I mean it's like they're really scared of us. >> Hey, look back there. Is that a bathroom or is that? >> Yeah, sorry, but that one's off limits. It's a bathroom, but you don't want to look in there. >> Parents are supposed to protect and nurture their kids. However, some of them are not ready for such an obligation. They leave their kids unattended, living in squalor, without proper care or safety. Cops have to step in and rescue kids from the nightmare they called home. >> Where was he found? >> Down on the street corner. >> What's in here? >> That's his bedroom. >> Whose bedroom? Can we open that? There is bugs. See all the the flies? >> Sometimes heroes appear in the most unexpected form. On May 12th, 2025, a female UPS [music] driver noticed a toddler wandering alone in an intersection. She alerted the police and soon as the toddler spotted the police officers, he bolted toward a nearby house. >> All right. Is that a little tight scooter? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Officer Carr, my body cam is on. >> I tried knocking on the door and the door kind of opened up a little bit right here, but he ran back to this house. I don't even know who he belongs to. >> [music] >> Okay, is he inside? >> Yeah, he's right here. >> Hey, bud. You doing all right? I'm Officer Carr. >> He doesn't talk. He's probably about 2 years old. Hey bud, you live here? Hey bud, you want to come out here so I can just I can help you out? You just trying to get back inside? Yeah, can I just get your name? Thank you. But yeah, you said you saw you saw him down here by the little pipes. Okay. Okay. The boy managed to get inside the vestibule and tried to hide under a pile of trash. He was alone, covered in paint, hiding under clutter. The officer immediately spotted numerous signs of neglect, but the revelations were only going to get worse from there. You doing all right, bud? You're all covered in paint, dude. Knuckles? What you doing in there? You got your You got your mom's phone? Is mommy here? All right, I'm going to knock on the door, okay? >> [snorts] >> Bacon live at this address. I just talked to a neighbor that said they sleep in. The front door's cracked, but I can't make contact. All right, you got to get there, bud. Does he have a kid? Yeah, he's here, but he was out playing around and front door's open. What's your name, buddy? How are you? What? You ready for what? How do >> Seeing no immediate danger, the officers allowed the boy to play in the vest of all while they looked for his parents. The front door was cracked open and a slightly stronger knock and louder yelling finally got someone inside to open it fully. >> Hello. Police department. Thanks [clears throat] for stopping out and talking to me. >> All right. >> Um, so you have a child that lives here? >> Uh, yes. >> What's his name? Is he inside? >> Uh, yes. >> He is? You sure? >> Yeah, yeah, he's up running around right now. >> Okay, well, he's out here. He got all that. All right, he was down he was down the street >> Oh my god. >> The UPS driver stopped. Stopped and tried to get a hold of him, all right. Hey. He's He's going around to the other door. >> WHAT THE >> GET HIM BACK INSIDE. >> IT CLEARLY WASN'T ONE of those single parent working double shift situations. It was a case of neglectful parents sleeping in as their toddler wandered the streets. It was pure luck that he wasn't hurt, but obviously the officers couldn't just let it slide. >> Yeah, [crying and screaming] I have no idea at all how that happened. >> Okay. >> Like that was in his room playing. I was in his room picking up. I was just picking [screaming] up uh uh a little bit and then uh and then [crying] he was just uh running around and uh >> [laughter] >> but yeah, I didn't think that >> [crying] >> doors open or anything. But is everybody else home? Um my wife, but she's uh she's asleep right now. Okay, can I get your name? Austin. Yeah. Austin, Peter, P E T R. IT'S OKAY. YOU SAID YOUR WIFE'S INSIDE? [screaming] YEAH, she's she uh hasn't been feeling great [crying] recently, so she's just getting some extra sleep. Okay. Would you mind if I speak to her as well? >> [crying] >> Huh? Would you mind if I speak to her as well? Um >> [screaming] >> You can, but [crying] >> [laughter] >> like I said, she's sleeping asleep and >> If we give these parents the benefit of the doubt and say the kid somehow managed to slip outside unnoticed, it still doesn't explain why he was covered in paint or why he was allowed to play with trash. >> How long has he been covered in paint? Um just uh late last night. Like he was asleep when I got home. I got I got home from work and I mean he did this while I was at work, so My wife My wife's [screaming and crying] handicapped. She isn't really able to get get up much on her own and >> [crying] >> You said You said I'm sorry. You said your WIFE WHAT? >> UH SORRY. >> YEAH, I got YOU. YOU'RE GOOD. >> UM SHE'S uh handicapped and >> [crying] >> can't really get up on her [screaming] own and like she can help. We were trying to shower him up last night and she let me know that >> [crying and screaming] >> she couldn't get up and give him a bath or anything, so I was going to give him a bath and >> [crying] >> You guys got power and water to the house and everything? >> [screaming] >> Do you have any other kids or is it just the little guy here? >> Just uh him and then we got a couple cats. >> As he wrestled to keep the toddler from getting away, the father tried to downplay the neglect, but his excuses could never justify the fact that the child was not being adequately cared for. Even the kid's soiled diaper looked like it hadn't been changed in a while. >> How long has he been in that diaper cuz it's It looks LIKE I HAVEN'T BEEN I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE to [crying] get him uh him dressed there or get him changed yet. Like >> [crying] >> I would say I have no idea, honestly, because yeah, that the mudroom door uh it's uh it's uh locked twice. IT'S THERE AND UH IT'S LOCKED ON THE HANDLE AS WELL. AND THEN UH SAME WITH THIS DOOR, but uh I believe this one unlocked because it has like a uh Well, not not I like I unlocked it when I was talking to you guys, but uh it was uh it has like a child lock handle on it, so >> The officers already expected that the house would probably be unclean. However, nothing could prepare them for what they saw inside. Trash and clutter everywhere. The smell of urine and feces, flies, and toxic baby powder all over the floor. The officers were appalled by the unsanitary conditions, so they quickly notified social services. >> Like I said, he's uh he's a little bit of a mess. So Now, she's right in here. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Cops. >> All right, we're good. We can we can go back outside and wait, man. That's okay. Jedi, you okay? Are you okay? I'm police department. You okay? I'm just making sure you're all right. All right. Just want to make sure you're all right. Uh we can go wait back outside, man. There's kittens everywhere. >> What you blowing up your man? I'm not saying this to be insulting. That inside of that house is unsuitable for a child. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Um with that being said, we're not how it's going to roll right now. We're going to hang out here. We don't want to cause any more stress or anything to the child or anything like that. On a technical level speaking, child is in our protective custody currently. We're not going to remove you guys from each other. We're just going to hang out here together. >> The UPS driver might have actually saved the boy's life. His parents obviously didn't look after him properly, but according to the code enforcement officer, the worst part was the unsanitary situation inside the house, including potentially toxic materials. >> I'll get some pictures. Do you all notice all the flies? >> [crying] >> What's all over the floor right here? >> Um, baby powder he got into the bathroom last night. >> How old is that baby powder? >> Um >> Is it Johnson & Johnson baby powder? >> Um, I do not know what kind. >> Do you know where the thing is for it? >> I know, it's probably stuffed in the garbage. I haven't been able to take this out. The garbage can was already full. We had one of these >> So, that's like Like that's been Oh, like how how long how long has it been there? It's been there since like >> Last night. >> Yeah, but baby powder is is air toxic. >> Okay. >> I mean, that that can make you and your wife extremely sick and and almost like In some cases, it can cause some really bad damage to your lungs. So, you got animals, too? How many cats do you have? >> Yeah, we we have we have uh two that are ours and then we have a stray cat we brought in that had kittens. >> How many kittens are here? >> About four. >> Okay. >> Yeah, the >> So, I'm going to have these guys get a hold of animal control and come out. >> Once he saw the dump the family was living in, the agent didn't think twice. He declared the residence uninhabitable and advised the family to leave the house as soon as possible. They would have to stay at another location until the situation was resolved. >> The carpet is just completely saturated. It's just completely saturated. I need you to get a hold of somebody. You can't be living in here. Can I open this door? >> Yeah. >> Is this the bathroom? >> Oh, [screaming] yeah. Yeah. >> [crying] >> I was cleaning up on that last night. He >> They can't be in this house. We're going to go ahead and make up some signs and get it all condemned real quick here in a I'll get a hold of the property owner. And then the property manager and tell them they need to get over here. So hopefully I I hopefully Missy can find a place for them to go. But typically in situations like this I would give them 48 hours but this is going to be an immediate thing. >> All right, awesome. So um as of right now you're going to be under arrest, okay? You're not going to jail. So you don't have to worry about that but you are getting an NCA, okay? It's going to have a court date on it. You have to make sure you're at that court date, okay? All right, it's going to be for um you're going to get a license the license and health of your child, okay? >> The couple had no choice but to move out. As for their toddler, after being checked and cleared in a hospital, he was placed under the care and custody of DCFS. The case remains open and is still under investigation. Sometimes couples make [music] reckless choices that put their child at risk. Other times the parents turn [music] on each other and the child gets caught in the crossfire. That's what happened on August 6th, 2022 when a woman called 911 claiming her child's [music] father was out of control. >> Is he with you? >> No, I took him off my lease. He has his own place. I already dealt with this before and I said, you know, it's going to end up continuing continuing so I said, you know what, I'm taking you off the lease. I don't need the drama. I don't need to lose my house over you. >> Did it start outside? Did you argue with him? >> Well, it kind of started upstairs cuz when I woke him up he was like, "I'm still tired." And "No, no, no." And I said, "Yeah." And I lent you my car all week. You didn't put gas or that and you gave me money, yes, but so he was staying here all week. No. I lent you in car. So, I would take him and I would He would He would come drop us off and he would go to work. And then he came back to my car and he threw something at my window and shattered it. And then I said, "No, hell no, that's wrong." I called the cops and then that's when all that happened. >> Was it like a rock he threw? >> I have no idea. >> So, he stayed last night to watch the kids or >> I just have my one daughter. But yeah, he stayed. >> The woman claimed her ex had torn down the new security camera she'd installed for safety, then broke into her car, supposedly to take out his tools. But before leaving, he also smashed the windshield with a rock. Officers quickly located the suspect, but he was not as cooperative as they had hoped. >> Down I'm going to taze you. Satisfied I got one at taser point. I'm going to taze you. I'm going to taze you. Get on the ground. Get on the ground. Get on the ground. I'm going to taze you. Get on the ground. Now. Get on the ground. I'm going to taze you. Get on the ground. Get on the ground. Get on the ground. Come on, bro. Talk to me, bro. Talk to me. I've dealt with you before. Talk to me. Talk to me. Talk to me, bro. >> I was just going to go to work. >> Okay. Talk to me, bro. Talk to me. Hey. Stop. >> The suspect was clearly in distress and was not afraid of getting tased. To make things worse, the woman just kept escalating the situation. Since the officer was alone, he decided to not take immediate action, but to wait for backup, which arrived shortly. >> Stop, man. Stop, bro. Stop. No, I'm not. Put your hands up. You're going to get tased. Hold your taser. Taser. Put your hands up. Put your hands behind your back. TASER. TASER. YOU'RE GOING TO GET TASED AGAIN. ALL RIGHT. ALL RIGHT, ON THE GROUND. YOU'RE GOING TO GET TASED AGAIN. GET ON THE GROUND. GET ON THE GROUND. Get your hands behind your back, man. >> The first taser deployment failed, but the second one was successful. However, even after he was subdued and handcuffed, the suspect continued berating the officers and even threatening to follow them home. >> Hey, you're not You're not going to tase me, dog. I'll sit with those Listen. Listen. Listen to Listen. Listen. Listen. Cornelius, hang up. Guys, I'm Okay. I need to look at it. So I can look at it, okay? Let me see it, dog. Okay. Okay. Then have a seat. All right, you got All right. All right. Listen. Listen to me. Just have a seat. All right. I'll look at your handcuffs, okay? Just have a seat. All right. Well, don't We're not We're not pulling over. going to be my knees, dog. >> Let's have a seat. >> This is my stomach, dog. >> Okay, all right. >> Which one do you see a It's in my stomach, dog. >> It's in your clothes. All right. Just want to get in here. >> Where it pokes, dog, it's like a fish hook for me. >> Okay. >> You've never been tased, right? >> We all have. >> Every single one. >> Yeah, I bet. >> The man was likely impaired or going through a mental health crisis or maybe even both. In any case, he didn't hide his disdain toward law enforcement. But underneath it all, he was probably just embarrassed to be handcuffed in front of his family and his neighbors. >> You think this is fun, dog? >> It's a requirement. >> Stop. I've been put in cuffs, dog. >> I'm not disrespecting you. >> I've been put in cuffs, dog. >> I'm not disrespecting you, okay? >> me in front of my own, dog. >> It's a requirement for us. All right, it's a requirement for us, okay? It's not to disrespect you, okay? It's a requirement for us. >> All right. >> You got your wounds on me, that's good. I don't give a All right, you're good. You're going to break my wrist, homie? >> I'm not going to break the wrist, but I have to sit down. All right. Stop. >> You're going to tase me? You're going to slap me with the taser? I'm ready and close. I've been tased. I'm ready and close. I've been tased. All right, dog. Stop pulling, dog. You're trying to break my wrist, dog. Dog, where am I going to 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7, man. Where the [ __ ] am I going to go? >> Let's put him in the car. >> Don't do that. All right, get this from me, dog, cuz I'm going to help you, dog. >> After removing the taser prongs and documenting minor injuries, officers placed the suspect in the squad car and took him to jail. They also had to do a welfare check on the 2-year-old. However, the now visibly shaken woman was very hesitant to let them inside her home, and they soon realized why. >> The sergeant >> Dog, if I see the screens and I don't so I can take out the >> Do you guys have to come in because it's like not messy, but like my stuff's Like his toes are all like shriveled like you >> Just because there was some child foods on the sink like do you have to do a walk through? Just make sure it cleans up. >> Yeah, sorry. I I mean I Cuz we started throwing >> [laughter] >> But yeah, she's See, he was asleep and sorry. >> [music] >> See, there's a KFC we ate. And And it's her birthday, so she was opening toys and stuff and >> Okay. We're going to talk to your daughter. [music] Is she okay? >> Yeah, she's asleep still. Sorry. >> I find this extremely alarming. >> But I know it's messy. I know I'm so >> It's extremely. It's not a mess. It's filthy. So, what's going to happen is we're going to call CYFD. >> Yes. >> We're going to call CYFD. >> Could you guys give me a chance to clean up? [music] I mean, I could clean up within like a couple hours. >> So, this is what What we'll do is we'll call Sky. By the time Sky It's going to take a couple hours. I would suggest you start cleaning up. >> I will. I swear. >> This officer is also going to take pictures of everything before you clean up. >> Seeing the unsanitary conditions inside the home, the officers quickly notified the Children, Youth and Families Department through their statewide central intake hotline. They knew they had to get the child out of there as soon as possible. >> I would clean up as much as you can. We're going to stay here throughout the process and we'll see what happens. Um Me personally as a father, I don't feel it's safe for a 2-year-old to be Be honest with you. >> I know it. I want to >> living in hell that all this is like this. >> I know. I'm so sorry. Like I'm actually I want to move like I was kind of sneaking to move away from him. That's why I was packing like >> I suggest you do that, but even for right now, I will tell you I'm not saying that you're probably going to be gone for the rest of your life, but there's definitely going to be I'll be a little hold on her. Make sure that you clean up and what will usually happen with these kind of circumstances is CYFD will give a day or two to clean up and to get this in a good living condition. >> Yeah. >> Cuz you This is it's not acceptable. >> The woman tried to blame it all on the father making a mess, but it was clear that the terrible conditions had been like that for a while. Her ex was checked at the hospital and taken to jail. He was charged with resisting and criminal mischief. Parents are just human. Some of them do their best and [music] still barely manage to scrape by. In such conditions, it's easy to make a mistake like leaving three developmentally challenged kids alone in a house. When neighbors in Farmington, New Mexico saw this and realized that the kids might be in danger, they notified the police. >> Hi. >> Hi, how are you doing? How are you? What's going on? We got a call to just come check up on you. Is your mom home? >> I called. Who called you? >> Just a concerned citizen. Hi. Is your mom home? Not home? Okay. >> [screaming] >> I can call her. Okay. Do you have a phone number for her? Okay. >> If anything from you here cuz you're trying to keep my brother in here. >> No, no, no, no. We just came to do um just check on you guys. >> Well, we are we are doing okay. >> When the officers arrived, they found three children aged 11, 15, and 17 home alone. Two of them were diagnosed as autistic and the third had significant developmental impairments. To make things worse, conditions inside were unsafe and unsanitary with eight dogs living in the home. >> Everything's all crazy. >> Well, normally she hangs out with her boyfriend in that bed. I don't know how long she maybe like half an hour maybe like maybe like 25 55 minutes. I mean that I mean it's really far. >> Yeah, it's kind of far, huh? >> If you guys were ever hurt, what would you guys do? What would you guys do if you were >> We would call 911. >> Yeah, that's why I wanted to that's the mom who just Okay, so how would you guys call for help if you guys needed help? >> Call 911. >> You guys know? >> Do you guys know how to call for us if you need us for help? >> Well, >> Yeah, 911. >> The officers wanted to make sure the kids knew how to call 911 and which neighbors they could ask for help. They knew they should call the police, but told the officers they rarely went anywhere on their own. >> What if you guys are in trouble to make sure you guys are okay? >> Yeah, we're all right. >> So if you guys needed to go somewhere, how would you guys find somewhere to go somewhere? >> I go somewhere. I mean sometimes we have a little bit of energy to get to water cups to like drink. I mean >> Okay. >> Yeah, how are you? >> Working. >> Yeah. Okay. Can I have you keep your hands out of your pockets, sir? Thank you. >> I'm not being investigated, so why you why you trust me? >> I'm not. I just asked you to keep your hands out of your pockets, sir. >> It turned out that the kids had a cell phone and were able to call mom. She quickly returned to the residence with her boyfriend and immediately started making excuses. In her mind, she just stepped out for a few minutes. >> I realized that I was not here. No, I wasn't even 10 15 minutes before you called me. I I did some side work since I'm in switching. Is there still electricity? So, it's it's just going So, a very long time. as far as the living conditions. What do you mean the whole house is a mess again? So, first Yeah. Wait, and What What up? I don't This is just what I'm getting to. I mean, I do have I do have four dogs. And I do have four puppies. >> The officer reminded the woman that she was allowed to have a maximum of four dogs within city limits. Yet, she had four puppies as well. Instead of being accountable, she started blaming the situation on her neighbors. >> Right, but Nobody even here even knows that he comes over, he calls me, he talks to me. No, it's just hi. But, leave my kids alone for more than 5 minutes and I've got SWAT team all over the damn neighborhood. I ain't got to do anybody in here. I I'm a single mother of three kids trying to survive. I know. I just want to I wouldn't [laughter] have anybody They offer all that to my kid. He already talked to me about that multiple 200 times. >> And have you tried to get help, please. I don't know about the whole Medicaid transport and appointments and they want me to do classes and all this other stuff. They gave them my new number, but it's out of service right now. So, the only way you can reach me is here at the house or maybe at work. >> Sounds like she had a lot of options at her disposal, including financial aid, education and training, but for some reason she doesn't avail of any of those. So, the officers put it quite nicely and reminded her that she needed to be accountable. >> There's a lot of excuses that I'm getting, okay? And not a lot of accountability. Okay? Um So, game plan pretty much is I can never leave my house again. >> No. We're waiting for you to show up. You need to show up, okay? What are you going to do We'll visit inside, okay? And your home visit is going to be talking to the kids as far as that goes into their wellness. After right now, I can either do a walk-through of the house because I need to call them and update them as far as what I'm seeing. Which that's Please stand by with the detective. >> People don't even know what's going on. They just people out there they don't see me here. They're just nosy. [clears throat] They have no idea what's going on with me right now. And this is all just it's just added drama. It's Please tell me this isn't happening to anybody. >> 20 minutes later, the CYFD arrived and the woman led them through the house. From the moment they stepped inside, it was clear that it was not a safe environment for kids, especially ones with developmental disabilities. >> Most of them have their rooms, but mostly we sleep in here cuz we don't have the internet at the moment, so we watch movies. >> [snorts] >> Interesting. >> Oh, dang it. Cool. >> Do you usually sleep in here and hang out? >> Yeah, I usually sleep here. >> Okay. Do you watch TV in here sometimes? >> Yep. If there's internet here, I could, but right now there's no internet. >> Mm, okay. Hey, look back there. Is that a bathroom or is that? >> Yeah, sorry, but that one's off limits. It's the bathroom, but you don't want to look in there. >> All right, I won't look in there. >> After the boy showed the officers his hangout spot and warned them not to look in the bathroom, they believed they had seen enough for one day. CYFD officials inspected and photographed the residence and decided to relocate the children immediately. >> You guys staying? >> Oh, we're having So, we're just having to stay the night with you guys? >> Yep, you're going to stay the night over here. So, let's grab your bag and you can put it in your brother's in the car already, okay? >> Yep, and the thing is, will we be back home tomorrow? >> Um, just depends, okay? >> Depends? >> yeah. It's possible. >> Yeah. >> Possible? >> Yeah. >> And then cuz I need to get all my stuff. >> That's okay. Just stuff for the night. That's okay. >> Do you guys need to do a second? >> By the time we come back, cuz the thing is, if we have to get tickets to the bus station, we need to get back back so I can take the suitcase and everything else with me. >> That's okay. We're going to worry about that. We'll worry about tonight. As long as you have stuff for the evening, we'll be good to go, okay? >> Yep. >> Okay. You're not in trouble. >> Yeah, you guys are not in trouble. >> Oh, she said you had a card. >> I do, yeah. I'm trying to find it. I have everything. >> In the In the 40 pockets? >> Yeah. >> All right, so little Holly, put your hands behind your back. All right, you're under arrest right now. It's going to be for child neglect. Okay. >> The kids were relocated without any issues, and the mother was placed under arrest without arguing or resisting. She was charged with three counts of second-degree felony child neglect. The charges were later dropped, and the case dismissed. On May 20th, 2025, police and DCF responded to a home where children were reportedly living in unsanitary conditions. They visited the house several times and talked to the mother. She complained about not being able to remove the smell of ammonia from the house. >> This week. So, do you have a bottle of anything going where it's like a little bit less cold and it's off? You can put it back in. >> Yeah. >> Hello, my dear. Now, could we have a seat? >> Mommy. >> She's on her period, so I haven't mopped the floors yet. >> She's only She's not three yet. She's not three. She doesn't want to stay in the waiting room. I don't want to play on the floor. >> Please change and have a bath because I know you [clears throat] guys were in and I was sorry. I tried I [laughter] tried to fix it. I tried to fix it with so much and it's just It keeps happening. >> [laughter] >> It keeps happening. Stop it. What did I want to do? And I'm so sorry. >> You're getting yourself all wet. >> The DCF officer then switched the conversation to the woman's partner because she was under the impression that this might be a case of domestic abuse. However, the woman, Autumn Witt, repeatedly denied those claims. >> There's also some concerns that are related to your male partner. [music] Tell me what your relationship with him is like. >> It's perfectly fine. >> Okay. Does he put hands on you? >> No, never. Never. >> Is there anybody else in the house putting hands on you? You know, another male? >> No. >> Okay. I just happened to touch base with you last time I was here. You had a lot going on with that. I mean, you girls have >> I >> I understand that. I >> I've known this man for over 10 years. We're like high school sweethearts. >> How long has he been staying here? >> He's only been staying here since the end of the year. >> Possible drug screening now. I mean, I know you so he has follow-up cuz I I know this case so differently. >> But if you have the vision of things that he has to ask >> Okay, is there Is there anybody else doing drugs in the house? >> Um no, we just do medical marijuana. That's it. >> Do you do that in the house? >> No, we do it outside. Well, Lexi smoked inside though. Yeah, but she doesn't live here right now. We don't ever >> Even though the use of medical marijuana was a red flag, it was not the main issue here. The main issue was the overpowering smell of ammonia. The smell of ammonia in a house usually comes from animal urine, but according to Autumn, that was not the case. >> It's not like you have like 20 cats in there or anything. But no, I'm telling you there's a little cat in the house. >> So, his urine smells of terrible ammonia. >> I'm exploring his substance use, right? Are the children being exposed to it? >> He keeps everything in his room. >> Is alcohol >> He's alcohol. Everything he gets in his system is alcohol. >> So, where does he get the alcohol? >> His room. >> You're covered in bug bites. Are those What kind of mosquitoes? Mosquitoes. >> Scratch them off. >> Mhm. >> You need a blood light and make them leave. >> No, I don't. That's the same way to make a bug go away. >> That's right. >> She's pretty smart. >> Autumn did not get arrested at the time only because the officers were building a case against her. When they returned to the residence 8 days later, they had not one but two warrants out for her arrest. >> Hello. >> Hello, ma'am. I'm looking for Miss Autumn Witt. >> Yes. >> That's you? Okay, I just had a couple of questions about Hello, sweetie. We just had a few questions about DCF follow-up. >> Mhm. >> Um yeah, could you step out here for a minute with us? >> Um yeah, I just The kids in there by themselves? >> Okay, okay. [laughter] >> How many kids are in there? >> Only two. >> Okay, okay. Sweetie, you mind if I talk to your mom real quick? >> And my mom and my dad. Well, my dad said wait. >> Okay. >> Do you mind Do you mind Yeah, you mind closing the door? Thank you, ma'am. Just had a couple of questions. I just had to make sure you have any weapons on you. >> No. >> Yeah, if you don't mind just facing that way, I'll just check. >> I have my other bracelet. I have my phone. >> Okay, ma'am. Go put your hands behind your back, ma'am. >> Whether Autumn expected to be arrested or just didn't realize what was going on, she remained calm and composed. She just calmly asked what it was about and then proceeded to inform her boyfriend, Vinnie, that she was being arrested. >> What happened? >> You want You want You are under arrest. >> I'm sorry. For what? >> You said who else is in the house, ma'am? >> Uh Vinnie. >> Hey, stop. Stop. Stop. What are you doing? Here, come here. Come out here, ma'am. >> Can I hand these to him, please? >> Give Give minute. I'll I'll hand it to Yeah. We just have to talk to your mom really quick. There's a Vinnie inside. >> There's Vinnie? Can you go get Vinnie for us? Can you go take care of him? >> Yeah, I can take care of him. I'll call her mom. >> Call my mom. >> Are you going to leave all this here? >> Yes, can you please hand that to him? >> No. >> Um my my my uncle's date of birth is 11/23/20. >> 11/23/20? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> My mom is Donna Penderella. You can call my sister and let her know where I am. Her address is 123 Main Street. All right, I'll let you know the address. But my mom will call you. >> Okay, I'll call Peter and I'll call your mom right away. What's the kid's date of birth, Vinnie? >> 11/23/20. >> As she was being escorted to the squad car, Autumn bowed down her head, probably thinking over her life choices. As awful as going to jail might sound, exposing her child to potential health risks and harm was so much worse. >> You know, if we got a female for a search. >> Oh, you better not. We're going to search her when we get to this place here. Yeah, she stated she didn't have anything else on her. Anything Anything do you have? You have nothing on you? The front pocket of these these pants are empty. Anything else? Just the shorts and the shirt. >> All right, you have a nice day. >> Do you have anything in your bra, stuff inside of you, or anything like that? Um there is an additional drug paraphernalia in there. >> You just got to explain that to everybody. >> Autumn Watts was taken to jail and booked for child neglect. The silver lining was that family members were able to care for the children until she bonded out. So, there is no need for DCF to take custody and traumatize the kids further. On January 23rd, 2024, in Alturas, Florida, Polk County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of possible child neglect at a private residence, resulting in the deputies finding a 7-month-old and a 7-year-old living in deplorable conditions. >> All cameras on. You got me. Almost said it, girl. I had your back. >> What's the problem? Why are they here? Make them leave. What do you want me to do? >> Oh, I already told them. They had to go. >> Why are they still here? I still see them. >> Yeah. I already told them. >> Hey, but what happens if you I'm not physical and I have a lot going on, so >> Who owns the house? >> Me [music] and my brother. >> Why? Why are they still here? >> That's what I'm saying. >> Do they get mail? >> No. They They should be getting mail. That's why I'm like, I'm making them leave right now. >> Yeah, I already told them. >> Who's that? >> That's her. >> Really? >> Which one is the little one? The other kid. >> This is [music] his girlfriend's son. >> This white kid right here, who is that? >> His girlfriend's son. >> Hey. Relax. Willie. Willie. >> I already got them out. Y'all can I hold >> Look at Look at me real quick and just [music] relax. Number one, you've got minors in here. You can catch a child neglect charge. Be nice to my officers and I'm here for an unrelated incident. Stop it right now. This is very serious the way the house looks. And you as an adult, because of her, you'll catch her charge. So, just mind your business and stay with them and let me deal with this cuz this is not your problem. This is bad. Now, be nice to them. [music] They didn't do nothing to you. >> The situation was more complex than it seemed. The male, identified as Willie, was living in the house with his girlfriend and her children. Despite having no running water and living [music] in squalor, he seemed to be more concerned about his dispute with a neighbor over a dog. >> I got to pay for my >> the dog and it's like and he still got it. >> Huh? >> Oh. Like you just said you guys let the dog go back and forth, right? >> But I told her to get the dog back. I got the dog back and he still got the dog again. So if I got the dog if I'm the co-owner of that dog right now, why he doing with the dog again? >> Do you want him to keep the dog because >> No, I don't want him to I don't want That man right there, he came on my yard, talked trash to me, ma'am, and and disrespected me in front of the kids. >> Well, can I ask you this? When we get your money financially situated, >> [music] >> can we on camera work something out civilly while he keeps the dog until we fix this problem? [music] Because if you have papers for the dog, I'll get it back. Willie, this is a problem. She's going to go through DCF. There's no water. She's going to end up losing >> got turned off. >> Yeah, she's going to end up losing kids, honey. I need to try to not make that happen. >> I know that man. >> And I don't want you catching a child neglect charge because of it. She's been warned. >> After walking through the house and witnessing animal feces scattered all over the place and wooden floors soaked in urine, the sergeant tried to convince Willie that the housing situation should be his primary concern. But even when she told him he could be held responsible, he just couldn't let go of the dog issue. >> I feel like you're bringing in all the mess, but the children say you're the fiance. >> Yes, ma'am. It's my time, man. I've been going through so much to try, man. >> You were doing a good job, but the kids >> I know man. We have nowhere to go. >> So let's fix the dog right now and let's just let him keep this dog. >> Why he got to He can't Why he got TO KEEP THE DOG FOR? >> WELL, you want the dog with all your problems? >> What problem? The dog over here with us. That dog is like family to us now. Come on now. >> Okay, if you're able to financially take care of it >> We good. >> Okay, where's where's the papers for the dog? >> Ma'am >> Do you have the papers? I get a check from the government, huh? >> Watch the baby, honey. Do you [music] Do you um Do you have papers that show the dog's yours? >> It's It's not showing in my name. No. I got papers I got a paper showing that it's a dog. >> If you have no papers showing that it's not yours, I mean, if we can't come to an agreement, we'll take the dog. But, I need a bigger picture. We got to see what's in this house. >> to save right now, but it's I'm doing this by myself. >> I see that, honey. >> it's all on me. >> She's going to end up making you catch a charge with these kids. >> The sergeant already knew the mother was going to be arrested because she had received multiple warnings from DCF and still did nothing. She, however, had a soft spot for Willie and didn't want to see him caught in the crossfire. >> I've got to go right now. >> Just because I'm a woman doesn't mean I'm for women. This is bad, Willie. >> I know it's bad, man. >> This dog is the least of the problems. You need to let somebody take care of this dog till you can get on your feet. >> It is like this. >> Alex, I'm going to need you to go do a walk-through of the house. I'll be right back, Willie. Hang out here. >> All right. >> You can bear with me with the dog. I'm dealing with bigger stuff right now. The dog and any other possible things that came into play. Probably the biggest issue is the children. And these living conditions that they're living with them. >> Thank you. >> And I thank >> Mr. Willie, I'm going to ask one question, you're okay? I'm going to need you to lower your voice because you're going to incite me. And if I have to fight him and get hurt because of your mouth, we're going to have a problem. >> The kids come first. >> I know that. >> I know that for a fact. >> I got the words. I got it. This is all sensitive. >> You're a small woman. Sorry. >> As if dealing with kids living in animal excrement wasn't enough, the sergeant also had to resolve less critical issues. But, things were about to get even more complicated as she finds out they are no longer considered squatters. >> Can I speak to you, Willie? >> Yeah. >> Um I'm going to take care of this one, DCF, because I really like Willie. I want to do all I can to help him. And I'm saying that because I really don't feel like fighting because I will. The size means nothing to me. I'm going to fight you. It don't bother me. I will I'm not putting up with it. I'm not. I got a lot going on at home. So, I need to take care of this. I'm going to call DCF. Don't do a walk-through anymore only because he has an expectation of privacy as a renter. She's telling me she gets mail. I need that mail to be provided with me. This dog is the least of my worries. I'm calling DCF and I'm going to start a report. I just don't want them to know cuz she's going to flip out and I don't want the kids to flip out. >> Okay. >> So, just bear with me. Thank you. >> That's fine. >> It's DCF. They're dating the mother. Okay. If you guys are dating >> You guys are together? >> Okay, good. I appreciate it. I just thought maybe you'd be more helpful with I didn't explain it right. Thank you. I will take care of him. I promise. It's her and him and the kids and I need to do this right now. This dog and you are his neighbor. I'm not saying I don't care about it. It's back burner for me because there's a pending case. I'm going to call them right away. >> Once again, the sergeant tried to explain to Willie what was about to happen and that it would be in his best interest to stay away. But as much as she's fond of him, he is even more fond of his girlfriend and wants to resolve the situation if possible. >> This has nothing to do with you. >> That's what I want you to [music] say and tell DCF. I want you to say and you tried to pay That's what I want. Just don't [music] talk to her anymore and let me let the lady let you hear that. I got that on my camera. Now I need it on [music] a statement. Okay. >> Do they have a note or a lease? >> No, they don't have a lease. >> I They've been here 2 months. >> They've been here He just told me cuz I come in when he was pulling out of his parking [music] spot and he was like "They stay." He was like "Yeah, been here since November." and I'm like "No wonder." So, the sister, Michael, my brother's my brother's girlfriend is his sister. She's the one gave her brother the okay with his girlfriend is >> So, they're squatters. >> They're squatters. >> So, squatters I could have addressed 2 months ago. [music] Now I can't. She says there's an electric bill in her name. >> That's That's the Listen, I'm You don't see me on the >> You want the dog or you want me to hang up? >> I I told him he can have it. >> Keep the dog in the house. He's not getting the dog. >> I'll be probably right back. >> Even though Willie and his fiance and the kids moved in illegally, from the moment they started receiving mail at that address, they have formally established residency. They were already tenants, not trespassers. So, the issue is already a civil matter, not a criminal one. The sergeant proceeded to address the child neglect issue. >> Oh, do we need to do a hotline on this also? >> She's going to call me back and let me know if I need to do that or if she has taken my report on my behalf. >> The reason we did that, Jeff, is because DCF was out with her before with their last case, and they told her if she has one more encounter, all the kids are being immediately pulled. So, that's why we called. She has pending pending cases. >> Okay, we need to hear this. We need a detailed report of what you're seeing, and then uh I mean, do do does [music] does does the show or it's you charge with neglect? >> When you walk through, you'll see it. What I don't want to do is charge Willie for it, but once DCF comes here, [music] they might want it because they're living as a family and he's allowing all this to go on. >> Are you feeling like you need to arrest or you >> Yes, times two. I'd rather just do one because mom was told from DCF get it together. >> Mom's biological mom or the mother's Willie's He He's only the live-in boyfriend, right? >> That's what I'm trying to accomplish with him. He's just the boyfriend, so it's not child neglect, but he's been here the whole time and knows these kids have no food or no water. >> It would be a tricky situation for any cop. Legally speaking, Willie was not a legal guardian of the kids. However, if he has been living with them for 2 months in these conditions, he shares responsibility for allowing it to happen. On top of that, he claimed the kids as his own, and they even called him dad. >> I'm going to give you Willie's, okay? >> [laughter] >> I can have her if she wants to. Do you want to sit with her? >> Please don't take her. >> Go ahead and get in. I'm going to leave that right there so this way I can give you another drag of it. I'll put some gloves on you. >> Please don't put me in the squad car. >> No, I know, but I'll let you have her some. We just decide what we're doing. I'll throw that in there cuz I just want to put the AC on. >> Can she sit in here? >> I want you to sit with her, but you have to be cuffed [music] when you get in. >> I don't want to get cuffed. >> You're not going to jail. Get over here. >> I don't want to get cuffed. >> Well, that's just how it's going to be because I'm going to let you sit with her and I'm going to give her a cigarette and I'm going to try As of [music] right now, you are not under arrest. I promise you. Okay? DCF makes that decision, not me. You, her, anybody. They make that decision, not me. >> The sergeant was smart enough to put Willie in handcuffs before explaining that DCF might decide to charge him as well. In the end, the couple was both arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail. They were charged with negligent child abuse. On April 2nd, 2025, a distraught father reported that his ex was neglecting their daughter. However, there's a protection order against him, meaning he could be arrested on the spot. >> Yeah, I got it. I'll get my paperwork. I'll show you. I ain't got no warrants. But they're going to arrest me. That's what they're doing. Yeah, she's perfectly fine. The order of protection got dropped. She went and pulled her out of school earlier today and then she called me on her phone and she said, "Come get me." I was like, "Baby, well, you can come with me." Like, "I can come get you." Like And she's like Like by the way, you said [snorts] I can have her. I want her. I didn't take her from my mom. running down the road and all that stuff. That's what happened. >> The man claimed the protection order was dropped that very day and that they were in the process of making a custody agreement. If what he was saying about his ex was true, things could easily turn against her. >> Her mom was screaming at her, yelling at her, telling her she was a bad mom, and she said she was going to call the cops. No, I I didn't stop her from going. I want them to see this house. I haven't been here for 2 years. I wouldn't This is not even The water has been turned off for 3 weeks. She's been like, "Please come in here and see this house." Like, I I really want Like, there's dog [ __ ] from the front door to the back. It stinks so bad. Just go stick your head in it. It's in. Like, she's been making this kid live in here for 3 weeks with no water. Yeah, she's been saying no. She's been staying here. >> I've been sleeping in that house for 3 >> here, please. Please do me a favor. She's been staying here. >> I've been sleeping in this house with no water for 3 weeks. >> She's only She's only sleeping in the bed. You don't understand by the door. It's downright It is disgusting. But I'm a whole I'm supposedly allowed to have her, I didn't think I did anything wrong. My word to say that if I have her, I have her and he has her and she has her cuz this is everybody's daughter. >> It was clear that the girl felt safe around her father, but she also didn't want her mom to get in trouble. However, her dad didn't hold back. He practically begged the officers to go inside the house and see the mess for themselves. >> I didn't even want to go >> room in there. >> He I was just told to get a custody agreement and we're working on that. I mean, this just And then she went and yanked her out of school. And then she's going and she's going crying, "I had to beg my mom to call you." And she's like, "Aha, now you can get a custody agreement." And I'm like, "Stop playing games with our daughter." Like, this is not cool. >> And then she took my phone and hung up on me. >> hung up on me. And she's telling her if she comes around me that I'm going to go to jail and she's going to get in trouble or she can't be around her dad and and I would love to see some paperwork that says I can't be around her. Like please, look in my house. Like you said that's fine. I'm not worried about it. I just got home a couple hours ago and this dude has been living like this for a [ __ ] in my toilet. There's no water on. It's not me, guys. This has been the hardest thing in the world to me. >> Even though the father was wholeheartedly trying to show that his ex was neglecting their child, the law protects private property. The officers did not have a warrant to go inside the house. Besides, the mother had custody of their child and at that point their hands were tied. >> Look, that That's where we're at right now. Mom's got custody of her until a parent agrees that is a place. That's how [music] it works. It's state law. >> But >> I can show you the I can give you the LCI number. >> here before and they straight told her they they didn't take her out of her house, but I get that she's got to be out of her house. >> Yeah, I'm just >> kicked her out 3 days ago and told her to go pick her up. Kick her out of the house. You guys are telling me I have to give her back to her? >> I I get >> How? Like >> You got to go get a court agreement. Yeah. >> I can't be staying at my dad's. She doesn't want me to. >> Can't you She's scared of you. >> She's stayed here every night since I left. And you guys are going to go give her back to her? >> I mean, I can call my command and see what >> I please, anything you can do to help me. I don't want to argue. I'm just >> I'm not trying to argue either. I I get your concerns. I I fully get That's not acceptable at all. >> I come home today and >> The officers claimed that there was nothing they could do at that point, but they were also sympathetic to the father's plight and the well-being of the little girl. At one point, they took a step back and reviewed the situation away from the family. >> How can I keep her? >> No. You have to get an order of protection. >> I think she should be in handcuffs right now. And like I how? If I did this to her, I would I guarantee I'd be in jail. >> This is going to be difficult for >> It already is. I mean, I'm already like >> What are your thoughts on this? >> For endangering a child? >> Absolutely. >> I mean, I can't even step a foot in that house without wanting to gag. >> Cuz stuff all over the floor. >> I already see food >> and pee everywhere. >> Did the woman admit to you that she's mistreating her? >> I have no idea. >> She admitted She knows. >> So, right now, they're going to be placed under arrest for endangering the life of her child. >> Surprisingly enough, the woman didn't resist the officers. It was almost as if she expected it to happen. When asked about the condition of the house, she claimed that she had been trying to make things better and even blamed her ex for leaving the house in disarray. >> Hey, they're arresting me for child endangerment. I need you to call Doc. Yeah, I'm in cuffs right now. I need you to call Doc right now. Thank you. Love you. Bye. >> Who's Doc? >> My boyfriend. >> Okay. Did you know about the condition of the house and the state it's in now? >> I did. I was working on getting it cleaned. He He left it just as bad as I did. I I I've been working. I've had my daughter. >> Okay. What's up with the with her knotted hair? >> She came home from her dad's that way. >> Came home from her dad's house? >> She claims that she didn't have a hairbrush in her backpack and it's only gotten progressively worse and I do not have money until Friday when I get paid, but as soon as I get paid Friday, she's going to a salon and it's getting fixed. Whether we have to cut it or it it can get brushed out. I've had several people try to help me brush it out and look at it and I we can't get it out. >> Okay. How long has her hair been like that for? >> Only like Well, the knot started last weekend and it was very small. >> The officer didn't care much for her excuses. There is no excuse for not combing your daughter's hair for over a week or letting her live in a house with no running water. She even claimed that due to all the issues, they only slept in the house while spending their time elsewhere. But that was not the only problem. >> There's a lot of bedbugs in there? >> No. >> Yeah. Quite a bit. >> What? >> Yeah. >> I don't have a single bite on me. >> I couldn't force you to sleep in the house and they found them in the bed. So. >> In her bed or in >> In her bed. >> Oh, lovely. >> Yeah, there's eggs on your bed. >> Lovely. >> There's uh the house is being being made uninhabitable. No one can fully live in there until it gets fixed. Uh up the code, everything. Cuz there's mold, there's feces, there's no water, the toilet's full of toilet paper and feces and urine and I don't know. It's a complete disaster. >> So, yeah. Was there any way I can press charges against him? Because he coerced her. He called her on the phone and told her to run away. Yeah, I would probably say no. They say the only difference between heroes and villains is that even though they've both been wronged, heroes decide to make the world a better place and villains decide to hurt back the world that hurt them. Well, the woman was definitely out to hurt her ex. And he's done it several other times since. I have [music] screenshots of the phone calls. He's hacked my Facebook. I have screenshots of all of that. He's changed it so I can't even see what devices are logged into my Facebook. Uh he put a pin on it and I have a screenshot of that. >> There's not much we're going to be able to do with that. >> Yeah. >> So, I understand where you're coming from as far as the kidnapping, but I don't know if we can reasonably say he was trying to kidnap her. He claimed that he drove by and she ran after him. At least that's what she told me and he was >> down the street. I have him on video. >> Okay. >> He backed He stopped at that gray house where all that those pillars are and he backed up all the way to the edge of this brown house in that black truck and he was hanging out the window when he drove by. I have it all on video. They have surveillance cameras on this house. >> Did he Did he get out or stop the truck and go and grab her and pick her up and then he >> He stopped the truck and got out of the car and opened the car door for her. >> Okay. >> And she got in and he shut the door and I couldn't get out of my seatbelt cuz it was locked and I as I was getting out of my seatbelt getting out of my car I called the police. >> Okay. I understand what you're saying and we can definitely document that but I don't think it constitutes as kidnapping. >> By definition, kidnapping involves restriction of movement. The father did not prevent his daughter from leaving or returning to her mom. His ex was so hell-bent on making him pay that she even advised the officers to check his house as well. >> It's not like he's refusing to allow her to go with you at this point. He's even told me on camera that if she if your daughter has to go back with you that's perfectly fine. He's not trying to kidnap her. >> Okay. >> Hold on. Before you go. All right. So, we're going to go >> You you better go do a welfare check on that house and you better scour it. >> That's what we're doing. Before she she was >> He's already gone to clear it out. That's why he drove by. Mhm. >> And he he's already I don't know. I wasn't up there. So, yeah, we're going to go check the house first before she's allowed to stay there because if it's like that condition, you know, we're going to find something else or the DCF has to get involved in place or something. >> After agents determined the house was uninhabitable, the woman was arrested and charged with child endangerment. Animal control removed all the animals and the girl was allowed to stay with her father. DCF and the juvenile abuse and neglect court continued to oversee the case. Be warned as we go on because none of the cases we review today can compare to the case of the Cordell family. On a junk-filled 35-acre property in Luna County, New Mexico, the Cordells forced their children to live in underground caves and tunnels for over a decade, and that wasn't even the worst part. >> Melvin Cordell and Valerie Cordell. >> [snorts] >> Melvin Cordell? >> Melvin. >> Yeah. >> Okay. I'm trying to make contact with them. Hello, New Mexico State Police. >> Yeah, looks like a bunker. >> Hello, New Mexico State Police. Are you guys home? I'm not sure if this down here is your guys' residence. We're trying to make contact WITH YOU GUYS. HELLO, HELLO. NEW Mexico State Police, hello. >> Is it right here? Is that what they described? >> Hello. >> Is that their well? >> The footage was taken on October 23rd, 2024. It was the first time authorities visited the Cordell property. They mentioned seeing what appeared to be bunkers scattered all over the property. Amidst the chaos, they discovered several dogs and even a horse, but neither Melvin nor Valerie Cordell nor their children were anywhere to be found. >> There's a trampoline here. >> Here? >> So >> Let's go. >> There's >> Yeah, there's two more. >> They're holding something up, I don't know. It might lead to something in the shed. >> I see. Yeah, there's a bed. >> All right, senorita. Um, I can't >> [laughter] >> We checked the trailer. Trailer has stuff stacked up. The door's not secured. Uh, we chain checked this trailer. There's stuff stacked up. The door I I could probably push it in, but it I'm knocking nothing there. So, the only thing that I can think of in the residence is what was described, which is the bed, cuz at least that's true. That's known to be true. Um, uh, the little pooping containers that are everywhere. >> My biggest concern is like if the kids are safe. Like, there's a lot of concerns, but just like there's no like barrier. You know, one of the little ones can just stroll away and they'll fall and really >> Yes. >> hurt themselves. That's >> The Cordell case was set in motion by an anonymous call claiming the Cordells were really using their children. Bearing that in mind, what the officers found at the property eerily resembled horror movies, and the evidence of potential child neglect and abuse kept piling. >> Is that the Is that the free food that they get? >> Yeah, but look, this isn't edible. Like, these doors >> 100% you're right. Yeah, look at That's probably out in the front. >> Yeah. >> Oh my turn. Getting hot. >> How's it going, Melvin? This told you that we'd be meeting Officer Cardell. Are you He's on his way right now. Okay. He's on his way. He'll be here in 5 minutes or so. Okay. Okay. Can you get me a weapon chair? >> A chair? >> Okay. I don't know. Actually, go with thirsty after this one. Did she, uh, You guys don't want to sit in the car for a second? I mean, they'll be over there. Can you see any stuff in there? Can you see? Cuz they'll be in about 5 minutes and then you guys can talk to her. Agent Cardell is sorry. I, um, I think they're >> with you yesterday. [music] I was certain you were lying. I just felt Um You mentioned yesterday there was an area that's right. But I didn't have that same feeling. I don't mean to disrespect you. Yeah. >> On the outside, Melvin Cordell seemed like a mellow, kind-hearted guy, but detectives later discovered he had sexually abused his 16-year-old daughter since she was 12. Supposedly, she even got pregnant, and her parents forced her to have an abortion. >> My mom actually purchased me some layers. He locked me in his fire room after he took me to his after room. And then whenever he offered me the offer of being thrown off the property, or just to take over the property. >> Only her mom >> And then he told her >> I told her to study her Bible. >> But she would not. For the most part, I or rather we are not interested in marketing produce because we would rather just be self-sustaining and be able to feed others, you know, to share. >> We had a lot of fortune with our tomato plants. So we're threatened by our kids. Every time we picked up, our fortune was good. >> Yeah, yeah, we also had livestock. Livestock. >> The Cordells knew the cops were coming that day, so they came prepared. Melvin claimed they used to have a vegetable garden and a variety of farm animals, including many dogs. But after the dogs got taken, wild animals started claiming their livestock. At that point, the officer didn't have enough evidence. Two months later, the officers came back with a search warrant. >> You too with me. >> City police, search warrant. If you're out here and hear me, make yourself known. >> [snorts] >> State police, search warrant. If you're out here and hear me, make yourself known. Let's check that area right there. It looks like they use it as a little bedding area. Watch me. >> Once again, the officers struggled to locate the Cordells. There was a lot of ground to cover, not to mention subterranean hideouts and multiple abandoned trailers. Court documents later claimed that the Cordells made their children live outside, underground, and man-made tunnels and caves. They also forced them to endure extreme summer and winter weather. >> State police, search warrant. If you can hear me, MAKE YOURSELF KNOWN. STATE POLICE, SEARCH WARRANT. WE'RE IN HERE, make yourself known. >> This property was not the only one in Cordells' possession, as they also had a regular residence. Naturally, the police had coordinated two separate teams to perform the search at both locations simultaneously. >> State police, search warrant. >> [snorts] >> State police, search warrant. >> [snorts] >> The Cordells were finally arrested on February 21st, 2025 at their 35-acre property. They didn't resist or try to run. Melvin Cordell now faces 24 felonies, including 16 counts of child abuse, [music] criminal or contact of a minor, and tampering with evidence. His wife faces 18 felony counts. They were both denied bond. It's disturbing to think that there are parents who are capable of subjecting their children to neglect and abuse like the parents in today's episode. They all deserved to be brought [music] to justice after the cops rescued their children from them. If you like the video, subscribe.