[Music] I can't do this. I can't. >> Being a police officer comes with its fair share of hardship, but one of the toughest parts is delivering awful news to parents. >> The right here right now. That's for sure. They couldn't save him, right? They couldn't save him. They couldn't save him. How the she driving like that? I >> can't do this again. Watch my daughter do this again. I was responsible. I just cannot do it. >> No matter how many times they have to be the bearer of bad news, it never gets any easier. >> Oh my god. >> Oh my god. to the hospital. >> Oh my god. >> And when the unthinkable happens, cops have to give parents the worst news of their life. >> Hey. Hey. I need a medic. Medic now. Now. On May 23rd, 2022, firefighters and police officers were dispatched to a residence following reports of a house fire. Upon gaining entry to the home, rescue workers discovered an unresponsive 8-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy. >> Oh, really? >> Hey. Hey, I need a medic. Medic. >> Nobody knows if there's more people inside. While the rescue workers were busy searching the home, the officers could only speculate about who or how many people were inside. Although the residence was not on fire, it was heavily engulfed in black smoke, which posed an extremely hazardous situation for anyone inside. >> He said he doesn't really. >> Oh. All right. Man, this smoke is heavy, too. >> He wasn't burnt. >> No, >> the smoke inhalation. >> Yeah. >> Do you guys have any information on people who live here? >> Yes. >> The adults? >> It's one lady, but you have a white car, but she's not here now. >> Do you guys have a phone number for her? >> No, that's what we saying. We don't have a phone number. >> Do you guys know names? >> Last names, anything like that? No, >> she's an African lady. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And she usually have two or three kids there. That's what I'm saying. That's the guy asked me. Okay. They recently moved in here >> about a year ago. >> About a year ago. Appreciate it, guys. >> Given that no adults were found inside the home, the officers were desperate to track down the parents of the children found trapped inside. Eventually, they received a contact for the children's mother, calling her at her place of work and insisting she come home. [Music] 41 >> 41 41. Can you start the 56 and call 9 at 255 East Falls Avenue? [Music] How many of your children were home? [Music] >> Two. Two children were home, huh? >> Just two. >> How old are they? >> 87. >> 87. down to the hospital. >> Ma'am, how old are your children? >> The woman was distraught, making it nearly impossible for the officers to communicate with her. Although her reaction was completely understandable, the officers had time-sensitive questions that needed to be answered. [Music] [Music] Okay. [Music] >> Right now, if anyone was the victim, uh, >> we'll put you on the cop. We're going to take you down. right >> here. [Music] [Music] >> 256. Be advised, there's no supervisor. >> Okay, ma'am. Do you want to take a seat over here? Rescue workers and friends ushered the woman over to a stretcher to sit down. They needed her to calm down and answer their questions as their primary concern was ensuring that no other children were unaccounted for. [Music] >> How many children? How old are they? >> I don't have my phone. >> We need to know how old I'll get your phone. Talk to him. >> Okay. Talk to him. I'll get your phone. >> Ma'am, how many how many children do you have? >> Just two. Eight. >> There's no other kids that weren't here. >> No other kids that weren't here. I want to help you. [Music] >> While the scene unfolded around them in real time, the woman remained in an emotional state. Although the officers wanted to transport her to the hospital, they were having difficulty convincing her to leave the scene. >> She will come here. >> We're just going to go ask if he wants to see it. >> I bet that's probably >> I think that's you call her. >> Is there anybody you want us to call? [Music] I don't know if you guys >> If not, we can transport, right? >> We're going to get you on the way to the children's hospital. Get up on that C. We're going to turn you right over. Okay. Let's help you up. [Music] [Music] County area 1027 Yale in district. [Music] >> At the hospital, the mother learned that both her son and daughter had died from their injuries. An investigation revealed that she had pulled her children out of school and locked them inside the house while she went to work for more than 9 hours. The children, both living with severe developmental disabilities, lack the cognitive and motor abilities needed to save themselves. Her reckless homicide charges were later dropped, but she pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment and was sentenced to 6 to9 years in prison. On July 19th, 2023 in Florida, a babysitter left a 10-month-old baby in her vehicle as temperatures soared to the high 90s, possibly topping 100°. The babysitter only realized that she had forgotten the baby girl when her mother arrived to pick her up. >> I CAN'T DO THIS. I CAN'T DO THIS. NO, I can't do this. I just want to hit somebody so hard right now. I can't do this. I can't do this. I swear to God if she I will I can't I CAN'T DO THIS. I CAN'T DO THIS. He's only two months old. She's in the garage. >> Inside the garage, rescue personnel worked tirelessly to revive 10-month-old Aria Paige. She was rushed to a nearby hospital with her mother and grandmother following closely behind. While the two waited impatiently, a doctor delivered the news that every parent dreads. >> I just want to know something. [Music] >> Y'all want to go in talk to the doctor? >> I don't know. I got I just want to know information. I don't The doctor's going to talk to you. >> Okay. >> You want your mother want to go with you? >> Yeah. >> Talk to the doctor. She can talk to a doctor. >> Hang doctor. I want out. I WANT OUT. I WANT OUT. I WANT OUT. I WANT TO GO. I don't know what to do. No. I know. I can't do this. I I I don't know what to do, but I want to be >> The babysitter, Rhonda, was charged with aggravated manslaughter, and eventually went to trial on three counts of negligent aggravated manslaughter of a child, thirdderee murder, and neglect of a child by leaving them unattended in a motor vehicle, causing bodily harm. She was released on bond until her trial in November 2024. In court, Aria's mother, Brooke, took the stand to recount the events leading up to the tragedy. >> What does the defendant do as soon as you walk in and you take your shoes off? >> Um, she kind of shoved me out the way and like just started running out the door. >> Is she saying anything as she was running out the door, >> screaming my name? >> Do you know where she was running to? >> Not until she arrived where she was running to. And where was where did she eventually arrive? >> The back passenger door of her Tahoe. >> When you arrived at the defendant's car, what did you see? >> Aria not breathing. >> Where was Aria? >> In her car seat still. >> Was she still strapped in? >> Yes. >> Exactly where you had put her? >> Yes. >> You said she was not breathing? >> No. >> How did you know that? >> Her lips were blue. What did you do next? >> I told her to call 911. >> And was Aria taken out of the car? >> Yes. >> Was her baby bag with all the items you had packed still in the car as well? >> Yes. >> Although it had been over 2 years since that fateful day, to Brooke, it must have felt like days. During the trial, Sergeant Brad Doherty took the stand to testify about what he witnessed upon arriving at the scene and questioning the suspect. Rhonda, >> what did she say happened? >> She said that when she got there that Aria was sleeping um because she wasn't making any noises or she assumed she was sleeping because she wasn't making any noises. So, she went on into the house, um, met with Stacy Pascal, spoke with her briefly, and then sat down on the couch and started her day with the other three children. >> Did she indicate to you that she had forgotten the child? >> She did. >> Next, it was time for the suspect, Rhonda, to take the stand. The prosecution wanted to know what was going through her mind. What happened that day when she pulled up to the home, parked, and forgot about baby Aria in the back? >> When you got out of the car, Rhonda, did you get Aria out of the car? >> No, ma'am. I forgot. I forgot I had her. >> Can you describe for us what happened? >> She said, "Hey." And I said, "Hey." And she said, "Um, what? Where?" She said, "I'm here." And I said, "Here?" I said, "Where you at?" She opened I opened up the door and I seen her and I was still in shock while she was there. And so she had money in her hand and her keys and that's when I realized I didn't get the baby at the core. I forgot. I forgot the Okay, I already had the I already had the baby in the car and so I pushed her out the way and I'm screaming, "Oh my god, Brooke. Oh my god. Oh my god, bro." And she's I could hear her saying, "What? What? What?" And I ran to ran to the car and I opened up the door and she was still there. Her was still in the back seat. Listening to her testimony, Rhonda appeared to also be really devastated by what happened and was genuinely remorseful. However, even though it was a horrible event, consequences were necessary and some accidents are never acceptable. >> What did you do with Aria after you got her out of the car seat? just I felt her and I and I pray God would take me as a student. [Music] I beg God to give her a breath and just take me instead instead of her. >> Did you take inside the garage? >> I did. >> What did you do at that point? Brooke came in and then I think she was on the phone with Miss Paige or I don't know who she was on the phone with, but she she had told me to go to the road and wait for 911 to get there so they know where to go. >> And um did you do that? >> I'm good. During cross-examination, Rhonda testified that she urinated on herself as she ran to the SUV and threw up after laying eyes on baby Aria's lifeless body in the back seat. Next, the prosecution pushed Rhonda to accept responsibility for her actions. >> So, it would be fair to say that at that moment, you have failed in your duties as a caregiver. Correct? >> I did not hear her. I did. She didn't make a sound. So, I didn't know she was I forgot she was in a car. I didn't hear her. >> Mitchell, that that isn't my question. My question is, would you agree? Isn't it true? >> You're saying you forgot she was in a car. You failed as your as a nanny, as a babysitter, as a caregiver. You're saying you forgot about the baby. >> Yes, sir. >> So, you failed in your duties. Correct. >> Yes, sir. The prosecution's goal was to ensure that the jury understood that although people make mistakes, some mistakes warrant punishment. And after all the facts were laid out clear, it only took the jury 1 hour to return with a verdict. >> State of Florida versus Rhonda Charmaine Juel, case number 02, 2023, CF 333. We the jury find as follows as to count one of the information. The defendant is not guilty. We the jury find as follow is asked to count two living information. The defendant is guilty of thirdderee felony murder as charged in the information. We the jury find as follows as to count three of the information. The defendant is guilty of leaving a child unattended or unsupervised in a motor vehicle causing great bodily injury as charged in the information. So say we this 8th day of November, 2024. >> Rhonda Juel was found guilty on two of the three charges, thirdderee felony murder and leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle causing great bodily injury. She was sentenced to 15 years for the murder charge and 2 years for child neglect for a total of 17 years. She could be eligible for parole in 14 years. On July 9th, 2024 in Morirana, Arizona, police and medics were dispatched to a residence following a frantic phone call from a man who reportedly left his 2-year-old daughter in a car on a 109° day, eventually discovering her unresponsive. >> What are you reporting? >> She was in the car sleeping. She's unresponsive. Okay. And who is she? Please, please, please. My daughter. My daughter. Please, please, please. >> And this was that in the driveway? >> Yes. >> Is she still breathing? >> No, she's not breathing right now. >> Okay, we need to start CPR right now. >> Yes, we are. We're starting CPR. Yes. Oh my god. Oh my god. >> And how old is she? >> Two. >> Two and a half. My god. >> Following the phone call, police and medics raced to the home. The father, Christopher, while understandably distraught, was also concerned with the sheer amount of officers on the scene. However, that was soon to be the least of his concerns. >> You guys here for me? >> Make sure. >> Yeah, we we want to do everything we can now. That's that's why you have so many of us. All right. [Music] She's She's like I need to be with her. >> Oh my god. My nose. [Music] [Music] Christopher was a wreck. While his daughter was pronounced deceased on the scene and transported to the hospital, a group of investigators stayed behind to question him at his home. Um, we're just going to need to get a statement from you about what happened, what's been going on. Obviously, I know this isn't easy for you, okay? It's not easy for anyone around right now. We're going to keep you updated with everything we hear. Do you want to sit down somewhere? Where would you be most comfortable? >> Sure. Like, she was sleeping in her car and I had the car on. Um, but it has a sensor where every 30 minutes or so it'll turn off if you need >> like we never do this anywhere, but I'm home, right? Like you're you're you're home. You're safe. You're like your kids are home, >> right? I'm I'm sorry this is all going on. We always park that car in the garage usually, but I just got a Pelaton recently and the Pelaton is in the garage now, so that's why it's not even in the garage. But >> And how long was she sleeping on the car there? >> I want to say it was no more than 30, 45 minutes. And I don't think the air was off that entire time. I think there was a time in between. I checked on her last, it was still running. She was still sleeping. And then when I went back out, the car was off. In a shocking twist, Christopher told the officer that he intentionally left his daughter in the car asleep with the AC on, even though he knew the car had an auto off function. Later, investigators discovered surveillance footage that showed Christopher arriving at his home just before 100 p.m., an hour before he claimed to have arrived home. In total, his daughter was in the car for 3 hours until his wife arrived home and asked where she was. Later, investigators spoke to Christopher's two other children, who stated that their dad would regularly leave them alone in the car and thought he became distracted by his video games. >> I feel like we're intruding, but we're going to have to stand by with you for a while. All right. Um, >> is there a reason why? >> So, any we have to treat like a crime. [Music] >> I I know this is extremely difficult for you. Um, this is a normal process that that we have to follow through with. I don't want you to be blindsided by anything, but that's that's what's going to be going on for right now. Okay. >> Do I mean treated like a murderous? >> No. >> I just lost my >> No, no, no. I know. I know this isn't easy for you, but the quicker we get this done and finish up, >> the sooner you can be with your wife. >> All right. >> I'm trying so I can go to the hospital with my wife. >> We're not going to shower anything. You need to stand by with us. >> I don't understand why. >> Okay, please. >> I don't understand why. >> I I tried to explain that to you. We just need to stand by. >> I'm standing by. Why can't I take a shower while you stand by? What What is >> It's It's not necessary right now. I'm not going to stand here and watch you shower. >> A search of Christopher's phone produced a series of texts between him and his wife with one reading, "I told you to stop leaving them in the car. How many times have I told you? Next, Christopher was transported to the hospital to be with his family. However, a detective soon joined him with some questions. >> And then, had you done anything like this before where you just let her sleep in the car or anything like that? >> No, that's normally I mean I have the girls with me usually and their girls are always, you know, good about like, "Dad, get the baby, you know, like we won't go inside together." Um but yeah, the only time it would ever happen would be like at home in the driveway kind of thing. >> You had mentioned before that the car um like auto shuts off. >> Mhm. >> Okay. Uh does does it tell you that it's doing that? Is there any kind of communication that you get or any kind of notice that you get from the car when it does that? >> Um I think it gives you like a checked rear seat message when the car turns off. >> Okay. But that's inside the vehicle. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, no notice when you're out of the vehicle or anything like that. No app connected to it or anything like that? >> No. The only reason I even know that it does that is because I've been like sitting in, you know, parent pickup line at school for long enough that it'll just like shut off on you and you go like, "Oh, >> okay." So, I started again. >> Christopher said that he hadn't made a habit of leaving his kids in the car unattended, which contradicted his wife's text messages and his children's testimony. Next, the detective questioned him about the moment he realized his daughter was not at home. >> So, at that point, it didn't even dawn on you to think that she was still in the car or anything. >> And even when we asked the girls, they said that she was sleeping in the toy room. >> Okay. >> Or she was in the toy room. So, >> you went out and checked the vehicle. >> Mhm. >> Okay. What made you go out and check the vehicle? >> I don't know. Just process of elimination, I guess. Did you realize at that point as you were going out there to check on her that that she had accidentally been left in the vehicle? >> I think there was a little bit of panic starting. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Again, it's all all a blur at this point. >> Okay. You open up the vehicle, the warm inside the vehicle. >> Yeah. >> Okay. And then is she still buckled in? >> Yep. >> Okay. So, do you notice anything about her as as you pull her out? Um, really sweaty. >> Okay. >> Just eyes are closed. >> Okay. >> Any groans, noises, responses, anything like that? >> I thought I heard like some gurgles. >> Okay. >> Christopher said he was distracted with household chores, his other kids, and pets, causing him to forget that he left his daughter in the vehicle. 3 days after the death of his daughter, the police confronted Christopher at his home with some news that would change the course of his life forever. >> All right. Um, so remember how I talked >> Can we do this maybe out here so the kiddos don't have to hear? One is sleeping and one's next door. Um, so remember how we talked about the investigation and things that would transpire, >> okay? And I told you I'm always going to tell you guys the truth. There's no there's no secrets here, right? So based off of our investigation at this point, right? We have determined that there's probable cause to go ahead and charge you for what happened. >> Let's come out here, Christopher. >> No, >> it's okay. >> No. >> Okay. So, listen. Listen. Listen. Okay. This doesn't change what's happening. >> This doesn't change what what's going on. Okay. What happens at this point? It's simple. Okay. What happens at this point is you are going to be taken into custody. All right. And you will be booked. And then after you are booked, you have an initial appearance with the judge within the first 24 hours. Okay. I love you. >> Chris, I'm going to be here and I'll take care of everything. >> I love you. >> Christopher was charged with seconddegree murder and child abuse. However, shortly after his charge was upgraded to first-degree murder following a decision by a grand jury. On June 26th, 2024, the Pican Police Department received a distressing 911 call from a man reporting that a baby was unresponsive while under the care of his girlfriend who was a babysitter. >> Tell me exactly what happened. >> Um, so my girlfriend is watching a toddler. We put her up for a nap. She is not breathing. >> Are you with her now? >> Yes, I am. >> Is she awake? >> She is not. >> Is she breathing? >> She is not. She's turning purple. All right, I'm sending the paramedics to help you now. Stay in the line. Listen carefully and I'll tell you how to do chest compressions. I want you to make sure the baby is flat on her back on the floor. I want the chest to come all the way up between pumps. Count out loud so I can count with you. Okay. >> Officer here. >> There's an officer there. >> Yes. >> Okay, let them take over. Okay. >> There was no doubt that it was a disturbing call. The officer quickly arrived on the scene and made his way upstairs, hoping that there was still time to save the child. But judging from the details of the 911 call, it wasn't looking good. >> Okay. >> Who was the child? >> She went to go wake her up from her nap. No breathing. >> Which room? >> It looks like she come. >> How long ago? >> I don't know nothing. >> Put it on for about 10 p.m. or not 10 p.m. 10:30 >> upstairs here. >> Yep. So, it's going to be the third bath bedroom on the right. >> All right. I'm going to There's an officer up there and fireman up there. I'm going to stand out here and just direct the AMP guys up here. >> He told me that his girlfriend put the baby down to sleep and then when they went upstairs, he was kind of choking and not really sure exactly what's going on. So, I'm just directing people upstairs. >> My girlfriend just went check to check up on her. >> Uhhuh. >> Cuz we didn't hear anything. And usually she wakes up at this time. She went up there and there was she wasn't breathing, nothing. >> Okay. Was she moving at all? No. >> While the man and his girlfriend continued to speak with the officer out front, paramedics continued to apply life-saving measures to the unresponsive child upstairs. And amidst the chaos, the child's mother arrived on the scene. >> Oh my gosh, I'm shaking so bad. >> We don't know exactly what's going on. That's awesome for coming here, but there was it was actually one of the uh paramedics that was getting information from you through her. So, >> yeah, we'll stay here. We're going to we're going to get my fianceé. >> Yep. I think that's a good idea. >> Do they know anything right now? Is she breathing? >> I don't know. Nope. I got here and I sent the the superheroes upstairs to do what they got to do and I just kind of stayed down here to >> keep this part going here. Okay. They're They're coming out right now. They're coming. Yep. So, let's stay here. >> Yep. They're going to come out and they're going to get her to the ambulance. We'll figure out a way to get you there cuz I don't want you driving to this state. I'm not sure if you ride the ambulance or maybe or maybe or maybe I can drive you. Maybe you can ride with me. Yeah, maybe I can drive you to get you to the hospital. That's probably the best idea. >> Do you want to come sit in my squad car where it's air conditioned and just see her? >> Okay. Yeah. I think that makes sense. >> Yep. I think that's good. I was just thinking if you were if you wanted to, I was offered that as an option. >> Yep. >> The officer was giving a master class in crisis management. Although there was only so much he could do, everything from his words to his tone of voice helped keep the mother as calm as possible. Still, nothing could prepare her for what she was about to see. Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. >> Oh my god. [Music] >> Go sit in my car. I got you. >> Oh my god. >> I got you. >> Go to sleep, princess. >> Oh my god. An officer transported the mother to the hospital where tragically just 30 minutes after arrival, her baby was pronounced deceased. At the same time, the babysitter and her boyfriend were brought to the police station for questioning. >> Hello. >> Yeah. >> She didn't make it. We're at the police department and I'm just really scared. I just feel horrible. >> I just don't know what to do. >> She didn't make it. >> Huh? >> She didn't make it. >> No. Kenna, >> did they say what happened? >> No. >> Now what? >> I don't know. I'm just in this room by myself and I don't like it. >> Oh, can >> I'm just really scared. >> Well, there was nothing you could do. Can I get to her house? >> Can you just stay on the phone with me until somebody comes in? >> All right. >> Following procedure, the officer separated the babysitter and her boyfriend for questioning. However, they learned that while they were out of the room, the babysitter had begun texting her boyfriend, instructing him on what to say. If you were watching her and like an accident happened or something like that, I don't want you to just completely I can see how you would want to distance yourself from >> She text me and told me what she said. >> Okay. Can I see that text? >> Yeah, she can. Can you? >> No, not at this point. >> Okay. >> I've been doing these cases for a while. >> Yes. the cases where people are communicating on like >> social media and text and all that. >> No, that's not what I was going to say. >> When people are trying to get their story straight. >> Mhm. >> That's when they have something to hide. I'm only I'm I'm not going to play games. >> I understand. >> And I'm only going to give you limited amount of time where it looks like you guys are trying to cover your butts. >> Okay. >> Or where you're actually just going to be open and honest with me. Just based on the context of the text message, it looks like she accused you of doing something. >> It was obvious that the babysitter had something to hide. It seemed as though she had tried to convince her boyfriend to lie to the police. Whatever she had to hide, the officers became more determined than ever to know what it was. >> What did she think you were lying about? be she wanted me to tell you that I had that I had Sylvie because she said in the text I said I told her that you had Sylvie for like 10 minutes while I p uh pumped from what you said and I told her I said I'm not lying. I'm not covering you. You had her. I'm not I didn't see her until I went up and got her out of the crib and called 911 right there. Oh >> here. >> Yes. So why is it that at 2:30 you felt the need to text her that there's no me there's no text >> there's no do not even start to pretend like you're >> I promise I swear >> okay before we even start going down this road if there was like a text message that's deleted or anything like that >> we'd be able to we'll be able to recover that so don't you worry >> okay >> but you're lying I can tell just based off of your reaction to that. >> The man continued to insist that he had nothing to do with the baby's death and that his girlfriend had messaged him in an attempt to manipulate the narrative. Next, the officers confronted the babysitter to hear her side of the story. >> Basically, the text thread um and there were two messages in there that it had said like wifey unscent or like my wife unent. >> Yeah, it was me asking him if he was okay. >> Okay. like you had sent a message and then he said like, "Oh, well, I told them that I wasn't with her. I didn't see her at all." And then you sent another message to him. What were those saying? >> Just that she was down there with him cuz I told him that what I was telling you. >> Okay. What made you unend that message? >> I was just scared. >> Okay. >> Text messages between the couple were later recovered through cellular forensic analysis. These messages revealed that the woman had been coaching her boyfriend on what to say during his police interview. >> He's claiming that when you went upstairs to like shower and pump that Sylvie must have already been upstairs in bed. >> No, cuz I had put her behind him. So, I don't Maybe he didn't notice. >> Okay. >> I don't know cuz whenever he's on his game, he's just zoned out. >> Okay. >> Which sometimes it scares me to even put the kids down there. 99.9% of the times we're able to like recover those kind of messages. So, it'll show me whether or not that's what you sent him. >> The officer made it crystal clear that if she was lying about something, sooner or later it would come to light. And although she stuck to her story about the events of the day, she mentioned something that raised suspicions. >> Yeah. Well, I will say though that I did swaddle her with a blanket, but there was nothing over her face. Nothing. I am not trying to say like that it would be a like positional or like this a swaddling kind of a thing. I more so get concerned like did somebody get overwhelmed with her and drop her or did somebody you know and that's but that's more so what I'm looking at. >> I don't I was just scared to say that because I didn't want >> Yeah. swaddling to be like >> um I with her age development um or with her age and her level of development, swaddling wouldn't be something that I'd be concerned about. >> Initial findings of the autopsy revealed abrasions on the inside of the baby's upper lip and frenulum. The medical examiner suspected that an object had been pressed against the baby's mouth and nose. The baby's cause of death was esphyxiation, ruling out any possibility of an accidental cause. In a later interview, she confessed that she had become overwhelmed and frustrated when the baby would not stop crying. So, she pressed a plush toy over the baby's face, which forced the pacifier against the upper lip. She admitted she may have used more force than intended and held the object in place until the baby closed her eyes. She believed the child had finally just fallen asleep. She ultimately admitted that her actions directly caused the baby's death. As a result, she was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. >> Um, so at this point, you're under arrest. Go ahead. I'm going to have you turn around. Okay. >> Can I just go tell my mom? >> Can I talk to her? >> We will let her know. I'd rather not have you any custom for your kid, even with him being a baby. >> Okay. Do you know how long I'll be there? >> You'll see a judge and then he'll have to decide as far as like releasing you. Okay. >> I'm just scared. >> I understand. You'll have to see a judge. >> It will not be today. >> No. >> No. Um I can't tell you exactly. I'm not sure when the next hearing will be >> that. I I just I don't think that that's the last thing you're going to want to be. >> During court hearings on the days that followed, prosecutors presented evidence that another child previously in her care had suffered a broken arm with inconsistent explanations provided for the injury. As a result, the judge denied her bail, citing the danger she posed to other children, including her own infant son. She remains in jail awaiting trial. On November 1st, 2022, a woman left her granddaughter in her car in the sweltering Florida heat. While the responding officer arrived on the scene after the baby's body had been removed from the vehicle. The grandmother was nowhere to be found, prompting the officer to search the surrounding area. >> Okay. >> Where are you? >> We plenty of on her. Tracy, where are you? >> Is that her name, sir? >> Tracy. >> Tracy, do you know where she could be? >> No, I have no idea she was here. Did she? >> We need to find her. Her name's Tracy. >> Is Tracy do this again? >> Before I >> What do you mean again? As for we was drowned less than a year ago. >> Okay, I understand. >> I cannot I cannot do this again. >> This is your grandchild. I'm so sorry. >> In the same family. >> I am so sorry, honey. >> Tracy, do you have any idea maybe how long it's been? >> It could have been up to two hours. I could have thought I had her. >> Okay. >> I did her out to lunch with some friends and when I got back, I don't know. we the one I had on my mind. But I didn't get her out of the car and I didn't think about it again until I was getting ready to get my other grandson and take him out to dinner and all of a sudden it was >> I understand >> it was hard not to feel for Tracy. It was hard to believe, but only a year earlier, another one of her grandchildren belonging to the same daughter had died while in her care after sneaking out of her home and in a nearby pond. >> I need to drive in my car. I need to go somewhere. I can't do this. >> It's hard to be here. I understand. I understand. >> Well, we also don't want to get in their way. So, I'm We're just going to stay right here for right now. Okay. I'll do this. Okay. >> Tracy, is anyone notified? >> I can't do this. >> Okay. >> I don't want to be here when she comes. I can't do this. >> Okay. >> I'm going to get in my car. I need to just go somewhere. >> Unless you're going to arrest me. >> I need to get a statement from you, though. Okay. >> Tracy wanted to get away from the scene as soon as possible. She simply couldn't face her daughter. Given that the officers needed to collect a statement, they wanted her to accompany them to the police station. But that was easier said than done. >> There's my car right there. The red one. I cannot do this. >> Please drive. Take my car. I don't want to come. >> I can't drive your car, Tracy. We're going to leave your car. Okay. >> I cannot want to come back here. >> Stay right here with me. >> I don't want to come back here. >> I get that. I get that. But I can always have your husband come get you. >> No, I don't want to come back here. >> Okay. I mean, I'm serious about getting in my car and going somewhere. >> I couldn't go. >> You can't go in your vehicle, would you? >> So, you can't go in the vehicle. >> Somebody else. >> I >> Please, let's not stand here. Let's go somewhere. I don't want to. Shane's pulling his car around right now. >> Tracy needed to understand that there was no way on earth the officers would let her drive off into the sunset. Finally, they convinced her to get into a police cruiser and accompany them to the station so she could provide them with a statement. >> I can't do this again. I can't watch my daughter go through this again. Especially doing that I was responsible. I just could not do it. Do you keep her child often? >> Last week I had her four days out of five, but typically I just have her once or twice a week. >> Was there anything different about today? except that I didn't expect to have her and I picked her up and and took her to eat with some friends and somehow when I got home I just didn't even think about the fact that I had her. She must have fallen asleep in the vehicle or something and I heard no noise and I didn't have anything specific on my mind. It's not like I was rushing to the house to do anything. I just forgot she was in the car. The officer needed to collect Tracy's statement, but due to her emotional state, getting a timeline of the events leading up to the accident was difficult. In fact, she was so down that she began hinting at self harm. >> I can't watch everybody be in such pain because of some action of my own. >> What's the alternative? >> You know what the alternative is? Either that or just drive until I just can't move any further. >> What's her name? >> Uriel. Uriel Jen. Called her Yuri. She was the most precious child as was her brother. What's your favorite thing about her? She's precious. Precious. I don't know. I can't. I can't believe it. Tracy was unable to give a full statement, which was completely understandable. Sensing that she needed some time, the officers left the room and allowed a close friend to come in and comfort her. >> Hey, baby. >> I'll come back and check on you later. >> Come here. Raise your head up a minute. I'm going to make it a little bit. I have to get it off. I cannot I cannot I cannot I can't do it. I can't do it. I can't do it. I can't I cannot I cannot I cannot do this. I cannot. >> Tracy was charged with aggravated manslaughter. And although the jury was not informed about the earlier incident in which another grandchild died while in her care, the judge didn't hold back during her sentencing hearing. Grandchild Uriel Shop's tragedy is not an isolated incident. This is the second. The court watched and heard her interview. I do not believe she's showing remorse. I believe she's showing sorrow. It is impossible for a defendant who refuses to accept responsibility for an offense to show remorse for that offense. Sympathy is not the same as remorse. Sorrow is not the same as remorse. What I look at in the Florida statutes, when I deal with sentencing under 921021 section subsection 1B, the criminal punishment code primary purpose is to punish an offender. Rehabilitation is subordinate to the goal of punishment. Subsection C, penalty imposed shall be commensurate with the severity of the primary offense and the circumstances surrounding the primary offense. The court does not find that the defendant's sentencing proposal is the best sentencing option. Rather, Tracy Nick should spend the next 60 months in Florida State Prison with credit for time served. Although a jury acquitted her of the more serious charge of aggravated manslaughter, she was found guilty of leaving a child unattended in a vehicle causing great bodily harm. As a result, she was sentenced to 5 years in prison. On December 9th, 2023, police officers in Liberty Township, Ohio, were dispatched to a residence following a disturbing call. According to reports, a young baby had been shot in the face by her grandmother. When officers arrived on the scene, they encountered the inconsolable father. >> Oh my god. It's okay. It's okay. >> She going to be okay. >> No. >> Sir, who is she? >> That's my mother. >> Okay. >> My mother information. Calm down. Calm down. >> We got to go. a grandmother intentionally her granddaughter in the face at point blank range in front of her father. It was a scenario that was hard to imagine. As the suspect had fled the scene, some officers were on the hunt while others turned their attention to the injured victim. >> Let them get the Let them do what they have to do. >> She's still moving. >> She's still moving. >> Stop. Stop. >> Hey, mom. >> Stop. No, she's not the mom. The mom's upstairs. >> Where's >> Have we told mom yet? >> She was holding her. I brought the baby downstairs. >> Jia, stop. Stop. >> They're coming up right now. Coming up right now. >> I'm moving. >> We got her. >> Let's go. Squad now. She's still moving. We got to go to Liberty Children. >> While officers attended to the child, others collected information on the suspect. If they were going to find her, they needed to know what kind of car she was driving and what direction she was headed. >> Okay. The >> ambulance is right here. Please just run to the ambulance, please. >> Hey, get the medic. >> Get the medic. >> Let them let them do what they have to do. >> She's still moving. >> She's still moving. >> Stop. Stop. >> Hey, mom. >> Stop. No, she's not the mom. The mom's upstairs. >> Where's mom? >> Have we told mom yet? >> She was holding her. I brought the baby downstairs. Squeeze. Squeeze. >> Stop. Stop. Stop. >> Coming up right now. Coming up right now. >> Are we in pursuit of a suspect? >> Show him a picture so they know who the to look for, please. >> Okay, we've got it. >> I don't know where she come. >> Mia Harris. >> What's her voice? >> Inside. The officers spoke to the father's grandmother who said that her daughter had been acting strangely leading up to the >> So So what happened? My daughter, >> okay, >> been acting crazy, >> okay? >> She told me she wanted me to get out. >> Okay, >> then she came upstairs and she start acting crazy in her bedroom. Then she busted into my grandson's bedroom and acted with >> I'm up here. >> I'm coming up. I got the the guns up here >> and I >> still came on >> and I a fool up here. >> Then I closed the door and tried to lock it. >> Okay. >> Baby would be okay. >> Mhm. >> And she came and she busted in the door. >> 217 231. >> She get a phone number. It might be justified for you. >> And then she >> I need you to stay out. >> I need you to stay out. >> She the baby on the bed. >> Okay. >> And she was trying to >> outside. The baby girl was being treated in an ambulance. And with family and friends scattered around and the suspect still on the loose, the scene continued to remain emotionally charged and highly chaotic. >> You need to go with Hey, are you bad? You're right here. >> Dad. Dad. >> What? >> Hold on. No, you're good. Close enough. >> Hey, this is Dad. Is he good to ride? >> No. No. I'm back here. Okay. >> Hey, we'll put you there. I promise you that. >> Hey, hey, hey. We'll get you, >> Hey. Hey, help me. You see Westchester? >> Hey, Dad. Dad. Dad. >> Hey. We're going to get you a rock. You're going to go to UC West. So, we're going to get the kiddos, right? >> They're going to get everything they can. >> Hey, they're going up to UC Westchester. You know what? >> Yes. >> All right. >> Hey, get in the car with your sister. I'll take it up here. Hey, >> Westchester. Yes. Let's go. Let's go. >> He has He's going to get a coat. >> They're rolling with They're rolling with the baby. You guys are good. Okay, >> I'll get this. I got it. While everyone prepared to head to the hospital, the officers prepared to clear the home, which was already an active crime scene. However, they quickly realized that people were stepping all over their crime scene. >> Well, let's keep everybody out of there. >> They're going to go to UC Westchester. >> Okay. Well, >> I know everybody's going. I'm We need to call. >> Who's in there right now? >> Nobody should be in there right now. >> There is somebody. >> Hello. Hi. >> Do you know what's going on? >> Call me. >> Who is it? >> My daughter. >> Okay. And what's her name? >> Okay. >> Do you know where any of her information is? >> Probably in her room upstairs. >> Okay. >> That's not her purse. That's >> Did you already get her oil in and everything? >> Hers? Yes. >> Mom. The mom of the child. >> Me? Yeah, >> you're a mom of child. >> Okay, we're going to make sure we can get you up to the hospital. Okay, >> the gun's right here. >> Okay, I got it. >> I'm a nervous. I'm sorry. >> You're fine. >> Right here by my >> I got you. You don't don't touch it. >> I touched it once. >> Okay. >> The girl that did the what grandma said. She was in her room, got into an argument, went downstairs, came back up, goes in a room with the baby. She gets into an argument with whomever. She comes out here, starts getting an argument with boyfriend. >> Okay. >> He tries to hold her down. She pulls a trigger. She around off in here, bust open the door, goes in there, tries to grandma, baby face, >> we have the gun. >> We have the gun. So, not only did the suspect shoot the baby, but she also attempted to shoot other members of her family as well. Next, the officers received word that the suspect's vehicle had been spotted nearby. And as a result, they quickly took action. >> Step out of the vehicle. STEP OUT >> on your face now. >> I got lethal. >> I got hands. I got hands. >> I got you. female. >> Bring your knees to your chest. >> Stand up. >> Up, up, up. >> The car with the open thing. >> Yeah. >> Passenger side for me. >> Yeah. >> This one? >> Yeah. This one right here. >> Do you have any weapons, anything like that on you? >> No, they're in the house. >> Okay. Grab a seat. >> Okay. All right, slide in and wash the door for me. >> You can move your hands now. >> The suspect was charged with felonious assault. She was found guilty in a court of law and sentenced to 9 to 12 years in prison. Miraculously, the baby girl survived after spending 65 days in the hospital. Unfortunately, her mother says she will experience seizures for the rest of her life. On July 31st, 2022 in Strongsville, Ohio, a mother received earthshattering news that her son had been killed in a car crash in the early hours of the morning. >> Um, so there was there was an incident that you believe. >> Um, so there was there was an incident uh that we believe Dominic may be involved. What >> is is when was the last time you saw him? >> Last night. >> Last night. >> Yeah. Everybody was home. Why? >> Okay. >> What happened? >> Can you can you you want to come out here or do you want us to come inside? It's up to you. >> No, but let me just let me put out my cigarette. Hold on. >> Do you know who he was hanging out with last night? >> He's always with that little girlfriend because that's it. >> His girlfriend. Okay. >> And I think I seen one other kid over there, but I can't remember his name. He fixed his car for um one of his friends fixed his car. I've only seen him a couple times over to fix. Um he's got like a classic car that the kid was fixing on. >> Okay. White kid, black kid, you know. >> Yeah, like a mix kind of. I don't think he's I mean >> Okay. >> The woman Christine continued to make small talk with the officers, unaware that her life was about to change forever. At that point, she had no idea that her son was killed in a horrific accident just hours earlier. But when she saw the priest, she must have sensed something was a miss. Well, just so you know, obviously, Officer Laranda, this is Father Joe. Okay, Joe, where are you? >> St. Joe's in Strongville. >> Oh, nice. Okay. All right. >> I'm also the chief of the police and fire department. >> Oh, okay. Okay. >> Um, so unfortunately, um, there was an accident, okay, involving McKenzie, Dave, and who we believe is Dominic is the third person. An accident. A >> car accident. >> Okay. >> Last night. Last night. >> Wait, wait, wait. Just Just relax. Just hold on. Hold on. Just put stay seated. Just stay. Just hold on. Hold on. Hold on. Just listen. Listen, listen. Take a deep breath. >> Christine. Christine, look at me. Take a deep breath. >> Yeah. Just take a breath. >> Take a deep breath. Okay. Right now, all we know is that the driver who is McKenzie is at Metro, right? >> Okay. Yeah. Just >> Just stay seated. Please take your time. >> Please just relax. Take a deep breath. Take a deep breath. >> That's okay. You're good. Take your time. >> Take a deep breath. Okay. >> Is anybody else home here with you right now? >> Christopher, but he's sleeping and the floor. Wait, wait. Where's Mackenzie's up? >> Okay. They're Listen, they're they're they're down at Metro right now. >> Okay. It said a lot about her character that her first concerns were for McKenzie's mother. This is by far one of the toughest parts of being a police officer. And even though it's extremely uncomfortable, somebody has to do it. >> The other two passengers, like I said, were was DaVon and well, who we believe is Dominic. Okay. From what Mackenzie told us. >> Okay. >> Okay. Both DaVon and Dominic are deceased. >> Oh god. and sit down. >> Sit down. >> Oh my god. >> Christ's going to come outside. >> Christine. Christine. >> Yes. Just take a deep breath. It's okay. >> Oh my god. >> No. No. I THINK WHAT DID SHE DO? >> What did SHE DO? >> OH MY GOD. OH MY GOD. >> IS THERE SOMEBODY ELSE WE CAN CALL for you? >> Oh my god. >> Is there somebody we can call for you? >> Okay. Wait. Okay. >> Hold on. Wait. Wait. Hold on. >> Oh my god. >> Why don't you have a seat here? Sit. Sit out. >> Just sit there. That's fine. >> Oh my god. Why would this happen? Where were they going? >> At that point, the officers had no other information for Christine as the investigation had not yet been conducted. Hearing the news, Christine rushed into the house with the officers following concerned for her safety. They knew that Dominic's brother Christopher was in the house and would be alerted by the commotion. >> Watch out. >> Which one's Christopher's room? Christine >> could contact. There's no way you >> Hey, Christopher. >> I can't save him. You sure they can't? >> Christopher. >> Hey, come here for a second, bud. Come here. Come here. >> You sure? >> Listen. Take a seat for me, please. So they can't say >> listen how this happened. HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN? >> Officer time is going to talk to you. Okay. >> Christine's hysterical response to the horrible news was very common in these types of situations. And although police officers are trained to comfort victims, they can only do so much. And no words are ever enough to ease the suffering loved ones have to go through. >> Can't be true. It can't be true. It can't be true. I CAN'T BE TRUE. >> MOM, I'M SORRY. OKAY. >> It's It's not a camping scar. I'M GOING TO BE CIGAR. Tell me. Ow. [Music] Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. What a year. Oh my god. I almost my cat and my best friend. This is not right. This can't be happening. Please don't tell me this is true. Oh my god. Could you just say they committed a crime and they're in jail? They be in jail. >> Oh my god. >> From Okay. >> Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. >> Why don't you have a Christine? Just take this. Just just sit down for me, please. Can we get a glass of water or something? >> Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. This is happening. Like that can't be happening. >> Christine was inconsolable, unable to sit down for less than a few seconds at a time. Understandably, the family wanted answers. However, the officers only knew so much. At that point, it simply looked as though Dominic had been involved in a terrible vehicle accident. >> No. How could they have gotten such a man in a car car accident? >> What happened? >> The So, the only thing we know right now is that we believe he was a passenger in a vehicle. Okay. Um they went off the road uh on Alamita and Progress right there, the business industrial park, and they struck a building. Right now it's in the preliminary, you know, beginning stages of the accident investigation. We don't we don't know exactly what happened here. >> For sure. It's for sure. They couldn't save him, right? They couldn't save him. They couldn't save him. How the she driving like that? >> Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. There's no way. >> There's one other passenger. >> There was three people. It was female driver and two male passengers which again one was Dominic and one was who we believe is why could they save them? Why could they save him? Why could they save him? >> It's essential to recognize that individuals respond to traumatic situations in unique ways. While Christine was in hysterics breaking down on the floor, Christopher began casually making a drink. This kind of disassociation process is also common in high stress situations. [Music] >> You're sure. You guys are sure, right? You guys are sure. >> Yeah. >> Unfortunately, yes. As best we know, that is true. >> And we're sorry to have to share that news with you. >> Yeah. I'm sorry you guys had had to do that. Um not not easy, huh? Really tough. >> We just want to make sure that you guys >> have everything that you need. from here. Trust me, it's not something we want to do. >> All right. >> All right. Okay. >> You guys are good at your job. >> So, whatever whatever whatever you guys need. Is there anybody that Chris, is there anybody that you know that we can call? >> A jury learned that Dominique's girlfriend, McKenzie, have been driving full throttle with no breaking moments before the impact. McKenzie had reportedly made prior threats to crash her car during a dispute with Dominic and had made aggressive statements beforehand. Although a toxiology report concluded that McKenzie's THC levels were above state limits, prosecutors did not pursue DUI charges. On August 14th, 2023, McKenzie Sharila was found guilty on 12 counts, including four counts of murder, four counts of felonious assault, two of aggravated vehicular homicide, one of drug possession, and one of possessing criminal tools. She received two concurrent life sentences with eligibility for parole after 15 years. Her driver's license was suspended permanently. In the end, nothing can prepare a parent for the tragic news, and nothing can prepare an officer for the moment they have to break it to them. No parent should ever have to bury their child, but it's a sad reality that no one can ever control.