can talk to the child. I'm fine with the child staying at night. >> Oh no. Miss sir, now you come on. >> No, I I swear like she is crazy. I My license is not right here. My license is not renew right now, but I'm a licensed technician and I know um sign she be walking on her front porch just talking to herself. She when people walk past, she them and stuff. I don't feel >> I have problems with the neighbors, sir. That was months ago. Police took care of the baby was 6 months. her. We walked past several years ago. >> No, we got you got you got police work. So we not I'm not going to entertain this girl. I don't know her. >> You can talk to the kids. >> Yeah, you going to talk to the kids. You come >> don't want to go. My mom, >> we don't know these people. You was taking supposed to be picking them up. >> Oh, okay. If they dad come. No. Oh, that's to that's to that's sir. They going to their sister house. You know why we're standing here. >> You can do it tomorrow. >> You already know. You going >> I'm telling you personally that she is. >> Yeah. I can walk and talk to myself if I want to. I'm a grown woman. >> 1811 to 1960. >> It's so cold. I'm I'm still me personally. >> Do you mind if I step in with you and then do you mind staying with my partner here for a second? >> Can you just stay with her for a second? >> Inside the home, one child later says that the mother contributed to the unsafe situation and even tried to keep them from leaving as it became riskier. Okay. She trying to get in contact with their dad. >> Okay. >> Well, she is. >> We were thinking about maybe taking you to your sister's place. >> Do you have a sister that lives on Eastern Cemetery kind of by Husman Field? Puppy, you're okay. >> Are y'all fine going with this? Because I told her that you don't want to go with your mom or anything. >> I don't want to go with my mom. >> What's going on with your mom? >> She tried to kill us. No, she she's trying to save us by holding us down on the bed >> too and fire up in her room. I saved >> she tried to put the fire out. I said, "Go get water. Go get water." She said, "Oh, you're the key." >> Yep. So, tell me what happened up until you got out of the house. >> Oh, when I was when I woked up, I can smell something burning in the hallway. >> Okay. And my sister's scarf was on fire. And I was like, >> her scarf scarf was on fire. >> My sister's scarf got in the hospital. She um her scarf. >> My mom like scarf on fire. >> Can we put the dog somewhere else? >> Come on. >> Her scarf was on fire in the hallway. And I was like, "Mom," she was like, "Go back to sleep." And I started I opened the window and I started yelling, "Help!" And nobody could hear me. So, I jumped out the window and my [snorts] ribs started hurting and I went to my mom window and I tried to get my mom pulled me back in and her room was on fire and then I climbed back out but she was trying to pull me back in but somehow I got out and I pulled my sister out too but I couldn't save my other sister cuz she's a and she couldn't jump out the window and my ribs so bad. >> Yep. We got an ambulance coming to check on your ribs. [snorts] Okay. So if I'm >> that and my I fell in the place. >> So she got transported to the hospital. Well, she was in when the fire was burning. So she is in serious condition. I know that. >> What? >> She's going to go get some help. Okay. >> She's she is she's probably at the hospital already. Okay. >> Um [snorts] so if I'm looking at your house from the front, where is your bedroom? Is it in the back? Is it on the on the side? >> Walk up the stairs. It's right there. >> You keep going straight. >> So, is this So, if I go in the front door, is the stairs on the right? >> Yeah. You just You go walk up the stairs. You turn up the stairs and you turn again and you go up the stairs and keep straight to my room. Did you save my Nikes? Did you save my Nikes? >> No, I don't think any of that got >> You got shoes off. So, if I'm looking out your bedroom window, am I looking at your backyard? >> I'm looking like at the side of the house, >> the side on on this side or by the street on the street. >> Yeah. And then there's bushes down there and that's when I fell and it was very hard and broke my ribs and I got a lot of >> Okay. So, you jumped out the second story window and then you said you climbed back up. No, I climbed I went up the stairs to my mom window where no station and I pulled my house. >> Front door. >> No, I go from the front door. >> Which which stairs did you go up >> to the front door to? And then you go in the window where you say you want to contact me. >> In another interview, a child shares unsettling memories from previous experiences. >> I just want before I get all your story. Okay. I'm going to keep trying to make sure that I have the story exactly right just so that I can make sure that I'm all the way right on what she said. Okay. And then I will listen and get your side of the story, too. [snorts] >> Okay. So, mom took all the fire alarms out of all the bedrooms this morning. Started a fire. Did you see her start the fire outside of your room? >> Yes. >> What did she use to start the fire? >> I don't know. It was some type of She had a lighter and a spray and she sprayed it on my sister's car and she then she made a fire and then she went downstairs. I couldn't go out in the hallway to see what she was doing. I jumped out. >> Well, I'm sorry. Um, what did you say your mom's been doing your whole life? >> She's been trying to hit me my whole entire life. >> Why? Why do you feel that way? >> Because she she in the past she used to always stand up on my back and and throw me on the floor. She used to um push me and she always used to hit me and she broke a brush on my head. >> She she never got on the house away from her so I don't have to be about I'm getting all the time. >> Why don't you tell me what happened this morning? Like where were you in the house when this started? >> I was and my mom was sleeping >> on downstairs or upstairs. >> Downstairs. And I was sleeping with my mom. I woke up for smoke and I seen a fire. I said, "What happened?" She said a fire just came and she tried to fix get it fix it. Tried to get it out. We can't get out the house from the front door. Then and then came and tried to pull me out. Mom pulled her in to tell her cuz outside it was so freezing cold that she didn't want. And then the people pull us down our ne our neighbors. They they told mom to go they tried to get mom out but they mom refused to get out to go but mom finally got out and they got up on on on in the in her room. She was asleep. So your mom was trying to go back in to get your sister. >> Yes. >> She don't see the danger. >> What was she trying to go back in for? >> Our sister on her bed. >> She was just Was it was going in? >> Mhm. >> No, she y'all. She did. >> Why could I window open? >> Strange. I had to open that one. >> Okay. So you said that then some passerbys were trying to get your mom to get out of the house, but she kept trying to go back in. >> Yeah. >> So she could lay down on her bed and by herself. >> No. >> See her mom in heaven. >> Your mom wanted to You're saying your mom wanted to lay down and >> Yeah. Okay. >> No, she didn't. You was going to give us if I >> Yeah, please go. So, um, you saw your mom start the fire in the hallway and then you climbed out your window and that was when you fell and hit your ribs and then you went back in the front door. >> No, I went at her. I climbed three times. Well, I tried to out of there and I tried to save mom. She pulled me back in and hold me down on the bed back in through the door or the window? >> Window. >> Okay. So, mom pulled you back in through the window's room. >> Yeah. >> I put cover on but you still >> which was on the porch, right? like the windows on the second [snorts] floor. >> Out the second floor trying to get >> you're trying to get them to come out the main floor. >> Oh, she was sleeping with mom. Okay. So, >> when you when your mom pulled you back into the house, how much how much time passed between then and when the man pulled you out? >> 5 seconds. >> Real fast. No. >> Yeah. So, I can climb out the window. Oh, and that's when they pulled when I got out. That's when they came on the porch and pulled out. They tried to get mom out. >> No. >> Okay. >> So, how much time went by from when she was starting the fire in the hallway to when you jumped out the window? >> Can we go now? >> That was pretty fast. >> That was real fast. >> We'll be patient. >> I was holding the wire in a spray and she was spraying it like that and then she went downstairs. >> Okay. >> Oh, I think I know why she did that. So, like >> what man? like a a >> it was a a city plow driver, I think. >> Okay. It was >> he came into the house and pulled you out or he pulled you out through the window? >> The window. >> Okay. >> Police later find that safety devices in the home had been removed. At the same time, their investigation suggests that the home was not properly prepared for emergencies, contributing to the risk. >> Why do you think she was doing that? used. She used to have a stitch cord tied to our door so nobody come so none of us can go out cuz she her her boyfriend >> that not her boyfriend >> not anymore then and and now she wanted to burn the house down. So cuz she did she didn't she hate the house because her old neighbors used to come on her porch and used to like knock on the people they used to they used to come on the on the doorstep and start ding and they would start ding this so somebody's house so she burned the house down >> so we can have movement with my dad. >> Do you think that your mom intentionally started a fire to burn your house down? Yes. >> What makes you think that she saw her using the spray can? Did you see your mom do anything or did your mom see >> I just see her just having the bottle that say have fire to make don't don't pull don't make a it's a we got a little grill outside charcoal grill. >> Yeah. And we pull and then it's just for to pour on it to make a fire. I saw your mom holding >> and then she holding it and started pouring it to try to make it go out but it wouldn't go out. >> She made it bigger cuz she know >> Okay. So there was there was flames already. >> Yeah. >> And you saw your mom with that container for when you do grilling and she was spraying that on the fire. >> Yeah. This the big jug and she was right. >> The mother has been charged with murder, firstdegree arson, and three counts of secondderee child abuse. If convicted, she could face life in prison for arson, up to 10 years for each child's charge, and up to life without parole for the murder charge. Every ignored warning sign can lead to serious consequences. Community awareness, timely police response, and family safety education are crucial in preventing accidents. When the granddaughters she cared for over the years turned to harsh words, what happens when tensions finally reach a breaking point? On May 8th, 2024, a minor dispute involving the home, paperwork, and finances between a grandmother and her two teenage granddaughters escalates, prompting police to step in. The first report comes from the girl's mother, who is also the grandmother's daughter-in-law. >> There was an altercation between my mother-in-law and my daughter. My older daughter, she's getting ready for work. She came over [clears throat] there and got me. I was cooking and told me that the my mother-in-law had just put her hands on my daughter. So I went over there. There was they weren't actively doing anything at that moment. >> They're bunch of hollering and screaming, crying. I don't know. I don't know how you guys got called. So >> does this occur here? >> Yeah, right in the kitchen in the living room. What was it? Kitchen, living room. >> Them were the only two that it was my mom and them were the only two that was in the house with it. By the time we got there, they >> we got into argument. She threw my stuff away. So I told her she threw mine away. with the roads away, which I was just holding the papers and she came over there and like grabbed my arm and was like school and all on my neck and was like tricking me and my sister took her off of me. Nana got home, his mom, she got home and she was mad about the house. She didn't want to take me to work cuz I have to give her gas when I don't have any money right now. But she was mad about that. She was already mad about whatever. I don't even know. She was telling her, "Hey, I'm going to clean the house cuz she started going off about the house." That was the next thing she went off about. And she was throwing stuff. When she does that, we just know, leave her alone. Don't mess with her cuz she's there's something wrong with >> Yeah, she is a little crazy. She don't take >> I told her to hush. Was like she was like, "I'm going to clean it. I'm going to clean it. I'm going to get it all done before you get back home." I work at McDonald's right up there. Don't throw my stuff away cuz she was throw stuff away. So, she's like, "I'm going to get it clean before you get here." So, she can't throw it away or whatever. So, she grabbed all of her stuff under the um >> She didn't know that we had already previously talked about the clean up before. >> She threw all of it. You throw my stuff away. I'm going to throw your stuff away. She was holding it just like this. She wasn't to rip it. She was just like >> it was her work stuff. She's a school bus driver. >> When she ran over there, she did just like that. And she got on top of her, grabbed her, and was pulling her to the ground right here. She grabbed her by her neck. And so it went on like 5 seconds before I went over there. And I grabbed her off of her. And I ran over there and I got my mom and my stepdad. And I said, "Hey, they're over there fighting. My mom ran out of the house. He ran out of the house. Come see what's going on." And then I don't know, that's all that happened. >> And they she don't discipline the children. She's not allowed to put her hands on them or her kids. I wouldn't put my hands on them. She's not allowed to either. >> Well, I don't. And there's a way to discipline a child. And especially at this age, I mean, you don't manhandle. >> And I'm just now finding out about what the details was about that. That's what made her snap is it was work related stuff. So, she's tried to keep that stuff kind of important stuff. That's probably why she snapped and grabbed. >> And then because it wasn't okay what happened. And I told her it wasn't okay for her to put her hands on her and handle things that way, she told them to get their is out of here. Got to go right now. >> I wish there was a program that they could teach people for anger management without >> How old are you? >> 15. >> You're 15. How old is she? >> 16. >> 62. >> Okay. >> And she's inside. >> The 62-year-old grandmother steps outside, carrying years of accumulated [music] stress from caring for grandchildren who have become increasingly challenging to manage. >> They would rather you come out here. >> Maybe she wants to see the dirty house, but >> No. Come see. >> Come out. Come out here and talk to us first. >> Why? Because I asked you to >> come out. Come out. >> What? What's going on? What happened? >> What's going on? >> Yes, ma'am. >> I asked him to clean the house. She was supposed to do dishes 2 days ago. I come in, my house is stinking. I've took these kids in 2 years ago. She just now got on food stamp. I've been paying for these kids. Their dad pays absolutely freaking nothing. Well, my son sends $650 a month to his kids and he pays absolutely nothing. It's supposed to be split custody. He gets them for a week. She gets them for a week. That has not happened. He got all their co money. I pay the electric bill here. And I pay it all. I pay the electric bill here. I pay the phone bill here. I pay the cable here. I pay everything. >> Okay. So, what happened today? >> What happened today? She took my pre-trip papers. I'm a bus driver. And she's to rip them up. And I thought I had it on tape. And I'm trying to get my phone. It's doing real fast stuff. It's not going forward. But I had all this on tape. I've got all of it on tape. Give me a few minutes to play with my phone. and hopefully it took it. >> Did you throw her to the ground there? >> No. I grabbed her shirt and pulled her to me. As you can see, she's a big girl. And tried to reach for them. She then lost her balance, fell against the chair there that's got all these blankets and stuff on it. She got up and threw her sister to me. I'm 62 years old. I can't do this anymore. The sister's 18. She's supposed to be leaving this in a couple weeks as soon as school's over. >> You just pulled her to you. >> I grabbed her shirt and pulled her to >> throw her to the ground. Tried choking her. She lost her footing. She fell against that chair and then threw her sister into me. And they're going to lie to you. They're going to lie to you. >> Okay, >> that's why I'm trying to get the video going. They are going to lie to you. >> How long have they lived here? >> About 3 years now with their mother, paying absolutely nothing. I took no money from them ever. Out of the good graces of my heart, I moved them in here. But now, come on. These kids are teenagers and you need to go in and look at my house. >> Well, did you try ripping up some of their paperwork? I did throw some stuff away because she was threatening to do mine. Come in and look at my house. >> Listen, no matter what the house looks like, it's it's not a crime. It doesn't matter. If you have the video, we would like to see the video. You can go work on getting that. >> Yeah, I will I will work on that on getting that to you. This is my sister because if I do go to jail, they're getting evicted. >> The grandchildren each describe moments when tensions [music] flared. This raises another question. What are the roles and responsibilities of the biological parents? >> So, today what happened today? >> Well, before she got home, she called me. Well, my sister, she has to go to work at 6:00. Before she got home, she called me and was yelling and talking about I'm not taking her unless she gives me money. My sister got paid. Um I don't It was like a week ago and she asked her, "Do you want me to give you $80 to take me back and forth to work until I get my next paycheck?" And she never takes the money. Like she never takes money from us kids and like and now all of a sudden she's going crazy about money and we don't know what the issue is. And she came in and talking about some she wanted her to pay her. And then she's talking about you need to pay me rent cuz you live here rent free. You don't clean the house or anything. I said, "I do clean your house. I'm always the one cleaning it. You never clean it." And then I said, "I'm 15. I'm a minor. I can't pay you." And she said, "Call my dad." And I'm like, "I'm not going to call my dad so he can waste his time when he's at work." >> Take a deep breath. >> I asked her like under the table there was like a whole bunch of papers in mine and her. And I asked her, did she want me to clean it out? Cuz her papers were there, too. And she said, "No, I'll clean it open. I'm throwing all your stuff away. I'll do that part." I'm like, "Don't throw my stuff away." And she said, "If I said, if you throw mine away, I'm going to throw yours away." She came in there. Sorry. getting all my stuff and hers from under the table and threw it away. I said, "You just threw your stuff away, too." And then I had five of the same papers. They were green. I don't know if you seen them in the house in my hand. They were five of the same ones. I said, "You need them." She said, "Yes." And I said, "Okay, well, since I needed that stuff, you threw it away cuz that's my school stuff." I said, "I'm going to throw yours away." Which I wasn't really. I wasn't planning to rip them or anything. They were just in my hands like this. And then she came over there and I held them out and dropped them. And then she started me and grabbing me all over my arm. And my mom has pictures and my sister like pulled her off from me and then we came out here and got my mom and my mom ran over to her and we were already done by then. >> When you say she you how did she >> she had like right she had she had me like right here grabbed me and my sister came over there and took her and pushed her off of me cuz she wouldn't get off. >> You demonstrated by the shirt. Was it like this? >> Yes. Like this first grab right here. She grabbed her here and then she grabbed her right here. Pulled her down to the ground and she was on top of her. So I grabbed her. She's small lady. She's very short. So I just grabbed her just like this and I pulled her to the couch and I was like, "Don't ever put your hands on her." I get in her face. I said, "Don't ever do that to her." She >> got whose face first was? >> Nana ran to her like this. I'm over here. This is Nana. She runs to her and grabs her when the paper's right here. So there was no point in doing any of that. And when they're arguing, stop. Stop. >> What happened today? How did you come about knowing this? >> My daughter, my oldest daughter came and got me. Said that Nana's just and I was cooking. Turn my food off. ran over there to see what's going on. Nothing was going on when I got there. She was had her phone and was like doing something on it trying to find out what happened. Everybody was flabbergasted. I told her that that was she was ch like >> what did she tell you she did? >> What did she tell me she did? >> When you said what happened, what did your mother-in-law say? >> She didn't tell me. She told her no. Yes, she did. She said she grabbed her by a shirt and tried to pull her down. >> Summer's almost over and they they're going to have their space and she just My mom just needs space. >> So, another question. They've lived in that house for how long? every year for the last 3 years. >> Now, are you still legal guardian? >> She's supposed to have split custody, but what happened with that is the father when he was getting them, he moved to Tampa and when the father was getting them, he wasn't sending them to school. They were coming after me. Truency and so whenever they would go to the father, he would they weren't in school. They've basically been with me because they've got to stay in school and he don't even he hasn't had an address. Like even if I I've tried to go to the courthouse to serve papers and stuff and I have to give like a $50 money order to get them served into that county, but then because the address isn't good, it never gets sent. So it's just like nothing's really happening. >> So So she is not a legal guardian of the kids. >> She has been at one time. >> Well, yeah. She's been power of attorney before. >> Yeah, there's been a notori. >> So like if anything were to happen, she >> still now. >> No, I think you have to do it every year probably. And I was like, >> but when when she goes to the grocery store and she brings food home, the food's for all three of them. Correct. >> Well, yeah. I do most of the food shopping. >> She comes, they live in the house as a family unit. Y'all all live here. They live in the house. Y'all live here as a family. >> My mom buys them Christmas presents. She considers them family. And that's what I told him. I was like, she just lost her cool. I mean, she is the adult, but at the same time, she doesn't act like an adult. It's one It's a tough spot. >> All right. Well, hang tight for us just a minute. Okay. Public sympathy initially leans toward the [music] children until the grandmother shares video evidence. In it, the grandmother, who has provided care for [music] years, is verbally challenged by her own grandchild. >> I'm not coming in. I'm not coming in and within 30 minutes having to leave my house to take you to work every day. That ain't happening. >> I know you and arguing about me. You know, you'll get off real quick. >> I'm not doing this with you. I don't feel like it. >> I'm being all the time with them. >> Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. Just hold on. When did you guys off this week? >> Uh Friday and Sunday for tonight. And once I get this house clean, I'm not cleaning it again unless I mess it up, which I'm not. This mess is from both of you. Most of the time, I don't >> I ain't been home. >> My sister's gone blind, so I've been over helping her a lot. >> And when I am here, I'm sleeping. >> They're laughing at me. >> Is this your I heard you like want me to throw away >> something about the day. >> Shut up. >> How'd it get over there? >> Those are the papers she's talking about throwing away. >> So I don't know. I don't know. >> Rip them up. >> You should never let them come over. >> They can't come back when they go to bed. >> Yep. >> Put them on my on that bed. Oh, girl, you don't know. You start leaving your backpacks and hanging, they ain't going to be here when I come back. >> When I got to start picking up this house, >> all that going to be in here will be in that room. >> You better make sure you put it in there. Your clothes. >> I just said that I'm going to do that. So, why do you keep on saying it? Just talk about it. >> In the bathroom, you guys, >> bro, that bathroom is not me. >> Everybody go to that damn bathroom. >> You know it's not her. You don't take baths. Take baths every night. So it's you and you need to clean it. >> No, it's not me. >> It's not my ass. >> All I do is go in there, take a shower. I come out here and put my clothes on. >> So you're nasty. Nasty. >> Then that would be your mom. Tell her to clean up after herself. >> I'm sitting at the table the whole time. >> She's dirty. You're dirty. Now, that ain't the little girl crying over there either. >> Don't sit over there and act like a therapist. You're not one. >> You're not a very good. No, you're not. No, you're not. >> My life is amazing. >> I want you to clean up. Yes. >> Okay. But do you want me to clean? >> Yeah. Go right ahead. >> All right. Yes, I am. No, I'll clean my house. out. >> No, I'll clean under that. >> Most of that stuff is mine. >> Yeah, I'll clean under that. >> Throw my stuff away. You know what? I have it done by the time you garbage >> and I'll take this out on my way out. >> Those are myed papers that already have ones. You go out before I pulled her to me and tried to get those. >> Although each side has its own perspective, the situation escalates beyond acceptable limits, requiring [music] authorities to step in and mediate. >> Try to get that paperwork from me from her. >> Okay. Take this off my neck. Take this off my neck. This is crazy, you guys. Please do nothing but protect it alone. Leave it alone. >> Anytime. If it was just a verbal argument, it would have been a verbal argument. We'd be leaving. But you can't lay your hands on >> Do not come bail me out. I want to see a judge. >> You're going to have to see a judge first thing in the morning cuz you're not going to have a bond. >> You call Teresa. Tell her I won't be to work. I don't have money for a bond. >> Have you told these officers about them doing over there? >> What all do you need? >> Jerry and them aren't doing. I'm talking about >> Amber is doing. >> Yeah. >> What all do you need out of here? >> I need my driver's license. No, it's in the zipper part. It's in the back. >> Now, do I get to press charges against the 15year-old >> right now? For you guys. >> No, ma'am. Because you were on top of the other one. So, she did throw it on top of her. >> Well, you were putting your hands on her and the >> I grabbed her shirt >> and the 18-year-old No, she threw the 18-year-old. She got up and threw her sister into me. I'm calling elderly. I mean, this is this is ridiculous. >> She will have a no contact. She will not be allowed to come to this residence at all. It doesn't matter. She battered someone that lives here. So, she'll have a no contact order until that gets settled in court. She will not be allowed to come here. She will not be allowed to talk to either one of the two girls. She can't do anything until it's cleared through the courts. >> Guys, this is her home. I am here. >> Listen, listen. But she showed us a video that clearly indicates that yes, she throws some of her paperwork away. She says, "Okay, well then I'll throw your stuff away." We then hear her on the video charge towards her and then her start yelling. That's clearly, let me say this, she is technically looked at as possibly a custodian because she lives here with the kids. Had she just her on the butt one time, we could deem that it is her parenting, but she has bruises on her arms. Both of the girls are saying that yes, she did pull her towards her by her shirt and then grab her by the back of the neck and put her on the ground. And then she was on top of her and the 18-year-old grabs her and pulls her off of her. So >> Sy's not going to lie about that. Sy's Sandy doesn't lie like that. >> Do you have one on that one arm too? >> I don't think so. I haven't checked this arm because she didn't really touch this arm. The only one that touched this arm is that one. >> So, I got a couple questions I got to ask you. Okay. Has the perpetrator ever used a weapon against you or you with a weapon? >> No, sir. >> Has the perpetrator you or your children? >> No, sir. >> Do you think the perpetrator is capable of you? >> I don't know. She has a gun, but >> it's considered domestic charges. Yeah, >> it doesn't matter. We don't have to have a victim for it as long as we deem that something. She's got on her. She also showed us a video. You can clearly hear in the video. She says, "Well, then I'll just throw your stuff away." And then you can hear her on the radio start screaming and running at she's got anger problems. It would do her good seeing the class. But at the same time, she has been a bus driver for 19 years. So if she gets a domestic, that's what her >> Well, it's also felony domestic. >> So she does not have a bond tonight. She will get a bond that first appearance in the morning. She will have a no contact order. She cannot come to this house. If she comes to this house, she goes straight back to jail and she cannot make contact with her. >> Oh, so even the kids ain't here, she can't come here. >> When she gets out, when she gets bonded, she will have one chance to call us and say, "Hey, I need to go get my stuff from the house. We will come out here with her. She will be allowed to go inside and get her necessities. Stuff for work, stuff for like hygiene. That is it." And then she has to leave. >> Yeah, man. That's tough. >> That's with any any battery in general. It just makes it tough when it's a domestic because if you live in the same house, >> it's not going to roll over. We're going to end up paying for an attorney. She'll get psych evaluation. She's not right upstairs. So, >> yeah. But just from talking to her, I can tell you she's right enough to know right from wrong. >> She does. But when you get pushed to a certain level, I've got an anger problem. I've been through the classes. They're very beneficial. >> I'm good. I'm good. >> Don't fight with them. >> I'm not fighting with nobody. You're the one in the hot seat. >> Yeah. Well, I'm staying when I go. >> All right. Well, Amber, call Teresa. You're not going to be able to have that bus driving job. >> I know that. I know that. That was all that was all this. >> Well, regardless, I already know that. I already know that. And you still eviction notices. They're getting eviction. >> Well, you still have a few options. You can get a lawyer. It's going to cost you a boatload. >> No, I'm not >> the video and all the other drive. It's probably >> I'm good. I'm good. Don't worry about me. Hey, >> I'm not. You're >> But they are going to be evicted. >> It's summertime. They're here another two. >> I don't care. They're going. They will never be allowed back on my property. >> That's fine. All right. The grandmother is charged with cruelty toward [music] a dependent. Under New York law, she could face up to one year in jail or 3 years of probation. A restraining order is issued and the grandchildren are temporarily removed from the home. Unclear custody and limited [music] support from the biological parents place significant responsibility on the elderly grandmother. This reflects the challenges [music] many families face regarding responsibility, boundaries, and the well-being of children. A single moment of carelessness behind the wheel turns two young children and a passerby into unintended victims of a serious accident. >> Dude, I'm so scared. Bro, >> why are you scared? >> And you know why? >> Why? >> It's because all the stuff I've seen, bro. I'm just so scared, man. >> On the night of May 11th, 2025 in Albuquerque, [music] New Mexico, a Chevrolet avalanche collides with a motorcyclist, putting the person in a risky situation. After the collision, the vehicle is later found at an apartment complex where the driver appears with a woman and two young children. >> Hey, get out of the vehicle. Police department. Sir, open the door to the truck. Open the door. Come on out over here. >> Yeah. >> Come on out over here. What's going on, dude? >> No, they're yelling at me. >> Have a seat on this bumper right here. What's going on, dude? >> They're yelling at me, man. >> About what? >> They're trying to tell me to like >> What's your name? >> Anthony. >> Anthony, what? Anthony, >> do you have an ID on you? >> Yes, I do. >> Let me get that for me, man. >> What's going on, man? Did you Are you hurt? >> I am. >> Okay. Can I see your ID? Can you get trans your pockets, man? Unless you're getting your ID for me. >> Yeah. >> Is your ID in your pockets or No. >> No. >> Okay. >> Why? >> It's Anthony Nez. >> Yeah. >> A N T H O N Y. Cool. There we go. All right. What's going on, dude? Like, you seem like you're all out of it. Like, what are you drink? Are you intoxicated? You What's going on? No, I'm not doing I'm not doing >> Okay. You're just acting kind of weird, man. Like your vehicle's a little wrecked. Your front tire. What happened with that? >> No. My >> Oh, you good? >> No. >> Let's get up. Let's get you up. Let's get you up. >> My front tire. >> All right. Whoa. You look really intoxicated, man. Let's sit on Sit on this. Does your tailgate open? >> Yes, sir. Go ahead. Go ahead. Do it. >> It doesn't. Just sit right here. All right. Just sit right here. >> Look. >> I'm a working man. >> Okay. You know what? Never mind. There's tools in there. Watch your hand. >> Yeah, exactly. Okay, sit. Have a seat right there. I don't want you going for those tools. So, what happened, dude? >> Were you driving this truck? >> No. My girlfriend was and at the end of the day, I'm just >> Bro, [gasps] I'm so tired of it. >> What's going on? You're not You're not telling me anything. I'm here to help you, but you're not telling me anything. >> Bro, you're my bro, right? >> I'm here to help you, man. >> Dude, I can't do it no more, man. >> What are you talking about? I I'm on call, right? >> You're on call. >> So, I've been on call since Thursday to Thursday. >> Okay. What do you do for work? >> I I fix people's water lines. [snorts] >> Okay. >> If they call me, I'm >> You're like a plumber. >> Exactly. >> Cool. Okay. >> And I'm here I'm here to fix their drain lines. If their water is leaking from the ceilings, I'm here for that. >> Hey, Anthony. Okay, I hear you, man. Can we focus on today though? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, what happened with the truck today? >> Nothing. >> That doesn't look like nothing, man. That mirror's broken. That tire's all that mirror. Okay, let me tell you something. That mirror I bought it. Okay, this truck I literally bought it a week ago. I literally bought it from the owner. >> Okay. >> And I have I have what's it called? The pink slip, right? What's it called? >> Sure. >> What's it? >> Registration. in the title >> title. >> I bought it. >> Mhm. >> In the title and since a week ago >> Mhm. >> I went to MVD. >> Mhm. >> Just stay seated, man. I don't want you to fall. >> I went to So, you know how you go to register it for the >> MVD? Yeah. >> No, no, no, no. Emissions test. >> Mhm. >> What is it? >> Emissions test. Look, man, this doesn't sound relevant to today. What happened today? I pulled up to the today and I I parked my truck. >> Okay. Where did you park? >> I parked my truck. I'm telling you, bro. I parked my truck and I'm literally talking my >> right here. Is this where you parked it? Okay. >> So then you drove it here and parked it here. >> No, my girlfriend. She drove it here. I parked it here on a Sunday morning because it's Mother's Day. Cuz we went to her sister's house because we had brunch. because we drove it there and we came back and we came back and I was just talking my [ __ ] and I was just stupid, bro. >> When questioned by officers, the man unexpectedly admitted that he was not fully [music] focused while driving. A brief statement, but enough to mark a key turning point in the investigation. >> Okay, let's go over a couple things. Man, you're really intoxicated right now. >> Have you been drinking today? >> I have. >> How much have you had to drink today? more than enough, >> which is above the limit and I have not been drinking a vehicle at all. >> Okay. >> And I want you to know that >> I'm just trying to make sure that that you're okay in case you need to get checked out by medical. That's why I'm trying to that's why I'm asking these questions. >> Of course, I appreciate you and I'm I'm not I'm I'm a big guy as what you could tell. >> Mhm. >> And I want you to know that I haven't been driving. >> And >> how do you explain that tire then? Was that your girlfriend that did that? >> No, it's been like that. But you just told me you drove it here today. So you're telling me you've been driving like that? >> No, I I didn't dream. I >> Anthony, you're not making sense, man. >> I didn't >> I'm not here to lie to you. I'm just telling you exactly what I see with what you're telling me. >> I didn't I'm telling you right now. I'm telling you right now. I didn't I didn't get behind the wheel and I didn't confuse myself behind an alcohol. >> Anthony, just so you know, at this time you are detained. You're not free to leave. Do you understand? If you fight or flee, force will be used against you. Do you understand? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. detainable. >> All right, stand up. Put your hands behind your back. Stand up. Put your hands behind your back. >> Detained. Okay, >> I got your glasses. Don't tense up. >> Don't tense up. >> I wasn't driving. >> Is this your vehicle, though, sir? >> No. >> Okay. >> I wasn't driving. >> Relax your arms. Relax your arms. >> Okay. Yes, sir. >> I wasn't driving. I wasn't driving. All right, man. So, here's what we're going to do. Do you have anything in your pockets that could poke me? No. You know what? Never mind. Do you have any weapons on you? >> No. >> Okay, let's take a walk over here. Is it okay? Can I check your pockets to make sure you don't have anything that's going to help me? Please. >> Okay, we're going to go over here. >> Please check my pockets, please. >> Okay, we will. Anthony. Rez Nez. >> Nez Ne. >> I got this 49. >> It there's no tag on it. >> Please, brother. I'm >> Hold on. Wait. Don't turn towards me, man. Don't do Don't do anything unless I tell you to do it. Okay. Base this flag right here. Base this flag right here. You got to look. Base that flag right there. There you go. >> Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. >> Huh? >> For sure. >> Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. >> All right, let's have a seat in here. Okay. Have a seat in there. >> Where you going, dude? >> Nowhere. >> No, you you got to back up. You got to back up. There you go. Have a seat. There you go. >> Can you help me? >> Yeah. Get Get your feet in there. Get your feet in here. >> Can you help me, dude? >> Yes. I'm trying to help you, man. You got to sit back in that seat. >> Please. >> There you go. Keep going. >> Please. >> I'm helping you, dude. >> Please help me. >> I hear you. Get in the seat. >> Please help. >> You got to sit back. Get in that seat. I'm going to have a conversation with you here in a bit. Okay. All right. Lean back. Get your foot in there. >> I'm asking. >> Sit. Sit normal. >> Thank you. I'm going to be right with you in a sec. Okay. Watch your knee. Witness statements [music] describing the driver's unusual behavior further reinforced concerns about his ability to operate the vehicle safely. >> Hey, brother. Can I can I talk to you guys for a sec? >> Yes, sir. >> Sorry. I just got I got to be a little bit closer so I can keep an eye on him. Um, in any case, Academy, right? >> Yes, sir. >> There you go. How you like it? >> Enjoying it. It's hard. >> There you go. >> Right now, though, so >> good stuff. Rifles in or not yet? >> Not yet. >> Nice. Um, what' you see? >> So, her friend Oh, you did? Okay. Um, so I came out here like 20 30 minutes before they got here, cleaned out my car and I was cleaning out my trunk and they came up like driving fine. Like I didn't notice anything weird, swerving, nothing. >> Did you notice the vehicle damaged? >> I didn't notice. I was just cleaning out my car cuz I didn't notice any swerving. >> The vehicle came this way. >> Yeah, it came this way. They parked and then >> who got out of the driver's seat? >> Um they he was the last to get out because that's when I called her. So it I saw two kids come out. I saw a little boy, little girl with a dog >> out of the back seat or the front seat? >> Back. >> Okay. >> And then a while, a little little while longer, I saw the girl come out and she came out from this way. >> From the passenger. >> From the passenger. >> So then was he in the driver? >> Yeah. And then I Sorry. And then when I saw his door open, at first I thought he was doing something in the car, fixing something, whatever. So I didn't think anything of it. And then immediately I just heard like him fall out. And then I turned and I saw him. And >> just confirming you saw him fall out of the driver's seat. >> Okay. And then I >> this was after he >> after they pulled him. >> Okay. >> And then that's when I heard him talking to himself, getting mad at himself, and then I ran to the front of my car and I called her cuz I knew they were home. And then that's when they ran outside and she saw him come out. >> So because of all that information that you told me, is it okay if I identify you and get some information from you? Cuz this is really crucial actually. That's pretty Do you have your ID on you? >> I have uh my temporary one cuz it's coming in the mail. >> Sure. Awesome. I appreciate it. So then from the gap of when they pulled in, is there any possible way that it could be anyone else that drove it? >> I'm not sure cuz I just saw him fall out. >> Okay. All right. >> Where is he? >> Hey, Sarge. Well, whenever you're done, I got something for you. >> Awesome. Alana. Okay. A L A N Ah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. E. Oh, thanks for zooming that in. >> All right, you're good. >> Was it the uh the glasses that gave it away that I'm blind? >> You're good. I was like, "Oh, it's a little far." >> Uh, so she says that he she'll drive the vehicle, drive in, female gets out of passenger, two kids get out of the rear with the dog, and he falls out of the driver's seat. So, we do, from what I'm gathering, have him pretty solid to be driving the vehicle from there. >> Do you know what apartment >> they were just walking? >> I saw as far as >> What was your >> I think it's the third building. I saw them swing. Okay. Oh, can you pull up that picture again? >> You have to ask. >> Sorry about that. >> How old are the kids? >> All good. >> Sorry. >> No worries. >> What's a good contact phone number for you? >> How old were the kids? >> No older than 10, maybe. >> Okay. >> Just hold on to that so it doesn't fall out. That's the number I need. Oh, good. Oh my gosh. What is going on today? Cool. All right. And uh I won't ask you names. I don't know how your academy is about contact with law enforcement and all that. I know how that goes. So yeah, no worries. >> So we'll just report, but I I don't know if you don't mind. As as long as I'm not in trouble. >> Oh, fair enough. >> As long as I'm not in trouble, they don't care. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Um no, I was just going to say so I called because he was getting like very 39. >> There you go. >> Like Okay. it. Well, but then he started talking about like himself and then like others like what I heard and I was like, "Oh, I'm not like in this. Let's go." >> Okay. >> Um and then he was bashing his driver door into the white door >> right when you guys show up. >> Yeah. >> Okay, cool. >> So, and then he was just like walking around messing with tools and chains in his trunk. >> Okay, fair enough. >> He was just cleaning up like everything happened right now. Okay. >> Not saying that. >> Okay, I appreciate it. Thank you guys. Um we got all that we need from you guys. Uh good luck on the academy, man. Do you need any information from me or are you good? >> No, you're good. You're good. No worries. Thank you though. >> Yeah, you guys are good to go. Um, do whatever you guys got to go do. Have enjoy the rest of your night. Okay, >> cool. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you, guys. >> Inside the vehicle, the man maintained that he had not intentionally caused risk, expressing concern about the consequences he had seen online. >> You still good back here, man? >> Yeah, bro. I'm telling you, man. I don't have nothing to do with with you. I just want to go home, man. I want to call I want to cooperate. I want to do everything. >> Listen to me, Anthony. Listen. Listen. Hey, listen to what I have to tell you. Are you going to stop? Are you going to stop? >> Okay. Right now, I'm trying to figure out what's going on. Okay. Right now, you are being detained. This is called the investigatory detention. You are being detained while we conduct our investigation. For the time being, just relax. Take a breath. You got it? All right. >> Okay. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Before you close the door. >> What? >> Can they come here? >> Who? >> You. >> I'm right here. What's up? >> Come here. >> Listen to me, >> bro. I gave you everything you wanted to know. I gave you everything you wanted to hear, bro. I have done nothing wrong, bro. >> Take a breath. >> Take a breath. >> No, wait. >> Hello, sir. >> Anthony, you just got to take a breath, dude. I told you I was going to be right back. Dude, I'm so scared, bro. >> Why are you scared? >> And you know why? >> Why? >> It's because all the stuff I've seen, bro. I'm just so scared, man. >> What have you seen? >> I've seen so much, bro. Like, they they take everybody from everybody, bro. [laughter] >> I literally haven't been doing >> What does that mean, dude? >> You know what? Give me a second. Hold on. Hold on. >> Hey, so look, if we're going to have a conversation here, just take some deep breaths. That's it. Take some deep breaths. Calm down. And like I said, Sir, we can talk after that. >> Yes, sir. >> Risk. >> I want you to know that I'm here. I'm here to fix everything. I have nothing against nobody. When they call me, I'm here for them. >> Sure. >> I'm I >> I believe it. >> The one that opened the gate. >> I was the one. >> Sure. >> I If you go through my phone right now, you can see the text messages in my phone and have I've did what I've done. >> Mhm. >> You did what you've done. >> Exactly. What have you done? >> I've opened the gate for the resident and at 6:00 7:00 I was supposed to be the one that closed the gate. >> Sure. Okay. >> I don't I don't want to argue with you, man. >> Mhm. >> I want to tell you everything that I am. >> Sure, I can appreciate that. I got you. Just take some deep breaths, man. Okay. Take a breather. It's all It's all good. We're just investigating what's going on. Okay. >> Please tell me that I'm okay, bro. >> You're good, dude. >> Okay. Hold on. Just take a breath, dude. >> I believe you. I believe you. I believe you. I believe you, bro. >> Why are you freaking out? >> No, because like I've seen online. >> Okay. >> It's like I'm going to go away forever. You know what I'm saying? >> Why? >> Cuz like no one no one believes what the person is saying. >> Okay. >> Right. >> Sure. >> And I want you to know that I'm telling you everything from the bottom of my heart. is that I am the one that opened the gate and I was supposed to be the one to close the gate at 7:00 p.m. because that's operation hours and I am the maintenance man 24/7 from Thursday from last Thursday to this Thursday. >> Mhm. >> I've never done nobody wrong. >> Okay. >> All right. Cool. >> Please. >> What's up, man? >> I have Yeah, that's it. >> Okay. I have I have nothing to freak about. >> Cool. Just like I said, just hang out back here and uh we're going to have someone come talk to you and then we'll go from there. >> I want you you >> Well, I'm not I'm not in charge of this case right now. You're going to be you're going to be talking to someone else. Okay. >> But I believe you. >> We're not I know. But we're not there yet. Okay. So, for the time being, just uh just take some deep breaths, man. We're just going to hang out here for a bit. Okay. >> Sound good? >> I like you. I like you, though. >> I appreciate that, man. >> What's your name? >> Munoz. >> Mos. >> Like I said, man, just kick back. Take some breaths. Okay. >> I like you. Okay, >> cool. I appreciate it. >> Lying, bro. >> All right. I ain't saying you're lying, dude. >> The woman accompanying him, identified as his partner, was also interviewed to clarify her role in the situation. >> Hi, Raquel. Officers, Albert Police. Uh, this is Officer Munos. You're obviously detained, not free to leave. I do want to talk to you, but because you are technically detained, I need to read you your rights. Okay? So, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. You have the right to talk with an attorney before and during questioning and have that attorney present with you during questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you at no cost to you before any questioning. You can decide at any time to exercise these rights and not answer any questions or make any statement. Do you understand your rights? >> Okay. And would you like to talk to me? >> Raquel, do you want to talk to me? Um, I like my lawyer. >> Okay, so go ahead and stand up. Turn around. Place your hands behind your back. What's another >> What's going to happen with your what? >> Uh, are you their legal guardian? No. >> Then don't worry about it. Separate your feet. >> Are you injured at all? Okay. Do you live here? Separate your feet. Y. >> Okay. I'm going to retrieve these. Anything else? Bad. My check your bra area. Good. Same side. You're good. While the motorcyclist was fighting for recovery in the hospital, the driver faced charges including DWI, causing serious injury, child and [music] leaving the scene of an accident and other related offenses. His girlfriend also faced multiple charges including childment leaving the scene of an accident involving injury and tampering with evidence. Both were held at the Bernal Leo County Metropolitan Detention Center. The case is now concluded, but important questions remain. How significant [music] is the impact of a single moment of carelessness? And in such situations, children are often the ones most [music] affected. Welcome to New York, where two adults laid unconscious and a sober child opened the door to greet the police. >> Are you okay? >> A little bit like I'm took a little bit of what? >> On November 5th, 2023, a 911 call summoned officers in Wayne, New York to the scene where a woman reported that two adults had overdosed right in front of a child. The door swung open, revealing a haunting scene. Two adults sprawled out, unconscious on the floor, while the child casually invited the police in as if welcoming them to a birthday party. And that's when the urgent rescue began. >> Hi, honey. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> What's going on, Wayne County? >> Yes, they're there. All right. Both of them. >> What's going on? What's going on? No, you're okay. >> Are you you too or No. Are you okay? >> A little bit like I'm just took a little bit of what I'm working out. Just spray in the nose. >> It's the same thing as [clears throat] you just press that. Put one in one nostril >> in both. >> Nope. Only in one. And then we'll use this on him. >> You just spray it once and then it's done. It's this other one. >> Sorry. >> Can we get him in the bedroom or something? The >> guy in the bedroom. Can >> you tell me what this guy's name is? >> The guy. >> No, not her. >> Him? Is she okay? >> We have to put a shot on him. >> Where is he? Where is it? >> No, I think there's a room in her. I know we're focus on. >> Yeah, of course. >> They stop breathing the CPR out. >> Come on. Got two right here. I don't know if you want to do You want us to get one out? >> Tell them we're working two codes. CPR that one. >> Okay. You want us to pull one out is what I'm going to >> pull that one out. That one CPR on there. I'm sorry. You don't need to. >> You're good. >> We administered one bolt so far. >> Okay, you got that more. >> No bum. We We have troopers coming up. >> We're good now. >> Right. There's good start CPR, please. >> There you go. >> Yep. >> I can probably figure it out. Attach this. >> I don't know if I'm doing it right. It's my first time here. This thing goes in here. >> Something like that. >> Hold for a second. >> Pull red handle to reveal pads. >> Look at pictures on pads. Apply pads to bare skin exactly as shown in the pictures. Press pads. You know, >> red handle to reveal pads. Look at pictures on pads. >> Apply pads to bare skin exactly as shown in the pictures. Press pads firmly. >> Do we check for anybody else in here besides you? >> The other girl. >> Yep. We have a pulse. One hand should be in synag. >> You got a pulse still. >> Nice. Oh, she's she's fully breathing now. >> That's good. >> There we go. Hands working. >> That's pretty good. >> Hi. There we go. Let's get your head out. >> Oh, there we go. Hey, can you talk to me? Hi. >> What's your name? >> All right. Well, We're good for now. So, >> you got that? >> All right. >> This isn't uncommon in communities battling substance, but when a child is involved, it's a crime. These experiences can shatter a childhood, planting seeds of anxiety, fear, and distrust. Worst of all, they can strip a child of the very sense of safety they should feel, especially around their own family. >> I got more narcot. >> Here it is. Where did she right now? She's in my apartment next door. >> Okay. Is anyone with her? >> Yeah. Keep an eye. My girlfriend is with her. >> Okay. Good. >> She said she did, too. >> Yeah. >> She did. So, I'm going to say if she goes up, that's why >> too. He's He's not here. He's on the phone with her right now. I just didn't want her and the kid. >> And granted, she kind of should see this. So she's done. >> Copy. >> The kid doesn't need to see this. >> Yeah. No, no, no. I agree. Kid was the one that met me at the door. >> Whose kid is this? >> He is not here. >> So who's the mom? >> The mom. The mom is Riley. The mom next door at my house. >> My girlfriend and I work with Riley. Plus, she's been our neighbor for the last 2 years. So >> I just got off the phone with Sergeant. So basically, everyone that does not need to be here needs to get cleared out. As soon as the people are out, we're treating it as a crime scene. >> Got it. Right. Right there. >> Yeah. >> One of [snorts] the adults was revived, but the other remained in critical condition. >> Question for you. What are their names? >> I don't know her last name. Amber. >> Her first name is Amber. >> Yeah. And then >> what's the dude's name? >> Gates. Both. >> Okay. So, we got that one right. And who's this Amber? Is this girlfriend? >> No, she's just a friend of ours. >> Okay. Where is Where does she live? >> Around here somewhere. >> Okay. So, Amber, come around here. Do you have a phone number for her? >> I'm really confused. >> Perfect. >> I know. >> Just remember now. >> What's your first name? >> Amber. >> Amber. >> How old are you? I'm sorry. >> Honey, what's your last name? >> They have it. a couple steps toward >> the the deput's going to grab it. >> Yeah, I'll get it. >> Your date of birth? Your birthday? >> 30th. >> Okay. >> What year? >> 2002. >> 9:30 2002. >> All right. >> All right. Thank you. >> We got a middle initial, Amber. >> What do you want your middle initial? >> R. >> R. >> We got to bring them on back. >> All right. That dude gone there. Ambulance. Thank you. >> Connect. >> Thank you. My first EMS call ever. >> Congrats. I'm sorry. >> The sole witness, Riley, recounted casually. I just tried a little and put the kid to bed. But right when the child saw it, everything turned into a serious overdose scene. Real life doesn't spare stupidity. Even one moment is enough to destroy a childhood. >> But they said they took That's what it was. That's what she said. Well, >> well, that's what she said. >> Like, obviously something, but she's the one that has a kid. Correct. >> Like, that's so that's so messed up. >> Yeah. I told him to wake up and see half asleep. I thought it was the ones upstairs cuz I know they're shady as hell. >> What's your name? >> Riley. We were all drinking a little bit and then they left. I I wasn't aware. I was in the other room trying to put my son to sleep. You can see he's still freaking awake. Obviously now we got all the flashing lights and people around our house. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So yeah. So they left. I didn't know what like why they left or anything until they got back. >> Okay. >> And um they said it tasted weird or whatever. So I tried I just put it in my mouth to try some. >> Just like a little bit on the end like on the tip of your finger or something. >> Yeah. I put like a little bit on my finger to try it and it didn't taste right. She got up and she said she felt dizzy and went into the bathroom. I don't know if she threw up, but I did see a little >> something on her shirt. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Is that why the water was running? >> She she turned the water on or something? >> Don't matter. Probably. >> Yeah. >> Um, I remember hearing him try to wake her up. I got up like 5 minutes later to go check on them and they were just both passed out. >> Unfortunately, it's raining. You okay if we just get a statement from you quick? >> Yeah. >> About what happened? >> Yeah. You're okay with the kid in there for now? >> Yeah. Let me just check. >> Yeah, check on him. Make sure they're okay watching for like 10 minutes. >> Can I use the bathroom though, but you actually just come in with you? >> The truth slowly came to light that so-called just tried a little had now left Riley semi-conscious. It wasn't until police asked who's going to take care of the child tonight while the mother is at risk of losing consciousness. It became clear that this wasn't just an overdose. It was a wakeup call about parental responsibility. Yeah, this was an unexpected night. >> Tell me about it. It was my first EMS call. So, >> ever? >> Yep. I'm new. So, >> that's nice. Good for you. Yeah, I wasn't even drinking like that. >> What? Like, what were you drinking? Just like >> They were drinking a tea. Twisted tea. There was a Mike's hard and a bad blue. I had a couple sips of the twisted tea, but that was it. I had a rough night just cuz my son wasn't going to sleep. So, I didn't want to stay up or anything or pass out. Like, I was just trying to focus on putting him to sleep. Yeah. I'm just worried about them. >> Well, they are in the best possible care right now. >> I just want to know what they took or what it was mixed with or whatever. >> So, you and your roommate were drinking. You wanted to drink, correct? >> He did. I didn't. I had, like I said, I had like a couple sips, but that was it. I was trying to put I was frustrated trying to put my son to sleep. So, yeah, I drank a little bit. Um, >> how you feeling right now? Are you feeling sick anymore or >> I don't feel sick. I was just my vision is a little almost >> which is what happened with them, right? >> I think. Yeah, I think so. I wasn't really around them. Like, I walked in and they were passed out. >> So, you said you tried it, right? >> Yes. I just tried a little bit on my finger cuz they said it tasted weird. So I just tried a little bit of it and then like 5 to 10 minutes later I kind of started getting a little dizzy or t like I feel like I'm tipsy. Like that's it. Like I just feel like I'm tipsy right now. So I don't know what was put in this or whatever but and then yeah of course I got sick and just threw up a little bit in there but I feel better now. >> All right. What's your first name? >> Riley. >> Riley. Sure, I am. >> Um, I'm Detective Roger. I'm the the covering the road supervisor uh for the sheriff's office >> uh tonight. One, forgive my appearance. I don't dress in the regular uniform on day-to-day basis. Okay? So, that's why I'm in regular plane clothes. Who are we going to call to come take care of your kid for the evening? We have to call somebody. Right now, you're dozing off with me just talking to me. So, to be honest with you, I'm a little nervous about you, whatever that was affecting you and your breathing and possibly passing out yourself. We got to take the child in consideration. So, we have to bring get that kid to someone that could care for the kid overnight. >> What about Christopher? >> He's out of town. >> Out of town where they >> I'm not 100% sure. He's been traveling with carnivals and stuff like doing like food and stuff. >> All right. We got just somebody. Great aunt, grandma, grandpa. I I don't care who. So, these people that were here, you said you don't you don't know him real well. >> No, the the dudes my temporary like roommate. >> Okay. >> And then they Yeah. >> What is it? >> Gatesu. It starts with an M. I don't really know how to spell it. >> So, your roommate wanted a drink >> and and the I guess. But I didn't know until I got back. I didn't even really want to do anything. But they said it tasted weird and I don't know. I just had a feeling like I probably shouldn't have taken it but I just had like a feeling and I just wanted to try it too. Yeah. It definitely tasted weird. All right. >> Riley, where's all the packaging that was being used? >> Packaging >> that they used to they carried the stuff in the Coke. >> Coke. Uh there was like a c a little baby capsule. It might still be on the the counter. Yeah. It's next to the oven. >> So, they're taking So, you're doing pills and they're crushing them up or >> No, I think it was I don't I don't know. I didn't watch any of it happen. I just I >> What did you do? >> It was on like a little mirror and I >> Put your finger on the mirror. So, where's that mirror? >> It's in the the drawer. >> It's next to the oven if you're seeing. >> Oh, okay. So, that's all in the kitchen, too. >> Yes. Yes. Yes. All right. I got to um call his dad. >> I'm going to close the door. Watch me. >> Okay. Oh, she's feeling grateful to herself for calling the police. >> Can you call your mom? They want to they want to take me and like check me out to make sure I'm okay. >> Who's on your way? >> His um his grandma. >> Hello. Sorry, I don't know your name. >> Am I able to run in and make him a bag for like an overnight bag >> right now? Just because >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. No. When the time comes. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. No. We'll I'll help you out. >> All right. Thank you. So, they're not lending you out the car? >> No, just because they're still in there. >> So, I detained? >> No, I don't think so. Am I being detained? >> Yes, cuz we're And we're still waiting on EMS. Don't forget. >> Okay. >> So, right now, you're basically our responsibility because of the situation at hand. >> I guess I know I made the I hope I made the right decision. >> Yes, you did. >> Yes. >> You potentially just saved both of your lives. >> Yeah. I I definitely feel bad about it even though I didn't really know what was going on and everything. >> No, it's okay. You made the right decision. I mean, if you didn't call, who knows where they'd be. >> Right. Right. And one of the only reasons I did call is because the male um has been through the same experience before. Like I don't >> with you like >> No, no, no, no. someone else. It was heroin actually and he like woke up in the hospital the next morning. One of his friends gave him. You said Amber. If >> you want to hop out, they're here. Looks like you're on the phone. >> Yeah, but I can hang out. >> Yeah. If you want to just come see them quick, I'll have them check you out in the ambulance. Probably just be easier. >> Okay. Okay. Sorry. >> Yeah. We uh What's going on? So, we we came here for two other people unresponsive on the floor. overdoses. We got the one girl back, but um the the male, they gave him like five shots and was still agonal breathing and they got him out of here. What she's telling me is um is all she did was was she took her finger, she uh touched the powder and um she just went to taste it. >> I'm going to need you to stay awake from me. >> I'm trying, man. >> I know you're trying. We don't know what it was. >> You are going to go, right? Go to the hospital, get checked out. No one wants to find you dead later, right? >> Yes. son. I know. I know. Yeah, I'm totally fine with it. That was the reason I called. >> Okay. >> The most remarkable part, while Riley collapsed, her neighbors stayed strong, clear-headed, and kind enough to care for the child in her place. >> All right. Are you guys going to be following us? Is somebody there? What's >> probably I don't know. I got to talk to him. Sergeant, I'll see if I can get some shoes for >> I got red cross right by my door. >> So, I have your boyfriend's number that's on. You're on the phone with him. I'm sorry to interrupt. We're going to be bringing you to the hospital almost immediately. Is it okay if it's okay with them that your neighbors watch your kid until whoever shows up? >> Yeah, that's fine. I have to pack the bag for him. >> So, we're going through grandma. >> Where is his stuff in your apartment? >> When grandma comes, why can't grandma go in the apartment and pack up this? >> She'll figure it out. Those should grandma, right? >> I mean, how hard is it, right? Some diapers, some clothes, throw it in a bag, and call it good. They're they're all in this. >> Is it okay if you guys watch the kid until the grandma comes? Cuz she's going to be going to the hospital. It's >> pretty urgent. So, I just want to make sure it's okay with you guys. And I'm I got to get in contact with the woman. But >> we don't know. >> Okay. Yeah. We're trying to figure out right now like a diaper bag situation. I'm not sure if he'd be willing to change his diaper or what, but I have no idea what you guys are going to do. But >> yeah, but you guys are great people doing this. >> I know he doesn't deserve to go through it. >> Even though [snorts] everyone is safe, this is far from a happy ending. Any act of using intoxicating substances in front of a child is a serious red flag. The police may choose not to press charges, but society cannot turn a blind eye when a child is forced to witness an adult's intoxication. >> Hey, Riley. >> How's it going? Can [laughter] we talk to you? >> Yeah. >> How's everybody doing? >> We're good. >> Everybody's alive. >> Yeah, >> that's good. >> What's up, bud? So, you said Gates is coming back. >> Yeah, he is. >> Did you you tested what was in there? >> So, as far as the drugs go, it's not something where we're going to charge anybody with it. >> I just even if we wanted to. No. Not. So, here's here's the thing. Whenever we do these tests for them, it's like a stupid amount of money anymore. So, you know, it's that's >> because they tested me at the hospital. It only um cocaine and marijuana came up in my system and they told Gates at the hospital that he was definitely like laced with something, but it didn't show. I I don't know because she texted me very later after I showed up. >> So, whenever they do take the all and splice it in, it's it's it's not always a perfect mix, right? You could have a So I What you guys are doing was Well, what they were doing like was lines. It could have been a little bit. >> I put some Hold on. >> I just didn't know that was a different cuz I didn't snort any. I put some in my mouth. >> So you're trying to be Superman. [laughter] >> So yeah, I probably wouldn't touch you anymore. Obviously, I >> probably scared the crap out of you. You go in there, see your friends on the ground. >> I'm sure he had a good night with grandma either way. So >> yeah, he did. He had a great night with grandma. He definitely did. Did they keep you there all night or did you come home in the morning? >> No. Yeah, they didn't keep me there all night. Came back. Yeah, he's in Penfield. He just got his food. He got Mexican probably went with that Monte Alban. >> Well, that's not too far. It's like a 10-minute drive from here. So, yeah, he'll probably leave here in like 10 minutes maybe. All right, sounds good. We'll uh >> Yeah, no, it's fine. We'll I'm'll just hang out outside you guys. I'm not going to stand here and you can do whatever you got to do with him. Okay. Riley was later charged with acting in a mannerous to a child under 17 class A misdemeanor under New York Penal Law Section 260.10. Since the case didn't involve violence, she qualified for release without bail under the 2020 bail reform law. However, if bail had been imposed, the typical range would have been between $1,000 and $2,500 plus a 10% fee for bail bondsmen. >> Oh, you again, little man. >> Stop. [laughter] >> Okay. How you feeling, man? >> You doing better? >> Yeah. >> Glad to see that. >> Good to know. Good to see you. >> Thank you. >> How was your Mexican? >> Did Did you already eat it? >> Oh, yeah. No, eat. >> You're good. >> Are you sure? >> Yeah. Oh my gosh. Yeah, >> you're good. I'll explain to you everything that's going on here, but I definitely want you to eat. Okay. So, where we get your name and your date of birth, but I wasn't able to find you. >> Yeah. Do you have your >> from We were typing our report for it. Say you didn't come back. >> Yeah. Do you have your license? I don't have that on me though. I could show you like an idea. >> No one's in trouble for like the and like that, right? You guys, you went through a traumatic experience. We're not doing anything with that. >> All right. So, I want you guys know that. What I'm assuming what you thought was coke, I'm guessing. >> Probably, right? Yeah. So, here's what we got to do, though, because And again, I'm going to work with you guys. I I just I just want you to listen to me, okay? because there was a child here and we do have to we have to do it's an endangerment that's why CPS was here. So what I want to do tonight is I want to get you it's taken care of and then you we're going to have to try to do like an appointment or something because I'm I'm not going to take your child with us but it's something that we have to do. This isn't a this really isn't an option. If it was maybe we'd go a different way but we don't really have a choice with this one which which is which is why I want you to eat first. So he should get that at least that get that in there. So and uh obviously we'll have to [laughter] get a hold of Amber at some point too just in a misdemeanor and normally they don't really do anything with them anyways but it is something we have to go through. We'll we'll bring you down tonight get that taken care of and then you don't got to worry about it. I don't know if you can get someone someone tomorrow maybe >> or if even if you want to we can meet you down there cuz you have a car. >> Yeah. [screaming] >> Okay. Do you have anything you need to bring? Obviously, you probably want your phone and wallet, right? Got anything else? Or probably just >> Yeah. No, if you want to want to throw that away. We're come out. We're going to follow you around. It's It's like a bunch of creepers. >> Why you yelling at me? >> Ditch whatever you don't want to bring. >> Afraid you're going to steal his toys. >> Don't need to bring your money, right? >> Yeah. Definitely leave that there. All right, man. She's going to get them on you and then uh I'll just pat you down quick and you just want to spin around. It's spin around. It's It's for her. >> Yeah, I'm going to be You put your hands behind your back for me. >> What do you got? You got the lawn mower. How about you head out there and I want you to go see your mama. Okay. >> I got to make it. So, >> you go see your mom. >> Hopefully. >> See you later. Later. Bye. Bye. >> Yeah. You probably want shoes. Just grab the shoes. >> Black ones or I don't know what yours. Yep. Nope. Throw them on. >> Good. >> Yeah. All right. All right. There you go. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. No, you're you're handsree. You can do what you need to. You know, you're >> As parents, [snorts] we all make mistakes. But when that mistake happens while you're holding a suspicious white powder in front of your child, it stops being just a mistake. It's a crime disguised behind the familiar excuse. I didn't mean to. So, what do you think? Does this ending truly reflect what they've done? where a child was behind, a mother was arrested, and one harsh truth stands tall. Not everyone with a kid is fit to be a parent. >> You got to hang the phone up. We're going to handcuff you. Don't make it worse. >> At around 6:45 p.m. on March 7th, [music] 2023, police in Florida received an emergency call about a child screaming for help. When officers arrived, they discovered a 5-year-old boy abandoned in the middle of the night, wandering and crying at the front door. while his 21-year-old mother was off on a trip to the big Apple store. >> All right. Did you call? >> Yes, I did. >> Hey, y'all. Come here. >> What happened there? >> There was a little kid saying help. >> A little what? >> A little kid um next door say help. Um my mom my mommy got mommy help. Somebody help me please. >> Were they outside inside? >> The kid was outside. >> The kid was outside. How old was the kid? He's He looks like five. >> Okay. Is Do they bring him back inside or >> a person? >> A person came back. >> Is that it? >> What's wrong? My mom [screaming] >> police department. >> She went to the store. Police department. She's nowhere in here. >> Where did they go? What store did they go to? >> The Apple Street. >> The what? >> Apple. >> The Apple store. >> It's close to >> Yeah, it's right down the street. How long you been >> Keith Foster? South Jackson. >> 3001. And >> where's he at? There's your dad. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Did your mom and dad both go to the store together? >> No. My dad's at my papa's house. >> Your dad's at your papa's house. Do you know the phone number there? >> Yeah. >> You do? Where's the phone? You have a phone in here? >> No. >> No. >> I saw your phone, but it's >> Okay. So, your mom left you went to the big apple store. How long has she been gone? You don't know. >> How old are you? >> Five. >> Five. What's your name? >> People been breaking into our house. But >> people been breaking into your house? >> Yeah. And they messing up our house. >> When questioned, [snorts] the young mother Matthew stammered. We just stopped by a friend's house for a bit. Unfortunately, she couldn't recall which friend. Even more brazenly, she left her child behind to go smoke cannabis, then returned only to scold the kid for daring to call for help after being a >> me. >> Yes. What's going on? I just wanted to go see grandma for a second. >> You me home with you. >> What happened? >> He had a door open, was yelling for you. >> The neighbors called my streets. >> No, no, no. We're right across the street. Why aren't you taking with you? >> I just went over there real quick. >> Do you have an ID? >> Yes, sir. >> What's across the street? >> Literally across the street right here. Can you come over here real quick? This guy, can you come over here real quick? I can't find my freaking I need my ID. The police is here. >> What was the racial gender? >> I can't find my ID. >> Sorry, I'll get your >> Look, how old are you? >> 21. >> You don't know your social? No sir. I got to keep it. >> You got to get off the phone. >> I'm sorry. >> You got to get off the phone. >> I'm sorry. >> All right. Mom, he said I got to get off the phone. He Yeah. Hello. >> How you doing? >> I'm good. How are you? >> Good. >> All right. >> Your grandma? >> Yes, sir. >> And she was over with you. >> Yeah, but for a second. >> Yeah, for a sec. She only came over here for a second. >> Where do you live at? >> I'm I live on the south side. I don't even live on east side. I'm out here visiting some friends. >> So, where were you at? >> At her friend's house real quick. >> Where's a friend live? Right across the street. I don't know that. >> Right. Right out back. >> Yeah. >> Well, we're trying to figure all this out cuz >> we got a 5-year-old kid left home alone. >> Oh, well, it was only for a couple seconds. >> We don't know. That's just I understand walked out. >> I I understand. >> I told him all this. I said, "I'll be right back." He literally played the game all day. He was in there playing the game. I'm about to go over there and see your grandma real quick. That was it. >> So, do you think this is serious? >> I'm not serious. You're >> serious? Very serious. It's very serious. >> Do you think you should leave a 5-year-old home alone? Then why' you do it? >> It was for a second. I didn't think it was. >> Not only is it for a second, then you come back in and you're smelling like you leave your 5-year-old home alone so you can go smoke and then you come back and then you yell at him. >> I didn't hear that. >> Yeah, you did. So, what'd you do? Or whatever. Anyways, I could run the tape back. It doesn't matter. >> The toddler wasn't even wearing shoes. >> The point is is he's crying with the door open. He was wandering around. Wandering around out here >> where wandering around out here wondering where you're going. >> Why would you scare me? Why would you come? >> Is he your only child? >> What happened? >> I mean, come on. A 5-year-old home alone, right? >> And what happened? >> You got the scale on the table. 5-year-old sitting next to your papers. You sure back up smelling like there's roaches. I mean, come on. And now you're telling me you don't know your social. Do you have a warrant? >> No, sir. >> Tell me now. We're going to run you in here. Say that again. >> You shouldn't. >> Why did you cry? >> I asked you if you want to come with me. You said no you want to stay in front of the game. >> I said yeah. >> So why did you put >> Yeah, man. Like what you got going on? You was playing the game. I asked you if you want to come and you said no. I said I'll be right back. >> I said I I said yes. And that's [snorts] not all. Matthews even shared her parenting philosophy, including Netflix binges, 3:00 a.m. mukbangs, and immersing herself in the music of art. Kelly, while the child needed protection and care, she was too busy living her best artistic life. Overshadow the importance of the child. >> And I will teach you a trick. There is a small mechanism on the keych. Is that YouTube? >> My kids be watching that dumb >> all the time. It gets on my nerves. Drive me crazy. >> I don't let them watch it at my house cuz some of the stuff that >> it's annoying. >> One day I woke up. One day I woke up and and it was like three o'clock in the morning and I heard they didn't fell asleep but it's still on YouTube or they was watching some lady some Chinese lady eating some chips and eating and stuff and all you hear is the crunching noise and it drove me crazy and I'm like oh yeah y'all and then some of the stuff that they watching just ain't even no turn that off put on Disney or something on Netflix >> that's horrible that YouTube is horrible stuff that kids >> watch change Yeah. >> Did you know that R. Kelly came out with a new song? It's like 20 minutes long >> from jail. >> Yeah. It's basically telling the truth about everything that happened. Like he he ain't say he ain't do the stuff. You know what I'm saying? >> Some of the songs he sings though, I can't stand like >> now that you listen to it after this afterwards. >> No. Like like so like like some of his songs are cool but then then he'll be like he says a dumb like I went put my shoes on walked to the door what the hell are you singing about man? [laughter] >> What are you singing about bro? I can't stand like I like normal his normal song >> telling a story but didn't tell the damn writer book. I want to hear that [ __ ] no damn song. It don't even sound right. >> I was cracking up listening to that though. >> He said I put my shoes up. [laughter] >> My alarm clock went off. I hear snooze. >> Come on, bro. I don't even want to hear that [ __ ] >> Yes, [laughter] >> that's crazy. >> But that's how the snooze is. >> Oh, man. I ain't going to listen to it. >> 20 minutes long. But it basically just told like how they played him. Now >> him Mr. Big, man. Them cast had like a hour long song about that. >> But I do know R. Kelly is a musical genius though. It really is. And they really played him because they know the man is dyslexic, can't read. They had him signing all kind of paperwork. He don't even know what he signed. You know what I'm saying? That was wrong. He admit he did what he did. You know what I'm saying? But y'all ain't have to do him like that. Come on. Did y'all do Elvis like that when he married that 14-year-old girl? >> What about Tony? Tony Tone. They Hey, they made a whole song about him. Like, come on now. You know, it wasn't after anybody got accused, >> right? Go ahead and do them as bad as you did or Kelly. Once the [snorts] truth came to light, 21-year-old mother Connor Matthews was immediately charged of child thirdderee felony that carries up to 5 years in prison and a bail ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. [music] On top of that, she also had an outstanding warrant from 2020 for a DUI. Fortunately, police didn't revoke custody on the spot as the child's father showed up just in time. Hello. >> Are you Keith Senior? Yeah. >> Here's a deal. All right. >> Okay. >> You're going to get a ticket. >> I am not going to what we call is a rule six where we remove the child from the home. Okay. Since he senior the father is here >> he can take the kid right which is why you didn't remember yourself. >> He arrived and he accidentally told me he didn't remember said you have warrants. So, we're going to find out right now. >> No, just failure to appeal out of the city. >> Okay. So, KPS, can you fax those over? >> Well, I was going to >> Well, I don't even know. You got to go to court. So, I was just going to write you a ticket and let you stay here and remove the child from home to the father, but you have >> you got you got to stand on Can you grab her some shoes? >> Are you serious? >> Oh, well, you got your things on. >> So, you understand what's going on, right? >> Yes, but >> I can't help your horns. >> She'll be all right. >> Yeah, she'll probably get laugh tomorrow morning. I ain't really trying stuff like this anyway because of every day this morning. She record tomorrow, right? >> Yeah, they'll probably video or tomorrow. >> Wednesday, Wednesday. I think I do video. >> You got to hang the phone up. We're going to handcuff you. Don't make it worse than it has to be. >> Okay, stop >> call. He was like, what? He was like, I don't >> I ain't going to heaven yet. my child. I love you. You'll be home. Don't worry about it. >> Parental love isn't just instinct. It's a responsibility. Just one moment of can leave a child scarred for life. And in a twist of irony, it's sometimes the police, those we often see as enforcers of the law, who become the first source of protection when a child is abandoned by their own family. Today's stories all point to one important truth. Just one moment of carelessness, one poor decision, or one cross boundary can leave a lasting impact on a child's life. If these cases gave you something to think about, feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to keep following our in-depth explorations of real life cautionary stories. Thank you for watching until the end, and we'll see you in the next episode. Heat. Heat. N. [music]