the worst part is that his daddy wanted him and has been in a nasty custody fight with the mom for him because he didnt trust the boyfriend and sadly he was correct about all of it. On the news here in New Orleans, the paternal grandma actually said that the only reason she thinks they reported him missing was that her son had been calling asking to speak to the little boy and the mom kept making up excuses as to why he couldnt and it was getting close to the dad's turn to have him and that the mother knew he wasnt just going to let it go and allow her to make up excuses as to why he couldnt come pick him up, he was going to want answers. The father and his family were all out there at the command center for the searches, but they wouldnt allow any of them to help out for fear of one of them being one of the ones to find him. There were search and rescue and dive teams from all over south Louisiana that rushed there to help look for him because the entire city is built on the bayou, when we refer to Houma, everyone just says "down the bayou because that is how it is, there is a big bayou that run through the center of several small towns down around that area of the state.
I’m so sorry for what’s happend to you. In Sweden every thing that can be called abuse, physical or physcological, doesn’t matter, it’s against the law. The wellbeing of the child is the most important!
That is horrible, I got raped at 19 and pregnant from it. I will never tell my baby’s dad about her because I don’t want something like this to happen. Love to you
@@PeachReverieI called for help because I physically couldn’t take being so sleep deprived and overwhelmed and no help, I called CPS, they said “ ya no we can’t support you or do anything. But you’re doing a good job”
I’m from about 20 minutes away from where this happened. Child abuse is just considered normal parenting here. “Discipline”. It took me growing up and moving away to realize that getting the shit beat out of you by an adult constantly isn’t “discipline”. Most people I know had the same experience, so no one recognized it as abnormal.
Kids who don't get whooped on here in Detroit really do seem to act worse and have parents that "don't care" and so the cycle continues never noticed till I moved either
@@avgastas1515 bro, nobody is talking about getting “whooped on” we’re talking about grown adults beating the Shit out of their kids because they get off on it. This dead kid in the garbage can’s parents surely justified what they did as “whooping” and they ended up beating their kid to death.
@@anastasiachaliman4234 Right?! So sad some people still haven't learned about child development and think abuse is okay💔 Not even child development either just treating children with respect and loving them like they deserve.
I feel the same way Stephanie, and when the guy said that Ezekiel's life purpose (or purpose in death I guess) was to bring the community together I cringed. No, his purpose was to live his life and that life has been stolen from him. It's effed up. :(
I had to stop the video at that part. I wanted to comment right away but everything I have are tears of pure and honest hate. I don't regret it, his words are such as violent as I feel right now. 2022, no tolerance for this kind of lunatics. Not sorry. Justice for Ezekiel and for every innocent who were purposely bring into this ugly and every day more cruel world only to suffer
@@micheleengel3428 wait a minute. Did you just say POLITICIAN? I thought he was the 'pastor' from that specific place; a really bad one. Who else in the world could say something like that? Please tell me not the one in real charge. Everything is so incredible wrong EVERYWHERE you see. So hurtful
It can't be said enough... if you see/hear something, SAY something. I am a survivor of child abuse. My (now former) stepfather beat me severely for years (and my mother did nothing to stop it, but that's a whole other issue). He nearly killed me on more than one occasion. Finally, one day a kind neighbor had enough and got the law involved. They saved me when my own mother would not. I owe that neighbor my life. SAY SOMETHING. Thank you Stephanie, for driving this point home. ❤️
Thanks y'all. I've never once thought if myself as a victim, only a survivor. I'm 48 now. I've spent my life as a paramedic and firefighter, saving people and helping who I could. Now that my body won't let me do that anymore, I have gone back to school and am working on a masters degree. He never had any legal repercussions for what he did. But karma came for him. He's an old man now... sad, miserable, and alone. He'll die that way. I win. But if that neighbor had not called child protective services that day, the abuse would have continued escalating. God knows my mother never stopped him. Eventually, he'd have killed me. This poor baby never had a chance. Again, SAY something!
@@mistygolden6278 so happy you took the path you did. You beat the odds!!! Thank goodness for that neighbor. What a guardian angel. You are so strong & live a life that he couldn't steal from you. Congratulations.
As a person who works in law enforcement as a victim advocate, I understand you. I read cases on a daily basis and it’s becoming harder and harder to do this job. We’ve already had several child homicides this year and sometimes the details behind them are beyond horrific. While every murder is tragic, when it involves a child, the pain and heartache is next level! Thank you for all you do Stephanie and take care of you ♥️
I got new neighbours when I was 14. Within days of them moving in I heard the little boy screaming & his mum threatening him. All our neighbours could hear, they were all gathered outside. I couldn’t watch them do nothing, so I ran round to next door & beat on it until she answered it. I will never forget her face when she realised the whole street were watching her. The police were called, and social services. He went to live with his gran. To this day I can’t understand how all those adults stood there & did nothing. If you’re too scared to intervene then fine, but make that phone call!
@@ca1989 thank you. In all honesty I never thought of it like that. I just knew I couldn’t stand to let anything happen to him. His mother blamed me for losing him for a long time. Probably still does. She lost her job as a care worker for the elderly as a result of it all. She seems to think she’s the victim.
Thank you for doing that. My mum grew up in a chaotic household and everyone turned a blind eye. When she was 14 (weird that its the same age you were) my granny took an overdose and mum found her and she was cold. The ambulance came and granny survived but mum was watching them take her in the ambulance not knowing if her mother was alive or dead and she saw the neighbours (adult neighbours) looking at the drama and not one of them called over to see if mum was okay. I... The cruelty of it. It was the 70s so these things weren't talked about but the lack of compassion stuns me.
@Leanne B to your 14 year old self. You are amazing. Your bravery may have saved a life. Many adults, would not have the courage to do what you did. I hope to God that I would be able to do this in your situation. When I am in public and ever see a situation I always stop and ask if I can help in anyway. This is always declined but it usually stops the person in their tracks . I always maintain a lookout throughout so they know someone is watching.From West Australia 🇦🇺 kudos to you x
@@monkeybeak2056 I think you are confused, they were praising Stephanie for saying that we should talk about abuse & horrible acts using those words, to get across the severity. They were not complaining about Stephanie's words, or actions. They were completely agreeing with her view.
I lived in an apartment and I heard the couple under me arguing at 2am woke me up from a dead sleep. I was listening close and heard the man tell the woman “i’m gonna fkn kill you” called the cops and he went to jail. A few days later she gave me a gift card and told me thank you for probably saving me, I cried like a baby. Thank you for bringing these things up, yelling and arguing loudly is NOT NORMAL.
@@sciencenotstigma9534 I think in some cases sure volume isn’t threatening and can be normal to some but in the situation I explained above I could tell the volume and the tone of voice of this man was not normal. I had actually called the non-emergency police line when I first heard the arguing just because his tone of voice was horrifying, something I can’t even explain. Once I heard him threatening her life I dialled 911 and there was 7-8 police vehicles on site within minutes. That being said I can agree volume can be normal but tone of voice and body language in the individual can make a huge difference in what they are saying and how they are saying it.
Louisiana native here… first and foremost I pray Ezekiel is resting in paradise. I can confirm that child abuse, poor mental health services for impoverished adults, child predators and crooked politicians that are solely in it for the money are an epidemic that’s devastating our state more than any hurricane could.
Ezekiel looked just like his daddy😭 I wish they would have listened to his concerns. This story is devastating, Kids are being failed OVER and OVER again. People that don't deserve children get away with too much. I promise to do my best to stay aware and say something if I notice something. We have to try, to do everything we can, because the systems are failing. This has to stop. I'm gonna go hug my boyfriend and his small boys after the end of this video, while trying not to break down crying. I never wanted kids of my own, but I feel like a protector of every child I come across. Being a parent IS so hard. So hard I know that I'm not fit for it, but to hurt a child either mentally, emotionally or physically is incomprehensible to me. I just want to be a good support system for the single parents in my life, a good partner to someone raising kids, and a good example for my future step children. Ezekiel was failed so badly, and sadly there are so many stories like this..when will the systems put in place to protect them do better?!?! How many children have to die at the hands of the people that are supposed to love and care for them?! 😠 Rest in peace sweet baby boy Ezekiel, you deserved so, so much better.
The story of the little girl who was forced to drink a bottle of whiskey makes me want to cry. I’ve never even heard of a blood alcohol level that high 😢
@@Alisha_79I am lying down with my eyes closed, and when I heard that precious baby's BAC, my eyes shot wide open! I cannot even imagine what that poor, innocent baby was going through! 😢😢
I completely agree I don't even think it's a case of protecting the privacy I think it's more about covering their asses because they know some of the blame lies with them
I will not lie. I have been looked into by Social Work (the UK equivalent) surrounding the care of only one of my children. This was due to allegations from an abusive ex in her younger years, and then in her early teens, I engaged with them and the police for support as she had disclosed to me there had been SA outwith my home. I have only had one bad experience and upon making a formal complaint that person was taken from our case and we were assigned a new (and lovely) SW because it was ruled that I was right to have made the complaint. I can not thank them enough for always, despite being so stretched, stepping up, checking in and making sure things were ok because it gave me hope for the children who are maybe not so fortunate to have a loving and thriving home situation. I had nothing to hide and SW have continually been supportive of me regardless if they were involved because of an allegation that later proved to be false or when I reached out to them for help when I felt so helpless to support my child when something so traumatic had happened to her. It is scary to have them involved but if you are confident in your parenting and have nothing to hide they can actually be so so helpful. Me and my eldest would not be where we are today without that support - they linked us up with organisations, counselling and general advice that was invaluable to our journey post trauma. I never stutter when I give them my thanks. It's horrific that the system lets others down. heartbreaking xx
that bothered me too for a number of reasons. For one thing it reduces this little boy's life to supposedly strengthening community connections, which honestly is sort of bs from the start. I also don't think anyone should be purporting to know why God does anything, nor would I think a tragedy like this came from God even if I were religious...
@@rhondaallan4680 Where, please tell when the innocent children are murdered? Suffer the children to come unto me, such is the kingdom of heaven? Perhaps, check out the likes of Bart Ehrman, those that have studied the history- Most pastors and the like parrot what they have been taught. What kind of God condones the killing of children, rape and murder then are a loving forgiving father?
I also want to add..it’s a mockery how people come together after a child is killed .. where were they when he was alive? And Stephanie.. out of all the podcasts you are the most brilliant. You are so interactive with the story, so determined to make a point and to intelligently get points across.
I feel this way about the family of abused children. They need to say something if they’re a Aunt, Uncle, neighbor. Say something for the child so they can have a happy life.
They were respecting the privacy of the child... The now DECEASED child. Sometimes it pays to be the nosy neighbor/family member. Wouldn't you rather be commiting a faux pas being nosy vs potentially saving a life? I would always call the cops on my neighbors during their screaming matches but it happened so often I only called when I heard that the husband/bf took her phone and could hear her screaming to give it back... She had 4 young girls in the house too. I wasn't calling to get the father or mother in trouble, I was concerned for those girls. They were always outside playing by my windows. Didn't have anything against the mother except that the father kept turning up and making trouble, but I can't assume that it was her choice. To her credit, the father eventually did stop coming around all together.
@@PutinsMommyNeverHuggedHim it's true. Kids can be raised in cults and cut off from society, abused, neglected, you name it and it's all considered acceptable
Several months ago I heard what sounded like fighting, kids crying/screaming, pounding, a man yelling for quite some time. I called the cops. I did not stay anonymous and I never heard a peep. Called the next day to find out the cops royally messed up. Basically they went into the parking lot, saw some trash and decided it was just some kids making noise that I heard. I blew my lid. It was not people outside, it was the family in the condo next to me (which of course I told them). I contacted the police commissioner right away, he was livid about how they handled the call. Needless to say, I got about 5 squads to roll up on 10 mins after that call to investigate. In situations like this, make sure they do their freaking jobs. Raise hell if you have to. Go above the cops heads. So many times these things could be prevented, do whatever you can.
Yes! Thank you. More people need to do this. I've decided to call dcf on a friend of mine before because of her treatment of her boy and the state of the house. I felt no shame in tat. Sometimes you need to just be the adult and do what you need to do.
@@MaxxHarleenMurrder absolutely. I don’t play when it comes to DV or abuse of a child. I won’t stop, I won’t turn the other way and “mind my own business”. Us humans have to have each other’s backs and show love.
I called once because it sounded like someone was being murdered ( could hear them from a different building across the lot) - they didn’t show for TWO HOURS and all they did was drive around the parking lot. I watched. It was very disheartening. I even had told them which building it came from and which floor.
I decided long ago to compliment parents whenever & wherever their littles were well behaved. As parents, we need to support each other. But now I'm amending this to also let those who are struggling know that "I'm here" just as Miss Stephanie describes she did with her troubled neighbor. Because as human beings, we need to support each other. Love & Peace Be, Everyone 💟
I'm a single guy and older, never married, no kids, would not normally get mixed up in anyone's business when it comes to child care (I know literally nothing about having kids) but I appreciate what you said Stephanie, about not reporting anonymously and to knock on the door and check in, and what to potentially say if this situation ever comes up.
Thank you! No one is born to draw attention to the fact that people don’t survive early childhood. Sorry, that wasn’t G_d’s plan. He just gave us free will…for whatever reason.
This bystander syndrome we have is very disturbing. What have we done? We have given up all common sense and personal agency over to systems who use the cover your ass strategy while a kid has to stay in the house and be subjected to abuse? When will we take our power back and actually protect the vulnerable? I’m so sick of it
I was heavily abused as a child and I did say something to the people who said they would help but all they did was call my family and ask them if they were and of course they said no and it just made it worse. I learned from then on to just not say anything because no one would do anything anyway. Cases like this hurt so much because that could have been me but I got "lucky" because I survived. This is horrible and the system needs to be fixed.
I'm so very sorry that you went through that alone and no one helped you 😞 I know me personally would do whatever I had to do to stop a child from being abused and I wish everyone was as willing.... children can't stand up and fight for themselves, they need US to be there and fight for them !
God, the phenomenon of placing children in trash cans like literal garbage because you made a mistake that took their life is unimaginable. I also can barely believe they left Ezekiel in a neighbors residential trash can… imagine the trauma of discovering a dead child in your own can when taking out your trash
Campaign finance reform would positively affect our leadership in many ways. If we could stop allowing leaders to be bribed, we would have better leaders that want the best for their citizens instead of themselves. It’s both parties. I 100% support your rant💙💛
Stephanie, I saw a video posted recently by Dustin Dailey speaking out about the flaws in the growing crime industry, and it really made me rethink who I’m following in the crime world. Thank you for always putting the victims first, being so genuinely compassionate when you speak of the cases. You’re a very respectful person. It is so very appreciated by us, your followers. ♥️
I appreciate your boldness !!! Your boldness , backed with facts and research is so rare. Most people chose to look the other way , and very few people use their platform ( such as social media platforms ) for good. I too am sick of the watered down society that has to make sure every statement is politically correct in order not to offend 🤦🏽♀️ I’m in California and CPS is a joke. I can’t tell you how many cases I know of that CPS has blown it 😢 Keep speaking truth Stephanie , your doing the right thing 💜
Boldness is as great descriptor! I like Stephanie's passion mixed with facts & not-so-common sense too. I am glad to see someone who has similar views to me, as well as other in the comment section. As you say she is using her platform for good, to share information & encourage positive morals. Too many peoples focus atm is on stupid things, like not being PC, but not focusing on the actual horrific things happening right now.
As someone who grew up in a household like little Ezekiel…please always call the police. You have no idea how much the kids appreciate the deescalation…even if only for a little while.
God whenever the police were called at my house there was never escalation. My dad would refuse to let the police on the property and would be screaming drunk at the police. They always just left.
Stephanie, I love your channel. I saw you earlier this year in Don’t F**k with Cats. I only recently started watching your channel, as a fellow true crime follower. You are one of my favorite true crime junkies. You don’t just talk about these cases nonchalantly, but are truly empathetic, and as respectful as you can be, and educated on them. You’re also just a smart individual in general! I’m amazed by you! Love how you rant and tell it how it is! Not sugar coating things as you say! The world needs to hear it! It’s exactly how I feel all the time!!
Abuse often repeats generation after generation because those who grow up in it often accept is as normal. Especially if corporal punishments is supported by their church. I am so proud of you to speak to your neighbours like that.
It breaks me too, Stephanie. I just tell myself that if these babies had to endure the neglect and abuse, the very least I can do is listen, acknowledge their suffering and be a voice for them when they have been silenced 😔
As much as I hate to say it, maybe abortion is better than this. Why? Because the woman who doesn’t want to get pregnant will resent the child when it’s born. I’m thinking of Terrell Peterson & Adrian Jones, Gabriel Hernandez & Takoda Collins. Star Hobson & Baby P, & the thousand others whose lives are filled with suffering.
Can you imagine what will happen if the US Supreme Court goes after contraception next?? There already are state legislators around the country trying to ban contraceptives. The number of unwanted children will sky-rocket.
Hi Stephanie, I’m from south Louisiana and I can absolutely say the government has absolutely not helped with hurricane recovery. If you drive around in the city or Lake Charles, I where they were hit the worst from the hurricane, houses are still ripped apart, tarps on roofs, trees fallen over, and the citizens devastated, no resources available whatsoever. Katrina is a whole other beast, what the government here did to the people of New Orleans is absolutely gut wrenching and disgusting. While I am proud to be from this state, I love our culture and charm, I must say there is a huge problem with poverty and education while ultimately leads to child neglect and abuse.
💯 agree with this comment. I am from your area, most of my fam is still there (I’m in central LA now), and I think the vast majority of our state wonders where our state’s monies are ending up…
It's so difficult to like up on your comment Tay Lor, not because you're wrong...southern Louisiana got torn up during Katrina and has never been the same. You all deserve so much better in every respect. I am sorry this persists. Things like this is why I rage against the 1%, because how can a human have way way way more than enough money on this planet and live with themselves? Is it a remnant of tribalism that makes us just protect our own little family tribe, hoarding cash for a cushy life rather than looking at the human race as a tribe, the planet biome as our home, and reinforce all we can so every person can be okay, or is that just pie in the sky I can tell this chick was born in the 60's goofy talk?
100% correct. Instead of taking care of their populations, they choose to spend millions on covering the Saints stadium in gold. People be homeless, or living with black mold in houses with busted roofs covered in tarps and no one’s helping. It’s sad.
It's shameful what the US will have their citizens endure when they could put some of the wealth of this nation into it's citizens actual well-being. There's no excuse for the area to still be devastated given how much time has passed. Not even going to get into how it was handled when that first happened as that's a whole other huge issue.
Love what you said about the normalizing of fighting. My spouse and I don’t fight or raise our voices. There is a subset of people I’ve met who think I’m lying when I’ve told them that. That very much makes me concerned. Disagreements can be expressed calmly and at a speaking voice volume. If it can’t, take a break and collect yourself and try again the next day.
I won't claim I've never yelled. But my husband of 18 years and I try to keep disagreements controlled and usually in private, because kids don't need to worry about adult problems, in my view. 💜
Fighting, like loud, angry arguments, aren't normal. They're definitely not good for kids to hear cuz it can be really scary for them even if you know everything will be fine, they don't. I wouldn't raise my voice, except I have since moving in with my bf and he just gets so angry and raises his voice so the only way to be heard is to raise mine back. But if I raise my voice its usually a last resort and I end up crying right after cuz I really really hate conflict. I've been trying to get my bf to at least understand that if he's gonna get angry, it shouldn't be in front of the babies, because we don't want to teach them that it's normal to respond to feelings of frustration with anger and yelling (and when he gets frustrated at things he bangs stuff around or throws it). Like we can teach healthy ways of coping with frustration, anger in those ways, the way he gets angry, is not healthy or normal. Our children deserve to learn ways to cope with frustration that doesn't lead to anger and violence and yelling. They deserve to have better ways of coping that is healthier for them and the people around them
This happened in my hometown. Thank you for covering this story. Houma has been rattled by this tragedy and our community will seek justice for Ezekial 😢
We just had a local case of a 13 year old severely autistic girl being impregnated by her stepfather who was abusing her since she was 10 years old. I share in your anger and frustration. Your whole rant on the politians, I understand completely. Thanks for speaking the truth. For all these victims.
@@HadenBlake Honestly, the moment I saw the mother's behavior on tv I thought she had to know. She might be a victim of abuse but still, she knew. In my opinion. Sadly by the time a teacher noticed, the girl's pretty far along. More than likely, that's exactly what's going to happen. I feel so heartbroken for her and this baby.
Oh god. That's the nightmare. 13 and pregnant as a result of repeated rape?? That poor girl. I hope she's supported through her trauma. I hope she has good people around her now.
I’m studying to be a social worker, in Australia though, and I’ve learned that some of the key factors in family violence and child abuse are poverty, lower education rates and generational trauma. It doesn’t surprise me that a state with a high poverty rate also has a high rate of children dying from child abuse. These things don’t happen by coincidence.
One thing that I love about Stephanie , she is very sincere about the babies of the world being harmed . Thankyou Stephanie for giving the innocent a voice ❤️
I grew up as a victim of child abuse, and I appreciate so much to see how passionate you get with these case. They're awful to have to face, but we HAVE to face them, because how else will things change. It's so important to get these cases out into the public eye, to encourage people to reach out if they believe a child, a vulnerable person, or anyone, is in danger.
I was abused by both of my parents as a child and till now I think that everyone knew and jet nobody came to help me, nobody called the police or spoke to me. Now I'm all grown up and I refuse to be silent when I see abuse even though it makes me terrified. Thank you Stpehanie and all of you good people who refuse to look the other way
I also lived in an apartment. I could hear kids crying below me and the dad screaming. I went down and had a chat with the guy, single dad. I told him I knew he was struggling and I was there if he needed anything. Things got better for this man and his kids.
Thank you for being so understanding, and checking in with that father. I'm dating a man with 2 small children, and coming into it having never wanted my own, I can see just how hard it is to be a single parent, the lack of support they sometimes live with. Hell, even with 2 parents in the household, it's hard! You're a good neighbor and person, and i'm glad to know that things got better for that man. It inspires me to be a better arm of support for some of the single parents I know ..I'm gonna go hug my boyfriend and his children now while trying not to cry 😭
I sighed when I saw the topic and clicked. My son is 1. 16 months. These cases are increasingly hard for me, and the newer ones do have a dark affect. You described his outfit. My son has the exact same shirt, white w blue stripes and an orange long neck dino. I will give a like but I may not stick around, as with a couple of the other infant cases you have covered. Much love and thank you for bringing attention to this case, I read the headlines when it hit news and it made me sick. Terrible thing.
This is exactly how I feel. I have a two boys. My youngest just turned 3 this past June and my oldest turned 9 in June. I have tried so many times and I just can't will myself to listen to any videos from any channel when they are covering a case that involve the mistreatment or murder of a small child(ren). All I see when trying to listen are my children in that situation and it tears me apart and makes me feel dread and a deep sadness that is very hard to shake. I think about the mental capabilities of my children, especially when it comes to cases about smaller children likel this one, and I compare them to what my own 3 year old can comprehend so I start to think about how confused that baby would have been. What must have been going through that poor babies mind. I think about the immense love and trust my toddler has for me as his mother and it breaks my heart endlessly to think about a baby feeling that for their mother who hurts them. I hate it. I hate the world we live in sometimes. I cannot deal with anything to do with children being harmed unless there is something I can step in and do.
@@tarawelborn9433 i agree. The mental toll is harsh. I found it much easier to listen to these cases before I had my bub. Which is an eye opener in itself, bc we easily dissociate with things that seem far to us. What Steph said about cuddling my baby at night is so true. Its hard to sit in that joy without thinking of babies like mine who are mistreated in such horrid ways. I see you Mama!
@@tarawelborn9433 and yes absolutely I cannot comprehend harming a child much less ones so young. With no comprehension of anything but their need for love. It's very heartbreaking and hard to wrap the mind around, especially when I look at my son with such feeling.
Love your content and appreciate you covering hard stories. ❤️ I just wanted to mention that Hillary Clinton gave proper credit in her book for this quote “For the first time, I understood the words of the writer Elizabeth Stone: "Making the decision to have a child -- it's wondrous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body."”
The way outsiders from the family act is accurate to most cases. I was severely neglected and ignored growing up. People did notice. People did nothing. As an adult my heart aches so much for my younger self. I had no idea how alone I was or how much I was being screwed over by everyone bc I was just a kid. I am fully disgusted with my family for how they treated me as a child. I have no family, no friends, no support system. And it’s because of how they “raised” me. They raised me to be alone and to only need myself. If you’re like this too please understand you cannot bear it all alone. Try making friends even if it never works out. You need those breaks. The streaks of alone time are worth it if you keep trying to make friends. One day you’ll be able to lean on someone. I promise. Sorry this was a weird comment lol
Yeah. I grew up calling 911 from age 11. My neighbors KNEW. Saw the police, heard the yelling. I told ppl too. Nothing happened. Lol. I just had to live with someone who threatened my life, would chase me around the house, stab knives in to the counters and threaten to kill us all. Bite me, scratch me, hit me. Pull my hair. Scream the most awful things.
Because I was alone, neglected, I then was easy to take advantage of by older men. They'd tell me the things I wanted to hear or was missing at home. I was too young and naive to see these types of people were dangerous.
Also, re senators/elected officials: I wanted to run for our local school board, then realized it's nearly impossible to get to the place where they have the paperwork, then you have to pay to file it, and schedule a meeting, cite your campaign finance resources, etc. Clearly "public service" is for people who have time and money already--enough that they can do all that. So we end up with the same elites in charge of everything and none of us "regular" folk can get a toe in.
What state are you in? I'm on my local City Council. Here in Washington, we do all our filing online. Yes, it costs money to file & run a campaign, and we have to account for every donation and expense and regularly file our financial info with the Public Disclosure Commission. It's to keep us accountable. People can donate a limited amount during a campaign for campaign-related expenses, but once you're in office, they money stops. I'm not even allowed to let a constituent buy me a cup of coffee (and that's the way it should be). We do get paid a small stipend, but there are people out there who genuinely think we should work for free. THAT'S def the kind of attitude that results in only elites and retirees serving in public office, because it's incredibly time-consuming. Why elected officials at the national level are allowed to accept hundreds of thousands of dollars from anonymous PACs is beyond me. Money is not speech, corporations are not people, and Citizens United was a terrible, dangerous ruling by SCOTUS.
I think the 1st problem is mothers are assumed to be..... Well ummmm. Loving mothers, 🤔 So when a dad tries to get custody its not taken seriously and is more important 4 the kid to be with the crazy "mother" than being safe. Its like they REFUSE to look at the #'s and see NOT ALL WOMEN/MOTHERS ARE LOVING!!!! 🤦🤦
The last few cases I’ve skimmed with child deaths…the dad or some other relative has been actively in the process of trying to gain custody. Makes me sick to my stomach 🤬meanwhile my child’s school friend has CPS called on them for sending their child to school with body odor and poor hygiene 🙄upon investigation it was found the child had extremely sensitive skin and was allergic to most body odor products.
@@anhserc3534 Jesus fuck me really? I mean every kid above 12 smells like body odor at some point its just...a thing. I walk into the middle school anywhere near the gym and it just a wall of bo. It's in the name, too, body odor. Normal. Abuse is not normal.
We called the police once, our neighbors were fighting so much at 2:00am and they woke me up. They had two kids. I was really scared that the man would hurt the woman or the kids. The police came, and guess what? They never opened the door. Other people criticized us because "it was their business", "you shouldn't interfere in other people's lives". I don't really care about what people say, that guy was abusive and he was shady. Sometimes I think about that woman and her children and I really hope they're well and alive. Honestly.
You shouldn't feel guilty at all because youre doing qn amazing job bringing light to each and every one of these cases..each and everyone of these babies lost too soon 💔 People can be horrific but I believe talking about it makes people more aware and more grateful for what we do have and what we can do for our children.
@@StephanieHarlowe because you're a decent human being and you know these babies deserve better. It really does break my heart the amount of children that fall through the cracks in the system 💔 😔
I just cried when you listed all those babies! Especially the one that was killed by her mom and grandmom. I am a grandmom and I can not imagine. My grandbaby is my all time favorite person and I love her so much!! It's heart breaking all these babies being killed!! Oh this world 😢😢
My daughter was in the local parade over the weekend so naturally we came to watch and support her. We sat next to two families while we watched this parade. Both families near us were yelling, cussing and smacking their toddlers for simply just being curious. My husband and I got up and told our child, out loud, that we are moving to another area because the behavior of both families were abusive and not how any child should be treated. They called me a bi^ch but I smiled and said I may be a bi^ch but I'm not the one hitting and cussing at my child. We moved to another area and on the way we spoke to one of the security officers and explained what had been happening. It was the best we could do for being in a public situation. I am still upset for those children and wonder what it must be like when they are at home.
It makes my blood boil when I see stuff like that! Every child deserves good parents but not ever parent deserves their child! As a parent myself I just can’t understand how people can treat their child/children in such a way!
I’m the type of diagnosed crazy I would have slapped the shit out of the parents on the spot. I don’t have an off button when it comes to DV, child or animal abuse. A weekend in jail is with it to me.
My little boy is 5 now, and I'll never stop being blown away by how many mothers I tried to become playdate buddies with (in the pre-virus times), how many of those mothers have said something about how calm and patient I am with my son- and couldn't just share the observation without including that they'd physically and mentally harm their kids for behaving "that way". He's autistic and has sensory problems that make life significantly harder for him, and he can't even tell me more about it because he's still to this day nonverbal! How could anyone look another mother in the face and say what essentially registers to me as, "I'd totally beat your disabled kid if he was struggling and in pain from the environment I brought him to!" Not one mother, 4 people said this type of comment to me before the pandemic! They knew his diagnosis before we made the plans. And this commentary usually came sometime after some stressful situation, such as peeling my scream-crying son off the sidewalk & rushing him to the far end of the park to get him feeling better ASAP, cuz he's more or less expressing his pain and fear the only way he could: kinda like he's having a hysterical panic attack. And it's a result from some jerk who's feeling cool, parked next to the playground with the bass in his music turned up sooo loud, it's gotta be scrambling his brain in there. It's more than annoying or unpleasant for my child, it literally causes him pain and I have never set up plans with anybody who didn't know that. Anyway, I gave up on finding new company for playdates with kids his age, even with friends of friends. I can't rock with any people that take crying personally or punish babies for begging for help when they're suffering smh. As if 3 year olds have brains that can even create concepts like manipulating parents using their emotions and needs!
Honestly thank you from someone who was like those kids, I grew up thinking that was normal, I had a defiant sister (no judgement) so I just assumed kids who did things I would get hit for were like her. I hadn't even understood that maybe something was wrong with how we were treated until I ran away from home at 13 to a relatives and they'd brought it up. Just the idea that their parents are doing something wrong can give them the courage to speak out to trusted adults in their life
"People argue all the time" is a nice way of saying "I don't stick my nose in people's business because the cops ain't coming to save my a** if it goes sideways"
I thought this too. The boyfriend has obviously been crying, but the mother doesn't look like she's shed a tear with her eyelash extensions and everything.
When I first saw the picture I thought no way is that her mug shot, please let that be a license picture or something. I just can't with these monsters.
I notice this often as well..having had more friends and acquaintances than I can count over the years get arrested and have viewed their mugshots..I've noticed there seems to be only 3 reasons people do this...1) they are highly intoxicated..2)they are simply a generaly happy and wholesome person who smiles anytime someone photographs or even just engages them...3) they are total sociopaths and in their head smiling might serve as a way to manipulate thoes involved that they are not the criminal/individual that law enforcement and eventually the DA will claim they are...as if a friendly looking mugshot will help them in the future wether in the courtroom or a Google search by a perspective employer...hmm..I wonder which category she falls into?
I'm def not trying to make broad generalizations but I feel like in so many of these cases there is a new "mother's boyfriend" involved. Almost as if the mom just wants to start over and sees the kids as "baggage". Idk. If there we're more programs in place to help mother's who might be suffering from PPD or other mental health problems I think this would help so much. Such a sad case, and good on you for calling out the people and higher-ups that could absolutely doing more 💜
I agree absolutely but I also feel extremely sorry for the amazing fathers & step fathers out their like my amazing partner he is an amazing dad and he had his daughter from birth till she was 6 and her ex addict mother who had her other 3 older kids removed, came along we allowed her too have time to get to know her own daughter again days then weekends then one day refused to let her come back met a dude with money moved and the social work department refused to step in and after telling all sorts of lies about her dad she was allowed to, so myself my own kids including my partners bio son so her half brother and my partner her father who for the best part of her life it had been just the 2 of them, have never got to see her to this day. Which I think is at least partially because of these monster mum's boyfriends committing these beyond heinous crimes x
I got divorced soon two yrs ago. So now my kid has a new stepmom, soon new brother. I will be happy to stay single til she is 18, or, if I was to meet someone really special, I would not introduce them for months, not to talk about moving in together for At least a minimum of 6 months of dating. Period. The statistics on non bio parents living with kids are so scary. I also think there has been enough change in her life in the last years
There’s an article on Psychology Today called something along the lines of “What Really Happens When Parents Hit Their Kids”. Granted, it’s about the psychological premises for something much more common but this line I will always remember. The author, Dr Cummins, ominously writes: “As adults, we frequently come home frustrated, tired, and angry. We haven't the patience to deal with what our kids may be dishing out. Once you begin hitting the child who is pushing your buttons, you will experience enormous relief. And that *pleasant relief* can drive you to hit even more, even harder.“ It feels good to break and tear up somebody more defenceless when we ourselves are at the bottom of desperation. This is not an excuse. Just a confirmation of Stephanie’s’ brilliant analysis of the horrible decline of humanity in impoverished Louisiana…
That explains a fair bit about my mother's treatment of me. Once I decided I wasn't going to take her hitting me her gaslighting skyrocketed. Even at age 40 (me) she still does it & can't help but get extremely smug when she thinks she's getting away with it - as in no one other than me is calling her on it. She made the mistake of doing it in front of my sister a couple of times and my sister was very prompt at backing me up and calling out her awful behaviour.
@@12caelestis have you tried (maybe with a help of your sister, trusted friends etc) to distance yourself from your mother? Just so you know, you don't owe her your presence in her life. I'm not implying it's easy (hence, the outside help), but it just breaks my heart that you still have to endure her while being adult and can't begin to heal the wound she keeps opening. I wish you the best♥️
@@margaritap.9459 Thank you for your reply. I currently live on the opposite side of the planet from her, which is an improvement. We haven't seen each other in person for 13-14 years. I have considered cutting off all contact on and off since I was 15, but I adore my Dad and sister and want to have a relationship with them. Since moving my Dad and sister have both come over twice, but my mother has chosen not to. I've been back once and things were fine for the first 4 days, the 5th day was also my birthday & I'm not sure if that was what set her off that morning. Even at this distance she still tries to find ways to get at me and it's sad that I can only have superficial conversations with her, but that's the choice she has made and I've now given up trying to have a proper relationship with her.
That rapid-fire list of children who have been killed by their family recently made me sob. It's so hard to hear these stories. Kids deserve so much better than the incredibly flawed systems we've put in place for them
I recently called the cops on a young lady with three children under the age of eight, in her hotel room. ( I work at the hotel) another guest called several times as well, it took six calls and the mom ODing on the hotel stairs, for the cops to come get the children. I’ve never felt more helpless and angry in my life. I think about them pretty damn often and hope those kids are thriving whenever they ended up. I have extra bedrooms in my home, and wanted to take them but unfortunately it doesn’t work that way. We have to do better, innocent children deserve better. Thank you Stephanie!
I remember when I was in a abusive relationship, one time I wished someone would please call 911, I couldn’t call because he took my phone, no one did, I remember the next day when I left I was so embarrassed walking out the apartment to go to work, I knew they all heard the fighting I just knew they didn’t have sympathy but we’re probably laughing or annoyed or thought I was stupid… I learned people don’t care, they prefer to mind their business. I thank God I made it out of that situation.
It’s because we are told to mind our own business. I would be one that would have called. But, society as a whole are taught this way, I feel. If it doesn’t concern “you” then it’s not “your” problem. And I HATE this logic.
My husband and I are having a hard time conceiving and hearing stories like this makes me so angry and so sad. Why do these people get blessed with these beautiful babies just to destroy them? 💔
@@jackie_leslie it's an honor to pray on your behalf ❤ I truly hope your aches are healed and that you will one day have the precious child you deserve ♡ "For this child we prayed..." 🙏💕
I couldn’t agree with you more but maybe a next step would be looking into being foster parents and if the right kid/kids come along adopt them?!? If you know it’s a step you guys have thought about and think would work for you … idk how you guys are feeling with everything but it’d help the problem and you’d get plenty of kiddos to love and care for the right way?!?
As a teacher of Pre-K who called CPS and police about children, I can say it's so heartbreaking how little they respond. I always followed up with CPS and they would say that they didn't have enough to do anything. We would sometimes contact them 3 times and still hear the same. We would call cops and they said they couldn't do anything either. It was sad and incredibly scary as people usually figured out I called. I'd ask to be escorted to my car. I eventually quit teaching for a number of reasons but helplessness was definitely one of them. Legally we couldn't hold a child and to watch them leave again was just too much.
Totally understand this sentiment. I worked in an after school program. One time I was calling CPS to make a report on mom and step dad. I found out at the same time the school was calling CPS to make a report on dad and step mom. Some of these kids just don't stand a chance and it's awful.
And the circle. "Oh call cps" then "oh call the police." Never ending... I feel for you. And others that just want to do good but have little power to do so... much love.. xx
I ALWAYS call the cops when I see/hear domestic disturbance that I suspect may escalate. Mostly because I know how important it is to have a legal record of police calls to an address or relating to people. Even if the police do nothing, I want the people at that home to know someone is watching out and I want there to be a legal record that someone reported violence of some kind. My father-in-law lived in a “luxury” apartment complex and I observed a young, well dressed couple aggressively pulling into the parking lot in a $80,000 car. You could hear the man screaming at the woman and hitting the steering wheel and dashboard before they even opened the door. He got out, walked to her door, jerked it open and grabbed her out of the car by her upper arm. I was on the landing of the building they were walking up and pretended to know the girl, and have the “dress” she lent me. She followed me to my FIL’s apartment and when I asked her if she was ok and offered to go get her some things from her apartment (with my FIL and cops) and help get her to her family or friends. She declined all help. I still called the cops and made a report, even though she didn’t want help. A year later the man was in court on an aggravated assault charge and my report was used by the prosecutor to show a pattern of behavior. He was found guilty.
I do the same. A couple of months ago I was woke up from a sound sleep by a woman screaming ‘get your hands off me’. I grabbed my phone and bat, flew down the stairs, and as I was dialing 911 and getting ready to bust a skull, the police arrived. Don’t know who called, but god bless them. And god bless you for caring about strangers enough to get involved.
My husband and I have been trying for six years to have a child. It breaks my heart and enrages me to hear about all These “parents” who kill and abuse their children. You know how many people would LOVE to have a baby but can’t?! And then people like this are out there popping out kids w multiple partners & then abusing or neglecting them. It infuriates me
this has me in tears, these child cases are always so crushing to hear. knowing that he liked to give hugs just really hit me emotionally different. a week or so ago, a little girl came up to me wanting a high five and a hug, and just that spark of happiness in her eyes when i returned those actions, and her telling me to “have a nice day” as she left, has stuck with me. i just can’t ever understand how anyone can ever be so cruel to a child :c
I can’t imagine how heavy these cases can weigh on someone after researching them. Thank you for giving these victims the respect and acknowledgment they deserve. I feel like so often we become numb to all the horrific tragedies of the world that so many of these stories become that, just stories.
"This isn't Harry Potter!!!'' OMG STEPHANIE your delivery is amazing, such disgusting crimes by terrible people, but you share this with us with passion and empathy! LOVE YOU GIRL
Stephanie, I know that black cloud feeling. I worked in the courts it became to much witnessing the things people do to children. This is why I say "the real monster in our world are people."
I remember living in an apartment building with a very colicky baby, and having the police do a well fare check. Was I annoyed yes but at the same time it was kinda of comforting to know that if there was a serious problem, it wouldn’t be ignored.
Those grown women making that baby drink a whole bottle of whiskey really made me tear up. How the French toast (‘you know what i really want to say) do people have so much hate and evil in their heart to do that - like my mind cannot wrap my head around that. The saying “hell is empty -the devils are here are earth” comes to mind. May their little souls Rest In Peace
when i was 14 my adopted guardian finally succeeded in 'exiting stage left' after many attempts, at the memorial service one of her sisters said to me 'well, its good that suffering is over' or something very similar, indicating that they all knew what was going on was wrong in our house, but nothing was ever DONE, just stop gap, bandage, methods because basic survival is ok (thriving isn't looked to) this is the root of "i had X done to me and i turned out fine" no. there are very few 'fine' people. so so many hurt and damaged people, perpetuating it anon.
Well, to an extent, yes. I'm not *fine* by any means. But I've recovered. It did take therapy, me recognizing my bad behavior to myself was the result of believing that I deserved nothing good, or my "family" wouldn't have hurt me to start with. Trauma is ingrained. But once I was an adult, I had enough understanding to realize if I hurt another person, that would be MY fault. Not the fault of those who abused me. Cycles can be broken.
@@GenXfrom75 Most people don't see how their own issues are the problem. I know way too many people that should be in therapy and laugh at the idea of going. I personally have been in therapy for 3 years and it's definitely life changing.
@@joanna0988 definitely. My point really was that after we're adults, our trauma doesn't give us a pass for hurting someone else and giving them trauma, too. But I know people who would benefit greatly from psychotherapy. But they scoff at the idea.
This video is why you are my favorite true crime creator. You don't beat around the bush. You say it like it is. So many people fear triggering people or getting demonitized so they they either whisper or say SA. That drives me insane. Thank you for being real. You are a breath of fresh air.
The story of the grandmother and mother killing the little girl by forcing her to drink alcohol breaks my heart. I'm sober 7 months now. That was so triggering. I pray for her and all the poor babies gone too soon because of adults who act no better than children.
Your intro was spot on; I feel the same way about the new v old cases & the guilt that sometimes sneaks in when I look at my safe & healthy little family. Great reminder for me to be grateful! ❤️
THANK YOU for your spiel about constant arguing and how its _not_ healthy and normal! I’ve been saying the same things to my people all damn summer and it’s like no one effing believes me!
This happened 5 minutes from my house, less than a minute from where I work. Our little town of Houma has experienced so much pain and hurt, between violence and murder, addiction and disease taking the lives of so many, catastrophic hurricanes stealing our homes, and somehow this has hit our community harder than any of those things. Thank you for covering this. Ezekiel deserves for the world to know his name.
Also, just a side note: Guidry is one of the most common last names in this area. I happen to be a Guidry and am not related to either of the people mentioned in this video. We’re a Cajun community so most of us tend to have different variations of the same names. It’s a whole different world down here. Again, thanks for all you do!
I really appreciated the research you did to call out the state of Louisiana. Without it I could’ve seen people brushing this off as just a “few and far between” case. This a wayyyyy bigger problem than we know and it’s everywhere.
Louisiana is one of the 3 poorest states in the nation. Thr crime rate is sky high, and education... the lowest in the US. I'm still not sure why the people in power aren't seeking adequate change. The legislators in this state should be ashamed.
@@ms.education4365 born and raised in Louisiana. Those in power that you speak of are some of the most corrupt in the nation. They steal any and all revenue from the state and could care less about those who have no choice but to live here. That is why we are the worst of the worst at everything! Poorest, least educated, worst roads and infrastructure. They just line their pockets and go on about their day.
@@jeelsie9 Being from Louisiana, your comment was unnecessary. We have big problems down here that have existed for ever, at least from the 20's and 30's if not sooner. We have a running joke that all politicians are crooked especially here. And dont even start with if it's so bad why not move. Not so easy when the cost of living is much higher in other states. Most of the people here are doing the best we can with what we have.
A few years ago I heard the woman next door screaming at her child so loudly I could make out every word. The things she said would have made me, a grown adult, cry if they were screamed at me that way. I totally relate to that one neighbour saying she was shaking and crying because I did the same thing...and then I called CPS. I never heard anything like that ever again, and I can only hope it's because it truly did get better and that she didn't just get better at hiding it.
We pay SO much in taxes but I honestly couldnt tell you where it goes. Our roads are crap, our schools are close to (if not) dead last, etc. Its ridiculous. We were hit by Laura and Delta and I know people who are still not able to get into their homes 2 years later.
I remember growing up and being outside all the time. But we felt safe because if it wasn't OUR mom watching us, *someone's mom* always was. That was our village. I miss that for my own children.
I have a 2 year old grandson named Ezekiel...I couldn't imagine him in a trash can...He is so active his Mom and Dad are so patient with him I think he is the best little dude in the world...I'm so sorry little man nobody stood up for you... ❤️
Haven't watched the video yet, but the fact that the thumbnail is a sweet little child already breaks my heart. Thanks for covering the most vulnerable among us.
I purchased "Chemical Love" the intro always has me dancing around waiting for the next video but also the outro "Blood on the Strings" I love it! Steph please share your playlist.💜
my church tradition has us mourn for 40 days, every passed parish member is named and prayed for during the liturgy. i add the victims whos stories you tell into my nightly prayers and i share it with my closest church family. they will never be forgotten and i believe that our stolen children are in merciful hands now :( lord have mercy on the world
Just a note at the beginning, the father probably meant a 'whuppin' : it's common AAVE for a spanking. & Ty for not shying away from these cases, these victims deserve voices 🖤
Firstly, thank you Stephanie for covering this sweet baby’s story. Being from New Orleans when things like this happen it hits us all out here hard. New Orleanians whether we know each other or not have this unspoken bond ever since Katrina. It’s like one big family to most of us. Unfortunately the crime down here has reached disgustingly high levels. Driving on the interstate has become a terrifying experience you don’t know if you’ll get shot on your way to work or just to the store. Car jackings have become an everyday in broad daylight event. An older woman was carjacked and dragged by her seatbelt by teenagers until her arm was detached and she lost her life. Just to have thee car found 2 blocked away. And the list goes on and on. This is a beautiful city with so much culture& resilience how it’s becoming such a hell on earth is sad to witness. Most of us are packing to leave this place we called home proudly and now feel ashamed of how the world perceives us. God Bless this baby and his family.
YES! I just posted a comment of how I’ll NEVER return to lousiana. It’s trashy (not from the hurricanes) from people who just blatantly throw their trash everywhere! Like this is your home! Kids are screamed at constantly because mom is on the phone talking loudly and walking way ahead; and the baby can’t keep up. Cussed at for just being children. The pre-teens kids all act WILD. Louisiana has gone down hill so so much! I fear it may NEVER return to its state of everyone coming together to celebrate Mardi Gras. It’s like religion was replaced by hated, and disrespect. I feel so sorry that you’re from New Orleans and having to deal with this. Thank God I was able to leave. I hope soon you can leave and don’t live in fear every single day. And to that lady who lost her life over a car.. may she Rest In Peace.. that is the most painful thing to hear about.
I live in baton rouge. My family is from new orleans and moved to breaux bridge after Katrina. Louisiana is turning to crap. I love living here dont get me wrong but it is changing for the worse on a daily basis. Makes me scared to raise my daughter here but am trying to make the best of it and trying to raise her right so that maybe our children will better Louisiana's future....
I love seeing someone so passionate about these issues. Just reporting on cases doesn't do enough, there needs to be change and I'm happy you're advocating for it. Thank you!
As a child abuse victim I promise every time it was interrupted it stopped. It lessend I still remember The people who would stop at the store and notice and stick up for me and it’s a child who didn’t think I was worth sticking up for it made all of the difference. I still remember it still matters into my 20s call the cops please I owe my life to the ones who would with me 💕
Thank you for being a voice for those children. When the government failed me and ripped me from the loving arms of my grandparents and sent my back to live a life of trauma…I felt that no one cared…no one heard. But people do care…and Stephanie this video is proof. So from a recovering victim of childhood domestic violence …thank you.
I’m from Houma. Still currently reside in the area and firstly I would like to Thank you Stephanie for covering this case so many times things from “down here” get swept under the rug be it because it really is a backwoods and behind the times area or officials covering it up. We had a serial killer in this area kill 23 men and it never made national news for whatever reason. I can assure yu when Trey says a “big whipping” it means with an instrument. This is very much a “spare the rod,spoil the child” area. Disfunction is rampant here fueled by every corner in the town being occupied by bars,drive thru daiquiri shops,and churches. It was a tragedy that should have never happened. Trey wanted those children if Maya didn’t she could have given them to him. As far as our tax dollars;no one really knows where it goes because our streets are terrible , our schools are horrendous,and every other year there’s another official being arrested for putting their hand in the cookie jar. The local energy companies have added a 200.00 a month “infrastructure tax” to everyone’s bills monthly from the hike in gas prices and hurricane damage. It’s really a problem. Louisiana is portrayed to the rest of the country as a party but we’re really hurting down here and no one will listen. These poor children were killed by there parents and it could have been prevented and on the other hand single mothers who leave their teenage children to watch the littles to work get their children taken away. It’s problem. It’s a tragedy.
I definitely agree with seeing us as a party... the invasion of people we get for Mardi Gras... the traditional Mardi Gras is really only done in small towns who still take pride in our Cajun heritage. The rest of the world thinks Mardi Gras is just a month long party.
I'm from a small town near Lafayette and we aren't as backwoods as Houma but corruption is rampant here as well. I'm sure you've heard of the women of Jennings and how that was covered up.
My entire childhood my parents abused me emotionally and physically. I went to a dare officer about it, told the counsellors, showed them the marks. I told them in great detail, too detailed for a 9 yr old to make up, how my parents made me kneel against a wall while they used belts one me and my brother when we weren't well behaved enough at church. A CPS worker came to our door, and asked me questions while my mother was just in the other room in my sight, shaking her head as I swallowed my fear and told them everything....my heart pounded but I told every truth I could....and then they left me alone with my mother for one night and I never told the truth again. Hostage is a good word for it Stephanie. It's exactly how I felt. I cried from what I can remember, almost every night hoping someone would take me out of there, resenting the people who birthed me, hating social workers and police for not helping me while I was screaming it from the rooftops. The day after my 17th birthday, my dad punched me in the shoulder with a closed fist because I was five minutes late getting out of the job they made me get to contribute to the family and he had to pick me up because I didn't have a car. I ran away the next morning. Being a run away was extremely tough and dangerous for me on many levels but I was one of the lucky ones who somehow survived it. We need something, anything for kids who have to endure this horrific reality every day. I was one of the 'lesser' cases. I was not abused enough, and no...those arent my words, they were the words of the adults around me. My parents were just strict, just a little too punishing, but they were never called what they were. Monsters, abusers, alcoholics who werent fit to be parents. We need change and we needed it yesterday. I would've gladly welcomed a huge farm with other saved children, I would have welcomed any safe haven that got me out of there. I would have welcomed anyone who was willing to take the role of mother for me. Now as I get older, when it's brought up ever, I will refer to myself as an orphan by choice. They dont exist to me, and I pray every day that they never find me and reach out. My only last wish from them is to respect me enough to let me heal these wounds you created on my own.
@@StephanieHarlowe Thanks Stephanie, my heart breaks for the ones who dont survive. At least I'm here, and maybe someday if I'm lucky enough, I'll get to be a better mom and end the cycle there.
Because of situations such as yours; CPS is now made to question the children of suspected abuse out of the earshot of their parents…preferably while the child is at school. That way the parents do not even know it’s happening. I think old school CPS was a learning curve. Although…common sense tells you that if a child may be being abused by the parent, the LAST thing you want to do is question the children in front of the suspected abuser. They would be afraid to tell and if they did tell and were not removed…the retaliation to the children would be two fold of the normal abuse.
@@PHBRNTGGR2 I'm happy to hear that they don't do this anymore. Back then being so young and naive I thought if I told the truth they'd remove me immediately. I was so very very wrong.
Stephanie, I have been watching you for years and respect you so much for the time and effort you put into making these videos. You’re more thorough than any other RUclipsr or podcaster in the true crime scene. I never would have thought I would see a case from my small hometown covered by you. It feels cliche to say that stuff like this doesn’t really happen here, but it’s true 🥺
Hi stephanie. I just wanted to know your empathy and dogged determination to make sure you did everything you possibly could to alert the authorities is extremely admirable. You are a very caring and warm hearted person. Not to mention of strong character. From someone who suffered physical and emotional abuse as a child, i also was saved by a caring neighbour who was an elderly widow that could have easily turnded a blind eye/deaf ear. Despite my rocky start in life im now a happy and fairly sucessful adult. Its not always easy to know what goes on behind closed doors. Especially in an age where many areas suffer from a lack of old fashioned community spirit. If there were far more people like yourself, we would all live in a much better world. So well done you for having the genuine heartfelt compassion and spirit towards your fellow man, woman, child. thank you. From london with luv
I think the fact there's a vigil at a trash can tells us all we need to know about how badly we're failing children in this society.
exactly.
AMEN, Stacey B! 🙏🙏🙏
100%! 👏🏼👏🏼
the worst part is that his daddy wanted him and has been in a nasty custody fight with the mom for him because he didnt trust the boyfriend and sadly he was correct about all of it. On the news here in New Orleans, the paternal grandma actually said that the only reason she thinks they reported him missing was that her son had been calling asking to speak to the little boy and the mom kept making up excuses as to why he couldnt and it was getting close to the dad's turn to have him and that the mother knew he wasnt just going to let it go and allow her to make up excuses as to why he couldnt come pick him up, he was going to want answers. The father and his family were all out there at the command center for the searches, but they wouldnt allow any of them to help out for fear of one of them being one of the ones to find him. There were search and rescue and dive teams from all over south Louisiana that rushed there to help look for him because the entire city is built on the bayou, when we refer to Houma, everyone just says "down the bayou because that is how it is, there is a big bayou that run through the center of several small towns down around that area of the state.
that literally disappointed me when i seen it. like seriously people?? get rid of it!
Because of my father's abuse, I am now in a wheelchair. Every one knew. But nobody talked. If you suspect, say something.
Thank you for sharing this with us 🥺
I’m so sorry for what’s happend to you. In Sweden every thing that can be called abuse, physical or physcological, doesn’t matter, it’s against the law. The wellbeing of the child is the most important!
@@angelika5029I wish psychological was considered abusive in the eyes of the law here. I called CPS for help and nothing happened
That is horrible, I got raped at 19 and pregnant from it. I will never tell my baby’s dad about her because I don’t want something like this to happen.
Love to you
@@PeachReverieI called for help because I physically couldn’t take being so sleep deprived and overwhelmed and no help, I called CPS, they said “ ya no we can’t support you or do anything. But you’re doing a good job”
I’m from about 20 minutes away from where this happened. Child abuse is just considered normal parenting here. “Discipline”. It took me growing up and moving away to realize that getting the shit beat out of you by an adult constantly isn’t “discipline”. Most people I know had the same experience, so no one recognized it as abnormal.
I'm sorry we have so much in common, love
Kids who don't get whooped on here in Detroit really do seem to act worse and have parents that "don't care" and so the cycle continues never noticed till I moved either
@@avgastas1515 bro, nobody is talking about getting “whooped on” we’re talking about grown adults beating the Shit out of their kids because they get off on it. This dead kid in the garbage can’s parents surely justified what they did as “whooping” and they ended up beating their kid to death.
@@avgastas1515 are you for real saying that children should get "whooped"???
@@anastasiachaliman4234 Right?! So sad some people still haven't learned about child development and think abuse is okay💔 Not even child development either just treating children with respect and loving them like they deserve.
I feel the same way Stephanie, and when the guy said that Ezekiel's life purpose (or purpose in death I guess) was to bring the community together I cringed. No, his purpose was to live his life and that life has been stolen from him. It's effed up. :(
That part made my blood boil. Is that man fucking kidding?!
I had to stop the video at that part. I wanted to comment right away but everything I have are tears of pure and honest hate. I don't regret it, his words are such as violent as I feel right now. 2022, no tolerance for this kind of lunatics. Not sorry. Justice for Ezekiel and for every innocent who were purposely bring into this ugly and every day more cruel world only to suffer
Oh my word, Kate! I agree with you! That phrase literally made me want to scream.
At 51:06 he also said ‘Harry,’ not Ezekiel, or Zeke.
That sweet baby’s name was Ezekiel Harry.
@@micheleengel3428 wait a minute. Did you just say POLITICIAN? I thought he was the 'pastor' from that specific place; a really bad one. Who else in the world could say something like that? Please tell me not the one in real charge. Everything is so incredible wrong EVERYWHERE you see. So hurtful
It can't be said enough... if you see/hear something, SAY something. I am a survivor of child abuse. My (now former) stepfather beat me severely for years (and my mother did nothing to stop it, but that's a whole other issue). He nearly killed me on more than one occasion. Finally, one day a kind neighbor had enough and got the law involved. They saved me when my own mother would not. I owe that neighbor my life. SAY SOMETHING.
Thank you Stephanie, for driving this point home. ❤️
much love my darlin 💓
Now u take back yr life, an live yr bested ❤️❤️
Thanks y'all. I've never once thought if myself as a victim, only a survivor. I'm 48 now. I've spent my life as a paramedic and firefighter, saving people and helping who I could. Now that my body won't let me do that anymore, I have gone back to school and am working on a masters degree. He never had any legal repercussions for what he did. But karma came for him. He's an old man now... sad, miserable, and alone. He'll die that way. I win.
But if that neighbor had not called child protective services that day, the abuse would have continued escalating. God knows my mother never stopped him. Eventually, he'd have killed me. This poor baby never had a chance. Again, SAY something!
@@mistygolden6278 so happy you took the path you did. You beat the odds!!! Thank goodness for that neighbor. What a guardian angel. You are so strong & live a life that he couldn't steal from you. Congratulations.
Oh Misty 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺😭😭😭😭😭💔💔
As a person who works in law enforcement as a victim advocate, I understand you. I read cases on a daily basis and it’s becoming harder and harder to do this job. We’ve already had several child homicides this year and sometimes the details behind them are beyond horrific. While every murder is tragic, when it involves a child, the pain and heartache is next level! Thank you for all you do Stephanie and take care of you ♥️
I got new neighbours when I was 14. Within days of them moving in I heard the little boy screaming & his mum threatening him. All our neighbours could hear, they were all gathered outside. I couldn’t watch them do nothing, so I ran round to next door & beat on it until she answered it. I will never forget her face when she realised the whole street were watching her. The police were called, and social services. He went to live with his gran. To this day I can’t understand how all those adults stood there & did nothing. If you’re too scared to intervene then fine, but make that phone call!
You were that child's angel. Thank you for taking action. You may have saved his life.
@@ca1989 thank you. In all honesty I never thought of it like that. I just knew I couldn’t stand to let anything happen to him.
His mother blamed me for losing him for a long time. Probably still does. She lost her job as a care worker for the elderly as a result of it all. She seems to think she’s the victim.
Thank u 🙏🏼 That was very brave!!!🥰💕
Thank you for doing that. My mum grew up in a chaotic household and everyone turned a blind eye. When she was 14 (weird that its the same age you were) my granny took an overdose and mum found her and she was cold. The ambulance came and granny survived but mum was watching them take her in the ambulance not knowing if her mother was alive or dead and she saw the neighbours (adult neighbours) looking at the drama and not one of them called over to see if mum was okay. I... The cruelty of it. It was the 70s so these things weren't talked about but the lack of compassion stuns me.
@Leanne B to your 14 year old self. You are amazing. Your bravery may have saved a life. Many adults, would not have the courage to do what you did. I hope to God that I would be able to do this in your situation. When I am in public and ever see a situation I always stop and ask if I can help in anyway. This is always declined but it usually stops the person in their tracks . I always maintain a lookout throughout so they know someone is watching.From West Australia 🇦🇺 kudos to you x
Yes Stephanie! I’m tired of all the sugar coating for heinous acts. Call it what it is, people need to feel uncomfortable.
It's not her choice. Certain words get videos demonitized.
@@monkeybeak2056 I think you are confused, they were praising Stephanie for saying that we should talk about abuse & horrible acts using those words, to get across the severity. They were not complaining about Stephanie's words, or actions. They were completely agreeing with her view.
Right!!!
I'm in my 30s, but Stephanie still got me like 'Will you be my mum?'
The mama bear vibes are strong in this one.
❤️❤️❤️
I lived in an apartment and I heard the couple under me arguing at 2am woke me up from a dead sleep. I was listening close and heard the man tell the woman “i’m gonna fkn kill you” called the cops and he went to jail. A few days later she gave me a gift card and told me thank you for probably saving me, I cried like a baby. Thank you for bringing these things up, yelling and arguing loudly is NOT NORMAL.
This made me tear up. Thank you for getting involved, thank you for saying something.
you were her guardian angel! amazing
Yess!!!!!!!!!!!
Volume isn’t abnormal. Physical violence (including threats) is.
@@sciencenotstigma9534 I think in some cases sure volume isn’t threatening and can be normal to some but in the situation I explained above I could tell the volume and the tone of voice of this man was not normal. I had actually called the non-emergency police line when I first heard the arguing just because his tone of voice was horrifying, something I can’t even explain. Once I heard him threatening her life I dialled 911 and there was 7-8 police vehicles on site within minutes.
That being said I can agree volume can be normal but tone of voice and body language in the individual can make a huge difference in what they are saying and how they are saying it.
Louisiana native here… first and foremost I pray Ezekiel is resting in paradise. I can confirm that child abuse, poor mental health services for impoverished adults, child predators and crooked politicians that are solely in it for the money are an epidemic that’s devastating our state more than any hurricane could.
Wow, very very powerful words
After seeing it for 15 years, I completely agree.
Yes mam Houma la native here and I couldn’t agree more ….
Ezekiel looked just like his daddy😭 I wish they would have listened to his concerns. This story is devastating, Kids are being failed OVER and OVER again. People that don't deserve children get away with too much. I promise to do my best to stay aware and say something if I notice something. We have to try, to do everything we can, because the systems are failing. This has to stop.
I'm gonna go hug my boyfriend and his small boys after the end of this video, while trying not to break down crying. I never wanted kids of my own, but I feel like a protector of every child I come across. Being a parent IS so hard. So hard I know that I'm not fit for it, but to hurt a child either mentally, emotionally or physically is incomprehensible to me.
I just want to be a good support system for the single parents in my life, a good partner to someone raising kids, and a good example for my future step children.
Ezekiel was failed so badly, and sadly there are so many stories like this..when will the systems put in place to protect them do better?!?! How many children have to die at the hands of the people that are supposed to love and care for them?! 😠
Rest in peace sweet baby boy Ezekiel, you deserved so, so much better.
The story of the little girl who was forced to drink a bottle of whiskey makes me want to cry. I’ve never even heard of a blood alcohol level that high 😢
It made me cry. I can't imagine the hell she went through being forced that alcohol.😥
THIS!!!! After two or three shots, IM drunk. I can’t imagine this being done to that child 😢
@@Alisha_79I am lying down with my eyes closed, and when I heard that precious baby's BAC, my eyes shot wide open! I cannot even imagine what that poor, innocent baby was going through! 😢😢
I feel like these children would much rather have their lives protected by CPS while alive than their “privacy” protect after they’ve been murdered 😡
that's what I'm saying!
I completely agree I don't even think it's a case of protecting the privacy I think it's more about covering their asses because they know some of the blame lies with them
💯💯
I was a child in the system, & I wouldn't be here today, or I'd be in alot worse shape if it wasn't for my foster mom!!!! I miss her all the time.
I will not lie. I have been looked into by Social Work (the UK equivalent) surrounding the care of only one of my children. This was due to allegations from an abusive ex in her younger years, and then in her early teens, I engaged with them and the police for support as she had disclosed to me there had been SA outwith my home. I have only had one bad experience and upon making a formal complaint that person was taken from our case and we were assigned a new (and lovely) SW because it was ruled that I was right to have made the complaint. I can not thank them enough for always, despite being so stretched, stepping up, checking in and making sure things were ok because it gave me hope for the children who are maybe not so fortunate to have a loving and thriving home situation. I had nothing to hide and SW have continually been supportive of me regardless if they were involved because of an allegation that later proved to be false or when I reached out to them for help when I felt so helpless to support my child when something so traumatic had happened to her. It is scary to have them involved but if you are confident in your parenting and have nothing to hide they can actually be so so helpful. Me and my eldest would not be where we are today without that support - they linked us up with organisations, counselling and general advice that was invaluable to our journey post trauma. I never stutter when I give them my thanks. It's horrific that the system lets others down. heartbreaking xx
That line actually infuriated me. God decided to take him to bring us together. God didn’t do that, a monster did
There is no god, accept it.
Pissed me off too!
that bothered me too for a number of reasons. For one thing it reduces this little boy's life to supposedly strengthening community connections, which honestly is sort of bs from the start. I also don't think anyone should be purporting to know why God does anything, nor would I think a tragedy like this came from God even if I were religious...
@@nicolewittholm8289There is! Accept Him or be forever doomed to an eternity separated from Him!
@@rhondaallan4680 Where, please tell when the innocent children are murdered? Suffer the children to come unto me, such is the kingdom of heaven? Perhaps, check out the likes of Bart Ehrman, those that have studied the history- Most pastors and the like parrot what they have been taught. What kind of God condones the killing of children, rape and murder then are a loving forgiving father?
I also want to add..it’s a mockery how people come together after a child is killed .. where were they when he was alive? And Stephanie.. out of all the podcasts you are the most brilliant. You are so interactive with the story, so determined to make a point and to intelligently get points across.
Awww thank you!
I feel this way about the family of abused children. They need to say something if they’re a Aunt, Uncle, neighbor. Say something for the child so they can have a happy life.
They were respecting the privacy of the child... The now DECEASED child. Sometimes it pays to be the nosy neighbor/family member. Wouldn't you rather be commiting a faux pas being nosy vs potentially saving a life? I would always call the cops on my neighbors during their screaming matches but it happened so often I only called when I heard that the husband/bf took her phone and could hear her screaming to give it back... She had 4 young girls in the house too. I wasn't calling to get the father or mother in trouble, I was concerned for those girls. They were always outside playing by my windows. Didn't have anything against the mother except that the father kept turning up and making trouble, but I can't assume that it was her choice. To her credit, the father eventually did stop coming around all together.
Children are considered the property of adults in this country. Children are a minority without human rights it seems
@@PutinsMommyNeverHuggedHim it's true. Kids can be raised in cults and cut off from society, abused, neglected, you name it and it's all considered acceptable
Several months ago I heard what sounded like fighting, kids crying/screaming, pounding, a man yelling for quite some time. I called the cops. I did not stay anonymous and I never heard a peep. Called the next day to find out the cops royally messed up. Basically they went into the parking lot, saw some trash and decided it was just some kids making noise that I heard. I blew my lid. It was not people outside, it was the family in the condo next to me (which of course I told them). I contacted the police commissioner right away, he was livid about how they handled the call. Needless to say, I got about 5 squads to roll up on 10 mins after that call to investigate. In situations like this, make sure they do their freaking jobs. Raise hell if you have to. Go above the cops heads. So many times these things could be prevented, do whatever you can.
Yes! Thank you. More people need to do this. I've decided to call dcf on a friend of mine before because of her treatment of her boy and the state of the house. I felt no shame in tat. Sometimes you need to just be the adult and do what you need to do.
@@MaxxHarleenMurrder absolutely. I don’t play when it comes to DV or abuse of a child. I won’t stop, I won’t turn the other way and “mind my own business”. Us humans have to have each other’s backs and show love.
I called once because it sounded like someone was being murdered ( could hear them from a different building across the lot) - they didn’t show for TWO HOURS and all they did was drive around the parking lot. I watched. It was very disheartening. I even had told them which building it came from and which floor.
@@MaxxHarleenMurrderI've done the same thing! Friend or not, the kids come first! ❤
I decided long ago to compliment parents whenever & wherever their littles were well behaved. As parents, we need to support each other. But now I'm amending this to also let those who are struggling know that "I'm here" just as Miss Stephanie describes she did with her troubled neighbor. Because as human beings, we need to support each other. Love & Peace Be, Everyone 💟
I'm a single guy and older, never married, no kids, would not normally get mixed up in anyone's business when it comes to child care (I know literally nothing about having kids) but I appreciate what you said Stephanie, about not reporting anonymously and to knock on the door and check in, and what to potentially say if this situation ever comes up.
Thank you! No one is born to draw attention to the fact that people don’t survive early childhood. Sorry, that wasn’t G_d’s plan. He just gave us free will…for whatever reason.
Is your AVI pic yourself or .. Louie Theroux?
This bystander syndrome we have is very disturbing. What have we done? We have given up all common sense and personal agency over to systems who use the cover your ass strategy while a kid has to stay in the house and be subjected to abuse? When will we take our power back and actually protect the vulnerable? I’m so sick of it
I’ve been dying to hear “she’s like a sickness in my brain” while watching you pour Hershey’s syrup in a stainless steel cup for weeks. Bless you ❤️🥲
every time i hear this song i CRAVE coffee with chocolate syrup🤣
@@ns-wz1mx 🤣🤣🤣 me to just told ma daughter now i want coffee she always say u watch stephanie again 🙈
Same it's been ringing through my brain past couple of days. Especially when making a coffee 😂
Me too!!!!
Same! I got a notification and said please let it be Stephanie ❤️
I was heavily abused as a child and I did say something to the people who said they would help but all they did was call my family and ask them if they were and of course they said no and it just made it worse. I learned from then on to just not say anything because no one would do anything anyway. Cases like this hurt so much because that could have been me but I got "lucky" because I survived. This is horrible and the system needs to be fixed.
I'm so very sorry that you went through that alone and no one helped you 😞 I know me personally would do whatever I had to do to stop a child from being abused and I wish everyone was as willing.... children can't stand up and fight for themselves, they need US to be there and fight for them !
God, the phenomenon of placing children in trash cans like literal garbage because you made a mistake that took their life is unimaginable.
I also can barely believe they left Ezekiel in a neighbors residential trash can… imagine the trauma of discovering a dead child in your own can when taking out your trash
Campaign finance reform would positively affect our leadership in many ways. If we could stop allowing leaders to be bribed, we would have better leaders that want the best for their citizens instead of themselves. It’s both parties. I 100% support your rant💙💛
And that's the truth!
Agree with you 100%!!
Yup. Corporations and lobbyists own our government. It's despicable.
100% agreed 👍
Stephanie, I saw a video posted recently by Dustin Dailey speaking out about the flaws in the growing crime industry, and it really made me rethink who I’m following in the crime world. Thank you for always putting the victims first, being so genuinely compassionate when you speak of the cases. You’re a very respectful person. It is so very appreciated by us, your followers. ♥️
I appreciate your boldness !!! Your boldness , backed with facts and research is so rare. Most people chose to look the other way , and very few people use their platform ( such as social media platforms ) for good.
I too am sick of the watered down society that has to make sure every statement is politically correct in order not to offend 🤦🏽♀️
I’m in California and CPS is a joke. I can’t tell you how many cases I know of that CPS has blown it 😢
Keep speaking truth Stephanie , your doing the right thing 💜
THIS!!!!!!
Yes!!!!
Boldness is as great descriptor! I like Stephanie's passion mixed with facts & not-so-common sense too.
I am glad to see someone who has similar views to me, as well as other in the comment section. As you say she is using her platform for good, to share information & encourage positive morals. Too many peoples focus atm is on stupid things, like not being PC, but not focusing on the actual horrific things happening right now.
As someone who grew up in a household like little Ezekiel…please always call the police. You have no idea how much the kids appreciate the deescalation…even if only for a little while.
God whenever the police were called at my house there was never escalation. My dad would refuse to let the police on the property and would be screaming drunk at the police. They always just left.
Completely agree! In Mississippi they always took someone to jail!
Back in the 70s the police aouldn't do anything. Because The Man was in his own home. They would stay until my mom and us kids left the house
@@LottieDeLuscious that's terrible. I'm sorry you had to go through that. ❤️
Stephanie, I love your channel. I saw you earlier this year in Don’t F**k with Cats. I only recently started watching your channel, as a fellow true crime follower. You are one of my favorite true crime junkies. You don’t just talk about these cases nonchalantly, but are truly empathetic, and as respectful as you can be, and educated on them. You’re also just a smart individual in general! I’m amazed by you! Love how you rant and tell it how it is! Not sugar coating things as you say! The world needs to hear it! It’s exactly how I feel all the time!!
Abuse often repeats generation after generation because those who grow up in it often accept is as normal. Especially if corporal punishments is supported by their church.
I am so proud of you to speak to your neighbours like that.
Murdering your childen and beating them and not providing them with food and water is not support by the church .
It breaks me too, Stephanie. I just tell myself that if these babies had to endure the neglect and abuse, the very least I can do is listen, acknowledge their suffering and be a voice for them when they have been silenced 😔
Awww exactly! Thank you!
As much as I hate to say it, maybe abortion is better than this. Why? Because the woman who doesn’t want to get pregnant will resent the child when it’s born. I’m thinking of Terrell Peterson & Adrian Jones, Gabriel Hernandez & Takoda Collins. Star Hobson & Baby P, & the thousand others whose lives are filled with suffering.
@@k.sophiacavallo8858 I absolutely agree with you xx
@@k.sophiacavallo8858 I agree
Can you imagine what will happen if the US Supreme Court goes after contraception next?? There already are state legislators around the country trying to ban contraceptives. The number of unwanted children will sky-rocket.
Hi Stephanie, I’m from south Louisiana and I can absolutely say the government has absolutely not helped with hurricane recovery. If you drive around in the city or Lake Charles, I where they were hit the worst from the hurricane, houses are still ripped apart, tarps on roofs, trees fallen over, and the citizens devastated, no resources available whatsoever. Katrina is a whole other beast, what the government here did to the people of New Orleans is absolutely gut wrenching and disgusting. While I am proud to be from this state, I love our culture and charm, I must say there is a huge problem with poverty and education while ultimately leads to child neglect and abuse.
💯 agree with this comment. I am from your area, most of my fam is still there (I’m in central LA now), and I think the vast majority of our state wonders where our state’s monies are ending up…
It's so difficult to like up on your comment Tay Lor, not because you're wrong...southern Louisiana got torn up during Katrina and has never been the same. You all deserve so much better in every respect. I am sorry this persists.
Things like this is why I rage against the 1%, because how can a human have way way way more than enough money on this planet and live with themselves? Is it a remnant of tribalism that makes us just protect our own little family tribe, hoarding cash for a cushy life rather than looking at the human race as a tribe, the planet biome as our home, and reinforce all we can so every person can be okay, or is that just pie in the sky I can tell this chick was born in the 60's goofy talk?
A person that’s been here my whole life 100% true they care nothing about use or black people it’s sad
100% correct. Instead of taking care of their populations, they choose to spend millions on covering the Saints stadium in gold. People be homeless, or living with black mold in houses with busted roofs covered in tarps and no one’s helping. It’s sad.
It's shameful what the US will have their citizens endure when they could put some of the wealth of this nation into it's citizens actual well-being. There's no excuse for the area to still be devastated given how much time has passed. Not even going to get into how it was handled when that first happened as that's a whole other huge issue.
these stories are a reminder that children are to be protected, all children, not just our own. i watch for the victims.
Exactly!! I feel the same way.
Me too! 🙋🏾♀️
Maybe all adults in society need to make a pledge to BE that village 😢
@@TheStar798 THIS 🙌❤
All I can do is kmt children are dieing and now we wanna be singing hymns kmt
Love what you said about the normalizing of fighting. My spouse and I don’t fight or raise our voices. There is a subset of people I’ve met who think I’m lying when I’ve told them that. That very much makes me concerned. Disagreements can be expressed calmly and at a speaking voice volume. If it can’t, take a break and collect yourself and try again the next day.
I won't claim I've never yelled. But my husband of 18 years and I try to keep disagreements controlled and usually in private, because kids don't need to worry about adult problems, in my view. 💜
exactly, I have yelled, but we try not to, and it is very very rare.
Fighting, like loud, angry arguments, aren't normal. They're definitely not good for kids to hear cuz it can be really scary for them even if you know everything will be fine, they don't. I wouldn't raise my voice, except I have since moving in with my bf and he just gets so angry and raises his voice so the only way to be heard is to raise mine back. But if I raise my voice its usually a last resort and I end up crying right after cuz I really really hate conflict. I've been trying to get my bf to at least understand that if he's gonna get angry, it shouldn't be in front of the babies, because we don't want to teach them that it's normal to respond to feelings of frustration with anger and yelling (and when he gets frustrated at things he bangs stuff around or throws it). Like we can teach healthy ways of coping with frustration, anger in those ways, the way he gets angry, is not healthy or normal. Our children deserve to learn ways to cope with frustration that doesn't lead to anger and violence and yelling. They deserve to have better ways of coping that is healthier for them and the people around them
@@GenXfrom75 totally agree 💖
Exactly sometimes it's hard but when you feel that angry to raise your voice you should recognize that you should walk away and do x y z to calm down
How do you not have a million followers 🤔 baffles me... The most in depth watchable true crime influencer
This happened in my hometown. Thank you for covering this story. Houma has been rattled by this tragedy and our community will seek justice for Ezekial 😢
We just had a local case of a 13 year old severely autistic girl being impregnated by her stepfather who was abusing her since she was 10 years old. I share in your anger and frustration. Your whole rant on the politians, I understand completely. Thanks for speaking the truth. For all these victims.
@@HadenBlake Honestly, the moment I saw the mother's behavior on tv I thought she had to know. She might be a victim of abuse but still, she knew. In my opinion. Sadly by the time a teacher noticed, the girl's pretty far along. More than likely, that's exactly what's going to happen. I feel so heartbroken for her and this baby.
Oh god. That's the nightmare. 13 and pregnant as a result of repeated rape?? That poor girl. I hope she's supported through her trauma. I hope she has good people around her now.
Which area? I want to look into this case
I’m studying to be a social worker, in Australia though, and I’ve learned that some of the key factors in family violence and child abuse are poverty, lower education rates and generational trauma. It doesn’t surprise me that a state with a high poverty rate also has a high rate of children dying from child abuse. These things don’t happen by coincidence.
One thing that I love about Stephanie , she is very sincere about the babies of the world being harmed . Thankyou Stephanie for giving the innocent a voice ❤️
I grew up as a victim of child abuse, and I appreciate so much to see how passionate you get with these case. They're awful to have to face, but we HAVE to face them, because how else will things change. It's so important to get these cases out into the public eye, to encourage people to reach out if they believe a child, a vulnerable person, or anyone, is in danger.
I was abused by both of my parents as a child and till now I think that everyone knew and jet nobody came to help me, nobody called the police or spoke to me. Now I'm all grown up and I refuse to be silent when I see abuse even though it makes me terrified. Thank you Stpehanie and all of you good people who refuse to look the other way
I also lived in an apartment. I could hear kids crying below me and the dad screaming. I went down and had a chat with the guy, single dad. I told him I knew he was struggling and I was there if he needed anything. Things got better for this man and his kids.
Thank you for being so understanding, and checking in with that father. I'm dating a man with 2 small children, and coming into it having never wanted my own, I can see just how hard it is to be a single parent, the lack of support they sometimes live with. Hell, even with 2 parents in the household, it's hard! You're a good neighbor and person, and i'm glad to know that things got better for that man. It inspires me to be a better arm of support for some of the single parents I know ..I'm gonna go hug my boyfriend and his children now while trying not to cry 😭
I sighed when I saw the topic and clicked. My son is 1. 16 months. These cases are increasingly hard for me, and the newer ones do have a dark affect. You described his outfit. My son has the exact same shirt, white w blue stripes and an orange long neck dino. I will give a like but I may not stick around, as with a couple of the other infant cases you have covered. Much love and thank you for bringing attention to this case, I read the headlines when it hit news and it made me sick. Terrible thing.
This is exactly how I feel. I have a two boys. My youngest just turned 3 this past June and my oldest turned 9 in June. I have tried so many times and I just can't will myself to listen to any videos from any channel when they are covering a case that involve the mistreatment or murder of a small child(ren). All I see when trying to listen are my children in that situation and it tears me apart and makes me feel dread and a deep sadness that is very hard to shake. I think about the mental capabilities of my children, especially when it comes to cases about smaller children likel this one, and I compare them to what my own 3 year old can comprehend so I start to think about how confused that baby would have been. What must have been going through that poor babies mind. I think about the immense love and trust my toddler has for me as his mother and it breaks my heart endlessly to think about a baby feeling that for their mother who hurts them. I hate it. I hate the world we live in sometimes. I cannot deal with anything to do with children being harmed unless there is something I can step in and do.
@@tarawelborn9433 It will get worse. The NWO is gearing up to make our lives ABSOLUTELY HELLISH!
@@tarawelborn9433 i agree. The mental toll is harsh. I found it much easier to listen to these cases before I had my bub. Which is an eye opener in itself, bc we easily dissociate with things that seem far to us. What Steph said about cuddling my baby at night is so true. Its hard to sit in that joy without thinking of babies like mine who are mistreated in such horrid ways. I see you Mama!
@@tarawelborn9433 and yes absolutely I cannot comprehend harming a child much less ones so young. With no comprehension of anything but their need for love. It's very heartbreaking and hard to wrap the mind around, especially when I look at my son with such feeling.
I have a son around the same age and it's a toss up if I can listen to these sorts of cases. Makes my stomach drop
Love your content and appreciate you covering hard stories. ❤️
I just wanted to mention that Hillary Clinton gave proper credit in her book for this quote “For the first time, I understood the words of the writer Elizabeth Stone: "Making the decision to have a child -- it's wondrous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body."”
The way outsiders from the family act is accurate to most cases. I was severely neglected and ignored growing up. People did notice. People did nothing. As an adult my heart aches so much for my younger self. I had no idea how alone I was or how much I was being screwed over by everyone bc I was just a kid. I am fully disgusted with my family for how they treated me as a child. I have no family, no friends, no support system. And it’s because of how they “raised” me. They raised me to be alone and to only need myself. If you’re like this too please understand you cannot bear it all alone. Try making friends even if it never works out. You need those breaks. The streaks of alone time are worth it if you keep trying to make friends. One day you’ll be able to lean on someone. I promise. Sorry this was a weird comment lol
I am so sorry you went through that, sending healing hugs and love to you
I'm the same....
I think we lived the same childhood. All we can do it keep trying to heal. It sounds like your doing great creating your village ❤️
Yeah. I grew up calling 911 from age 11. My neighbors KNEW. Saw the police, heard the yelling. I told ppl too. Nothing happened. Lol. I just had to live with someone who threatened my life, would chase me around the house, stab knives in to the counters and threaten to kill us all. Bite me, scratch me, hit me. Pull my hair. Scream the most awful things.
Because I was alone, neglected, I then was easy to take advantage of by older men. They'd tell me the things I wanted to hear or was missing at home. I was too young and naive to see these types of people were dangerous.
Stephanie, you’re not only articulate but you’re wise. Prayers for all of these beautiful innocent souls 😞🙏🏽
Also, re senators/elected officials: I wanted to run for our local school board, then realized it's nearly impossible to get to the place where they have the paperwork, then you have to pay to file it, and schedule a meeting, cite your campaign finance resources, etc. Clearly "public service" is for people who have time and money already--enough that they can do all that. So we end up with the same elites in charge of everything and none of us "regular" folk can get a toe in.
nailed it
What state are you in?
I'm on my local City Council. Here in Washington, we do all our filing online. Yes, it costs money to file & run a campaign, and we have to account for every donation and expense and regularly file our financial info with the Public Disclosure Commission. It's to keep us accountable. People can donate a limited amount during a campaign for campaign-related expenses, but once you're in office, they money stops. I'm not even allowed to let a constituent buy me a cup of coffee (and that's the way it should be). We do get paid a small stipend, but there are people out there who genuinely think we should work for free. THAT'S def the kind of attitude that results in only elites and retirees serving in public office, because it's incredibly time-consuming.
Why elected officials at the national level are allowed to accept hundreds of thousands of dollars from anonymous PACs is beyond me. Money is not speech, corporations are not people, and Citizens United was a terrible, dangerous ruling by SCOTUS.
Yep!
Never give up!! The people need to take back control. I hope you get a chance to run for something.
I feel so bad for the father especially knowing he was trying to get custody.
I think the 1st problem is mothers are assumed to be..... Well ummmm. Loving mothers, 🤔 So when a dad tries to get custody its not taken seriously and is more important 4 the kid to be with the crazy "mother" than being safe. Its like they REFUSE to look at the #'s and see NOT ALL WOMEN/MOTHERS ARE LOVING!!!! 🤦🤦
The last few cases I’ve skimmed with child deaths…the dad or some other relative has been actively in the process of trying to gain custody. Makes me sick to my stomach 🤬meanwhile my child’s school friend has CPS called on them for sending their child to school with body odor and poor hygiene 🙄upon investigation it was found the child had extremely sensitive skin and was allergic to most body odor products.
@@anhserc3534 Jesus fuck me really? I mean every kid above 12 smells like body odor at some point its just...a thing. I walk into the middle school anywhere near the gym and it just a wall of bo. It's in the name, too, body odor. Normal. Abuse is not normal.
Mothers ARE NOT always fit, especially the weiner hungry dirtybutts who just haaaaave to have a man no matter what kind of steaming pile of poo he is
@@anhserc3534 Yes! Ass backwards ain't it?! 🤦🤦
We called the police once, our neighbors were fighting so much at 2:00am and they woke me up. They had two kids. I was really scared that the man would hurt the woman or the kids. The police came, and guess what? They never opened the door. Other people criticized us because "it was their business", "you shouldn't interfere in other people's lives". I don't really care about what people say, that guy was abusive and he was shady. Sometimes I think about that woman and her children and I really hope they're well and alive. Honestly.
Hahaha! “Omg he was cool as hell, he ask me for a cigarette, ugh, and gave me a wickkkked fist bump” 🥴🥴🤣🤣 that imitation was hilarious
dude was so annoying
You shouldn't feel guilty at all because youre doing qn amazing job bringing light to each and every one of these cases..each and everyone of these babies lost too soon 💔
People can be horrific but I believe talking about it makes people more aware and more grateful for what we do have and what we can do for our children.
I still feel guilty, I don’t know how not to feel that way. ❤️
@@StephanieHarlowe because you're a decent human being and you know these babies deserve better. It really does break my heart the amount of children that fall through the cracks in the system 💔 😔
I just cried when you listed all those babies! Especially the one that was killed by her mom and grandmom. I am a grandmom and I can not imagine. My grandbaby is my all time favorite person and I love her so much!! It's heart breaking all these babies being killed!! Oh this world 😢😢
My daughter was in the local parade over the weekend so naturally we came to watch and support her. We sat next to two families while we watched this parade. Both families near us were yelling, cussing and smacking their toddlers for simply just being curious. My husband and I got up and told our child, out loud, that we are moving to another area because the behavior of both families were abusive and not how any child should be treated. They called me a bi^ch but I smiled and said I may be a bi^ch but I'm not the one hitting and cussing at my child. We moved to another area and on the way we spoke to one of the security officers and explained what had been happening. It was the best we could do for being in a public situation. I am still upset for those children and wonder what it must be like when they are at home.
It makes my blood boil when I see stuff like that! Every child deserves good parents but not ever parent deserves their child! As a parent myself I just can’t understand how people can treat their child/children in such a way!
I’m the type of diagnosed crazy I would have slapped the shit out of the parents on the spot. I don’t have an off button when it comes to DV, child or animal abuse. A weekend in jail is with it to me.
My little boy is 5 now, and I'll never stop being blown away by how many mothers I tried to become playdate buddies with (in the pre-virus times), how many of those mothers have said something about how calm and patient I am with my son- and couldn't just share the observation without including that they'd physically and mentally harm their kids for behaving "that way". He's autistic and has sensory problems that make life significantly harder for him, and he can't even tell me more about it because he's still to this day nonverbal! How could anyone look another mother in the face and say what essentially registers to me as, "I'd totally beat your disabled kid if he was struggling and in pain from the environment I brought him to!"
Not one mother, 4 people said this type of comment to me before the pandemic! They knew his diagnosis before we made the plans. And this commentary usually came sometime after some stressful situation, such as peeling my scream-crying son off the sidewalk & rushing him to the far end of the park to get him feeling better ASAP, cuz he's more or less expressing his pain and fear the only way he could: kinda like he's having a hysterical panic attack. And it's a result from some jerk who's feeling cool, parked next to the playground with the bass in his music turned up sooo loud, it's gotta be scrambling his brain in there. It's more than annoying or unpleasant for my child, it literally causes him pain and I have never set up plans with anybody who didn't know that.
Anyway, I gave up on finding new company for playdates with kids his age, even with friends of friends. I can't rock with any people that take crying personally or punish babies for begging for help when they're suffering smh. As if 3 year olds have brains that can even create concepts like manipulating parents using their emotions and needs!
Honestly thank you from someone who was like those kids, I grew up thinking that was normal, I had a defiant sister (no judgement) so I just assumed kids who did things I would get hit for were like her.
I hadn't even understood that maybe something was wrong with how we were treated until I ran away from home at 13 to a relatives and they'd brought it up.
Just the idea that their parents are doing something wrong can give them the courage to speak out to trusted adults in their life
Thank you for covering sweet little Ezekiel’s story. I’m from Louisiana and yes our child and family services system is broken.
"People argue all the time" is a nice way of saying "I don't stick my nose in people's business because the cops ain't coming to save my a** if it goes sideways"
How disturbing that she's smiling in her mugshot. Cases that involve children always makes me so so sad, this poor baby
yeah... it's pretty common, though. She doesn't seem ashamed
I thought this too. The boyfriend has obviously been crying, but the mother doesn't look like she's shed a tear with her eyelash extensions and everything.
When I first saw the picture I thought no way is that her mug shot, please let that be a license picture or something. I just can't with these monsters.
Pretty sure whenever you see a blue background, it’s a driver’s license picture.
I notice this often as well..having had more friends and acquaintances than I can count over the years get arrested and have viewed their mugshots..I've noticed there seems to be only 3 reasons people do this...1) they are highly intoxicated..2)they are simply a generaly happy and wholesome person who smiles anytime someone photographs or even just engages them...3) they are total sociopaths and in their head smiling might serve as a way to manipulate thoes involved that they are not the criminal/individual that law enforcement and eventually the DA will claim they are...as if a friendly looking mugshot will help them in the future wether in the courtroom or a Google search by a perspective employer...hmm..I wonder which category she falls into?
I'm def not trying to make broad generalizations but I feel like in so many of these cases there is a new "mother's boyfriend" involved. Almost as if the mom just wants to start over and sees the kids as "baggage". Idk. If there we're more programs in place to help mother's who might be suffering from PPD or other mental health problems I think this would help so much. Such a sad case, and good on you for calling out the people and higher-ups that could absolutely doing more 💜
stats say if there is a man in the house who is not related to the kids, the chances of child abuse shoot up quick
I agree absolutely but I also feel extremely sorry for the amazing fathers & step fathers out their like my amazing partner he is an amazing dad and he had his daughter from birth till she was 6 and her ex addict mother who had her other 3 older kids removed, came along we allowed her too have time to get to know her own daughter again days then weekends then one day refused to let her come back met a dude with money moved and the social work department refused to step in and after telling all sorts of lies about her dad she was allowed to, so myself my own kids including my partners bio son so her half brother and my partner her father who for the best part of her life it had been just the 2 of them, have never got to see her to this day. Which I think is at least partially because of these monster mum's boyfriends committing these beyond heinous crimes x
I got divorced soon two yrs ago. So now my kid has a new stepmom, soon new brother.
I will be happy to stay single til she is 18, or, if I was to meet someone really special, I would not introduce them for months, not to talk about moving in together for At least a minimum of 6 months of dating. Period. The statistics on non bio parents living with kids are so scary. I also think there has been enough change in her life in the last years
There’s an article on Psychology Today called something along the lines of “What Really Happens When Parents Hit Their Kids”. Granted, it’s about the psychological premises for something much more common but this line I will always remember. The author, Dr Cummins, ominously writes:
“As adults, we frequently come home frustrated, tired, and angry. We haven't the patience to deal with what our kids may be dishing out. Once you begin hitting the child who is pushing your buttons, you will experience enormous relief. And that *pleasant relief* can drive you to hit even more, even harder.“
It feels good to break and tear up somebody more defenceless when we ourselves are at the bottom of desperation. This is not an excuse. Just a confirmation of Stephanie’s’ brilliant analysis of the horrible decline of humanity in impoverished Louisiana…
Every time I spanked my kids....I think i cried more than they did smh. I've NEVER felt pleasant after popping their tails.
That explains a fair bit about my mother's treatment of me. Once I decided I wasn't going to take her hitting me her gaslighting skyrocketed. Even at age 40 (me) she still does it & can't help but get extremely smug when she thinks she's getting away with it - as in no one other than me is calling her on it. She made the mistake of doing it in front of my sister a couple of times and my sister was very prompt at backing me up and calling out her awful behaviour.
@@12caelestis have you tried (maybe with a help of your sister, trusted friends etc) to distance yourself from your mother? Just so you know, you don't owe her your presence in her life. I'm not implying it's easy (hence, the outside help), but it just breaks my heart that you still have to endure her while being adult and can't begin to heal the wound she keeps opening. I wish you the best♥️
@@margaritap.9459 Thank you for your reply. I currently live on the opposite side of the planet from her, which is an improvement. We haven't seen each other in person for 13-14 years. I have considered cutting off all contact on and off since I was 15, but I adore my Dad and sister and want to have a relationship with them. Since moving my Dad and sister have both come over twice, but my mother has chosen not to. I've been back once and things were fine for the first 4 days, the 5th day was also my birthday & I'm not sure if that was what set her off that morning. Even at this distance she still tries to find ways to get at me and it's sad that I can only have superficial conversations with her, but that's the choice she has made and I've now given up trying to have a proper relationship with her.
@@12caelestis I'm so glad to hear that - you have managed to get the best of this very sucky situation♥️ I'm in awe with you♥️
Such a handsome little boy. I definitely felt it when you said “where were you a few weeks ago”
That rapid-fire list of children who have been killed by their family recently made me sob. It's so hard to hear these stories. Kids deserve so much better than the incredibly flawed systems we've put in place for them
I recently called the cops on a young lady with three children under the age of eight, in her hotel room. ( I work at the hotel) another guest called several times as well, it took six calls and the mom ODing on the hotel stairs, for the cops to come get the children. I’ve never felt more helpless and angry in my life. I think about them pretty damn often and hope those kids are thriving whenever they ended up. I have extra bedrooms in my home, and wanted to take them but unfortunately it doesn’t work that way. We have to do better, innocent children deserve better.
Thank you Stephanie!
i love that you don’t sugar coat anything! you’re so real and raw and it’s what we need when speaking of these things. great video stephanie!
I remember when I was in a abusive relationship, one time I wished someone would please call 911, I couldn’t call because he took my phone, no one did, I remember the next day when I left I was so embarrassed walking out the apartment to go to work, I knew they all heard the fighting I just knew they didn’t have sympathy but we’re probably laughing or annoyed or thought I was stupid… I learned people don’t care, they prefer to mind their business. I thank God I made it out of that situation.
I thank God you did, too. 💜
It’s because we are told to mind our own business. I would be one that would have called. But, society as a whole are taught this way, I feel. If it doesn’t concern “you” then it’s not “your” problem. And I HATE this logic.
OMG, I am so sorry that happened to you, I am so sorry you felt powerless and looked for a lifeline. I am so sad right now. I am so glad you are okay.
I've been there dear. I'm so glad you are safe now.
Some ppl are afraid of retribution
My husband and I are having a hard time conceiving and hearing stories like this makes me so angry and so sad. Why do these people get blessed with these beautiful babies just to destroy them? 💔
I will be praying for you! may you one day be parents ♡♡♡
@@wayasaunooke3424 thank you so so much! 😭❤️
@@jackie_leslie it's an honor to pray on your behalf ❤ I truly hope your aches are healed and that you will one day have the precious child you deserve ♡
"For this child we prayed..." 🙏💕
I couldn’t agree with you more but maybe a next step would be looking into being foster parents and if the right kid/kids come along adopt them?!? If you know it’s a step you guys have thought about and think would work for you … idk how you guys are feeling with everything but it’d help the problem and you’d get plenty of kiddos to love and care for the right way?!?
As a teacher of Pre-K who called CPS and police about children, I can say it's so heartbreaking how little they respond. I always followed up with CPS and they would say that they didn't have enough to do anything. We would sometimes contact them 3 times and still hear the same. We would call cops and they said they couldn't do anything either. It was sad and incredibly scary as people usually figured out I called. I'd ask to be escorted to my car. I eventually quit teaching for a number of reasons but helplessness was definitely one of them. Legally we couldn't hold a child and to watch them leave again was just too much.
Totally understand this sentiment. I worked in an after school program. One time I was calling CPS to make a report on mom and step dad. I found out at the same time the school was calling CPS to make a report on dad and step mom. Some of these kids just don't stand a chance and it's awful.
And the circle. "Oh call cps" then "oh call the police." Never ending... I feel for you. And others that just want to do good but have little power to do so... much love.. xx
I ALWAYS call the cops when I see/hear domestic disturbance that I suspect may escalate. Mostly because I know how important it is to have a legal record of police calls to an address or relating to people. Even if the police do nothing, I want the people at that home to know someone is watching out and I want there to be a legal record that someone reported violence of some kind.
My father-in-law lived in a “luxury” apartment complex and I observed a young, well dressed couple aggressively pulling into the parking lot in a $80,000 car. You could hear the man screaming at the woman and hitting the steering wheel and dashboard before they even opened the door. He got out, walked to her door, jerked it open and grabbed her out of the car by her upper arm. I was on the landing of the building they were walking up and pretended to know the girl, and have the “dress” she lent me. She followed me to my FIL’s apartment and when I asked her if she was ok and offered to go get her some things from her apartment (with my FIL and cops) and help get her to her family or friends. She declined all help. I still called the cops and made a report, even though she didn’t want help. A year later the man was in court on an aggravated assault charge and my report was used by the prosecutor to show a pattern of behavior. He was found guilty.
I do the same. A couple of months ago I was woke up from a sound sleep by a woman screaming ‘get your hands off me’. I grabbed my phone and bat, flew down the stairs, and as I was dialing 911 and getting ready to bust a skull, the police arrived. Don’t know who called, but god bless them. And god bless you for caring about strangers enough to get involved.
My husband and I have been trying for six years to have a child. It breaks my heart and enrages me to hear about all
These “parents” who kill and abuse their children. You know how many people would LOVE to have a baby but can’t?! And then people like this are out there popping out kids w multiple partners & then abusing or neglecting them. It infuriates me
this has me in tears, these child cases are always so crushing to hear. knowing that he liked to give hugs just really hit me emotionally different. a week or so ago, a little girl came up to me wanting a high five and a hug, and just that spark of happiness in her eyes when i returned those actions, and her telling me to “have a nice day” as she left, has stuck with me. i just can’t ever understand how anyone can ever be so cruel to a child :c
I can’t imagine how heavy these cases can weigh on someone after researching them. Thank you for giving these victims the respect and acknowledgment they deserve. I feel like so often we become numb to all the horrific tragedies of the world that so many of these stories become that, just stories.
"This isn't Harry Potter!!!'' OMG STEPHANIE your delivery is amazing, such disgusting crimes by terrible people, but you share this with us with passion and empathy! LOVE YOU GIRL
Stephanie, I know that black cloud feeling. I worked in the courts it became to much witnessing the things people do to children. This is why I say "the real monster in our world are people."
I remember living in an apartment building with a very colicky baby, and having the police do a well fare check. Was I annoyed yes but at the same time it was kinda of comforting to know that if there was a serious problem, it wouldn’t be ignored.
Those grown women making that baby drink a whole bottle of whiskey really made me tear up. How the French toast (‘you know what i really want to say) do people have so much hate and evil in their heart to do that - like my mind cannot wrap my head around that. The saying “hell is empty -the devils are here are earth” comes to mind. May their little souls Rest In Peace
when i was 14 my adopted guardian finally succeeded in 'exiting stage left' after many attempts, at the memorial service one of her sisters said to me 'well, its good that suffering is over' or something very similar, indicating that they all knew what was going on was wrong in our house, but nothing was ever DONE, just stop gap, bandage, methods because basic survival is ok (thriving isn't looked to) this is the root of "i had X done to me and i turned out fine" no. there are very few 'fine' people. so so many hurt and damaged people, perpetuating it anon.
Well, to an extent, yes. I'm not *fine* by any means. But I've recovered. It did take therapy, me recognizing my bad behavior to myself was the result of believing that I deserved nothing good, or my "family" wouldn't have hurt me to start with. Trauma is ingrained. But once I was an adult, I had enough understanding to realize if I hurt another person, that would be MY fault. Not the fault of those who abused me. Cycles can be broken.
King Jesus Christ can take all your pain away. 🛐📖
@@GenXfrom75 Most people don't see how their own issues are the problem. I know way too many people that should be in therapy and laugh at the idea of going. I personally have been in therapy for 3 years and it's definitely life changing.
@@joanna0988 definitely. My point really was that after we're adults, our trauma doesn't give us a pass for hurting someone else and giving them trauma, too. But I know people who would benefit greatly from psychotherapy. But they scoff at the idea.
This video is why you are my favorite true crime creator. You don't beat around the bush. You say it like it is. So many people fear triggering people or getting demonitized so they they either whisper or say SA. That drives me insane. Thank you for being real. You are a breath of fresh air.
The story of the grandmother and mother killing the little girl by forcing her to drink alcohol breaks my heart. I'm sober 7 months now. That was so triggering. I pray for her and all the poor babies gone too soon because of adults who act no better than children.
I just wanted to congratulate you on your ongoing sobriety! You're amazing, strong and brave......keep going ❤️
I have been seeing SO many cases come up recently of children dying at the hands of their parents/guardians and it is absolutely heart breaking.
Your intro was spot on; I feel the same way about the new v old cases & the guilt that sometimes sneaks in when I look at my safe & healthy little family. Great reminder for me to be grateful! ❤️
It’s tough, and I don’t have the answers ❤️
I just made myself some coffee and can’t wait to sit down and listen to you. You really make these with so much thought and compassion.
Awww thank you, I try to!
@@StephanieHarlowe please think about doing a book about your life your favorites cases
@@StephanieHarlowe l am proud of you
@@BarbaraT. have you ever watched savannah brymer ? Wayyyyy worse in that regard
@@BarbaraT. yeah it’s very cringey and insensitive
THANK YOU for your spiel about constant arguing and how its _not_ healthy and normal! I’ve been saying the same things to my people all damn summer and it’s like no one effing believes me!
Right!? My bf and I have never raised our voices at each other. Not once.
This happened 5 minutes from my house, less than a minute from where I work. Our little town of Houma has experienced so much pain and hurt, between violence and murder, addiction and disease taking the lives of so many, catastrophic hurricanes stealing our homes, and somehow this has hit our community harder than any of those things. Thank you for covering this. Ezekiel deserves for the world to know his name.
Also, just a side note: Guidry is one of the most common last names in this area. I happen to be a Guidry and am not related to either of the people mentioned in this video. We’re a Cajun community so most of us tend to have different variations of the same names. It’s a whole different world down here. Again, thanks for all you do!
I live in Houma to … I’m so happy to see a big you tuber covering this for this beautiful sweet baby 😢🥀🕊🙏🏼
I really appreciated the research you did to call out the state of Louisiana. Without it I could’ve seen people brushing this off as just a “few and far between” case. This a wayyyyy bigger problem than we know and it’s everywhere.
Louisiana is one of the 3 poorest states in the nation. Thr crime rate is sky high, and education... the lowest in the US. I'm still not sure why the people in power aren't seeking adequate change. The legislators in this state should be ashamed.
@@ms.education4365 born and raised in Louisiana. Those in power that you speak of are some of the most corrupt in the nation. They steal any and all revenue from the state and could care less about those who have no choice but to live here. That is why we are the worst of the worst at everything! Poorest, least educated, worst roads and infrastructure. They just line their pockets and go on about their day.
All they respond to down here are guns and Jesus. Send help! Lol
@@jeelsie9 Being from Louisiana, your comment was unnecessary. We have big problems down here that have existed for ever, at least from the 20's and 30's if not sooner. We have a running joke that all politicians are crooked especially here. And dont even start with if it's so bad why not move. Not so easy when the cost of living is much higher in other states. Most of the people here are doing the best we can with what we have.
@@ms.education4365 Honestly I don't think the people in power here give a crap about the people. As long as their lifestyle stays comfy they are good.
Thank you, Stephanie!!!!! Your speech about calling abuse what it is brought some healing to my heart!!!
A few years ago I heard the woman next door screaming at her child so loudly I could make out every word. The things she said would have made me, a grown adult, cry if they were screamed at me that way. I totally relate to that one neighbour saying she was shaking and crying because I did the same thing...and then I called CPS. I never heard anything like that ever again, and I can only hope it's because it truly did get better and that she didn't just get better at hiding it.
We pay SO much in taxes but I honestly couldnt tell you where it goes. Our roads are crap, our schools are close to (if not) dead last, etc. Its ridiculous. We were hit by Laura and Delta and I know people who are still not able to get into their homes 2 years later.
I remember growing up and being outside all the time. But we felt safe because if it wasn't OUR mom watching us, *someone's mom* always was. That was our village. I miss that for my own children.
I have a 2 year old grandson named Ezekiel...I couldn't imagine him in a trash can...He is so active his Mom and Dad are so patient with him I think he is the best little dude in the world...I'm so sorry little man nobody stood up for you... ❤️
Haven't watched the video yet, but the fact that the thumbnail is a sweet little child already breaks my heart. Thanks for covering the most vulnerable among us.
I purchased "Chemical Love" the intro always has me dancing around waiting for the next video but also the outro "Blood on the Strings" I love it! Steph please share your playlist.💜
my church tradition has us mourn for 40 days, every passed parish member is named and prayed for during the liturgy. i add the victims whos stories you tell into my nightly prayers and i share it with my closest church family. they will never be forgotten and i believe that our stolen children are in merciful hands now :( lord have mercy on the world
Sitting here watching my baby eat her scrambled eggs in her high chair, wondering how any mother can be responsible for something like this 😑
exactly
Just a note at the beginning, the father probably meant a 'whuppin' : it's common AAVE for a spanking. & Ty for not shying away from these cases, these victims deserve voices 🖤
It is still hitting your kid, spank, whip, whupp whatever
I was also going to say it was whoopin' which is really common among southerners especially in Lousiana.
@@baibakaupina1852 literally no one said it wasn't? She asked what it meant, so I told her. Go virtue signal to ppl who care plz 🙃
@@makennanugent9665 yeah a lot of AAVE & southern slang borrows from each other. I think it's pretty cool to learn about 🖤
And it’s still wrong
Firstly, thank you Stephanie for covering this sweet baby’s story. Being from New Orleans when things like this happen it hits us all out here hard. New Orleanians whether we know each other or not have this unspoken bond ever since Katrina. It’s like one big family to most of us. Unfortunately the crime down here has reached disgustingly high levels. Driving on the interstate has become a terrifying experience you don’t know if you’ll get shot on your way to work or just to the store. Car jackings have become an everyday in broad daylight event. An older woman was carjacked and dragged by her seatbelt by teenagers until her arm was detached and she lost her life. Just to have thee car found 2 blocked away. And the list goes on and on. This is a beautiful city with so much culture& resilience how it’s becoming such a hell on earth is sad to witness. Most of us are packing to leave this place we called home proudly and now feel ashamed of how the world perceives us. God Bless this baby and his family.
YES! I just posted a comment of how I’ll NEVER return to lousiana. It’s trashy (not from the hurricanes) from people who just blatantly throw their trash everywhere! Like this is your home! Kids are screamed at constantly because mom is on the phone talking loudly and walking way ahead; and the baby can’t keep up. Cussed at for just being children. The pre-teens kids all act WILD. Louisiana has gone down hill so so much! I fear it may NEVER return to its state of everyone coming together to celebrate Mardi Gras. It’s like religion was replaced by hated, and disrespect. I feel so sorry that you’re from New Orleans and having to deal with this. Thank God I was able to leave. I hope soon you can leave and don’t live in fear every single day. And to that lady who lost her life over a car.. may she Rest In Peace.. that is the most painful thing to hear about.
I live in baton rouge. My family is from new orleans and moved to breaux bridge after Katrina. Louisiana is turning to crap. I love living here dont get me wrong but it is changing for the worse on a daily basis. Makes me scared to raise my daughter here but am trying to make the best of it and trying to raise her right so that maybe our children will better Louisiana's future....
I love seeing someone so passionate about these issues. Just reporting on cases doesn't do enough, there needs to be change and I'm happy you're advocating for it. Thank you!
I just wish I knew WHAT to do, and I have wracked my brain
Thank you for being here for us no matter what we go through, my anxiety has been bad tonight thank you for helping to ease it, I appreciate you 💓
glad I can help!
As a child abuse victim I promise every time it was interrupted it stopped. It lessend I still remember The people who would stop at the store and notice and stick up for me and it’s a child who didn’t think I was worth sticking up for it made all of the difference. I still remember it still matters into my 20s call the cops please I owe my life to the ones who would with me 💕
Thank you for being a voice for those children. When the government failed me and ripped me from the loving arms of my grandparents and sent my back to live a life of trauma…I felt that no one cared…no one heard. But people do care…and Stephanie this video is proof. So from a recovering victim of childhood domestic violence …thank you.
I’m from Houma. Still currently reside in the area and firstly I would like to Thank you Stephanie for covering this case so many times things from “down here” get swept under the rug be it because it really is a backwoods and behind the times area or officials covering it up. We had a serial killer in this area kill 23 men and it never made national news for whatever reason. I can assure yu when Trey says a “big whipping” it means with an instrument. This is very much a “spare the rod,spoil the child” area. Disfunction is rampant here fueled by every corner in the town being occupied by bars,drive thru daiquiri shops,and churches. It was a tragedy that should have never happened. Trey wanted those children if Maya didn’t she could have given them to him. As far as our tax dollars;no one really knows where it goes because our streets are terrible , our schools are horrendous,and every other year there’s another official being arrested for putting their hand in the cookie jar. The local energy companies have added a 200.00 a month “infrastructure tax” to everyone’s bills monthly from the hike in gas prices and hurricane damage. It’s really a problem. Louisiana is portrayed to the rest of the country as a party but we’re really hurting down here and no one will listen.
These poor children were killed by there parents and it could have been prevented and on the other hand single mothers who leave their teenage children to watch the littles to work get their children taken away. It’s problem. It’s a tragedy.
I definitely agree with seeing us as a party... the invasion of people we get for Mardi Gras... the traditional Mardi Gras is really only done in small towns who still take pride in our Cajun heritage. The rest of the world thinks Mardi Gras is just a month long party.
I'm from a small town near Lafayette and we aren't as backwoods as Houma but corruption is rampant here as well.
I'm sure you've heard of the women of Jennings and how that was covered up.
@@ericaboudreaux929 I live right smack in the middle of Jennings and Lafayette! Right off I-10.
💯💯💯💯
Stephanie, I am here for this rant - PREACH!!! Thank you for calling out the bs of the system. Our children deserve better.
My entire childhood my parents abused me emotionally and physically. I went to a dare officer about it, told the counsellors, showed them the marks. I told them in great detail, too detailed for a 9 yr old to make up, how my parents made me kneel against a wall while they used belts one me and my brother when we weren't well behaved enough at church. A CPS worker came to our door, and asked me questions while my mother was just in the other room in my sight, shaking her head as I swallowed my fear and told them everything....my heart pounded but I told every truth I could....and then they left me alone with my mother for one night and I never told the truth again.
Hostage is a good word for it Stephanie. It's exactly how I felt. I cried from what I can remember, almost every night hoping someone would take me out of there, resenting the people who birthed me, hating social workers and police for not helping me while I was screaming it from the rooftops. The day after my 17th birthday, my dad punched me in the shoulder with a closed fist because I was five minutes late getting out of the job they made me get to contribute to the family and he had to pick me up because I didn't have a car. I ran away the next morning. Being a run away was extremely tough and dangerous for me on many levels but I was one of the lucky ones who somehow survived it.
We need something, anything for kids who have to endure this horrific reality every day. I was one of the 'lesser' cases. I was not abused enough, and no...those arent my words, they were the words of the adults around me. My parents were just strict, just a little too punishing, but they were never called what they were. Monsters, abusers, alcoholics who werent fit to be parents.
We need change and we needed it yesterday. I would've gladly welcomed a huge farm with other saved children, I would have welcomed any safe haven that got me out of there. I would have welcomed anyone who was willing to take the role of mother for me. Now as I get older, when it's brought up ever, I will refer to myself as an orphan by choice. They dont exist to me, and I pray every day that they never find me and reach out. My only last wish from them is to respect me enough to let me heal these wounds you created on my own.
My heart breaks hearing your story, I wish I could have helped you, I wish someone would have helped you. So sorry you went through that
@@StephanieHarlowe Thanks Stephanie, my heart breaks for the ones who dont survive. At least I'm here, and maybe someday if I'm lucky enough, I'll get to be a better mom and end the cycle there.
Because of situations such as yours; CPS is now made to question the children of suspected abuse out of the earshot of their parents…preferably while the child is at school. That way the parents do not even know it’s happening.
I think old school CPS was a learning curve. Although…common sense tells you that if a child may be being abused by the parent, the LAST thing you want to do is question the children in front of the suspected abuser. They would be afraid to tell and if they did tell and were not removed…the retaliation to the children would be two fold of the normal abuse.
I’ve been there. I hope life is treating you much better now.
@@PHBRNTGGR2 I'm happy to hear that they don't do this anymore. Back then being so young and naive I thought if I told the truth they'd remove me immediately. I was so very very wrong.
Stephanie, I have been watching you for years and respect you so much for the time and effort you put into making these videos. You’re more thorough than any other RUclipsr or podcaster in the true crime scene.
I never would have thought I would see a case from my small hometown covered by you. It feels cliche to say that stuff like this doesn’t really happen here, but it’s true 🥺
Hi stephanie. I just wanted to know your empathy and dogged determination to make sure you did everything you possibly could to alert the authorities is extremely admirable. You are a very caring and warm hearted person. Not to mention of strong character. From someone who suffered physical and emotional abuse as a child, i also was saved by a caring neighbour who was an elderly widow that could have easily turnded a blind eye/deaf ear. Despite my rocky start in life im now a happy and fairly sucessful adult. Its not always easy to know what goes on behind closed doors. Especially in an age where many areas suffer from a lack of old fashioned community spirit. If there were far more people like yourself, we would all live in a much better world. So well done you for having the genuine heartfelt compassion and spirit towards your fellow man, woman, child. thank you.
From london with luv
That was very nicely said & I completely agree. From a fellow Brit but from up north!