by Des Plaines, Illinois — Two suburban daycare employees are facing criminal charges after authorities say surveillance video revealed multiple incidents involving young children at a Des Plaines childcare center.
Police allege that Izabella Thompson, 23, of Chicago, and Jessica Murillo, 36, of Morton Grove, battered at least seven children between Nov. 3 and Nov. 19 at A Mother’s Touch Daycare.
The accusations involve children between the ages of 4 and 5 years old, according to the Des Plaines Police Department.
Investigation Began After Parent Complaint
The case began when a parent approached daycare directors to report that a child had allegedly been sprayed in the face with water by a staff member inside the classroom.
Daycare officials immediately launched an internal investigation, reviewed surveillance footage, contacted the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and suspended both workers.
However, as video was reviewed more closely, officials said they uncovered additional troubling behavior.
Police said surveillance footage showed Murillo and Thompson “battering multiple children.”
Daycare directors, along with the parents of one child, then brought the case to police.
Allegations Detailed in Criminal Charges
According to investigators, seven male children were allegedly battered during the period under review.
Authorities outlined several specific allegations:
- A child allegedly struck in the face with a notebook
- A 4-year-old boy allegedly dragged across the floor by his foot, causing him to hit his head
- A child allegedly struck in the face multiple times with an open hand
- A child allegedly sprayed with water
Police said that while the nature of the contact varied, no children required medical attention or suffered severe physical injuries.
Murillo has been charged with three felony counts of aggravated battery and 12 misdemeanor counts of battery.
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Thompson faces four misdemeanor counts of battery, accused of making physical contact “of an insulting or provoking nature.”
Daycare Cooperated with Authorities
Police emphasized that A Mother’s Touch Daycare was fully cooperative throughout the investigation and provided the necessary information to support formal charges.
“Our hearts go out to the children and families affected by this troubling case,” said Des Plaines Police Chief David Anderson. “This was a painful breach of trust by individuals entrusted with the care of young children.”
The daycare released a statement confirming that both Murillo and Thompson are no longer employed at the facility.
“The safety and wellbeing of the children in our care is always our top priority,” the daycare said. “As soon as we became aware of conduct that did not align with our standards, we immediately removed the staff members involved and notified the appropriate authorities.”
The facility also confirmed it contacted DCFS and continues to cooperate fully with the ongoing review.
Court Proceedings Underway
Murillo has been released pretrial, while Thompson is scheduled to appear in court on March 30. Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed as the case moves forward.
The allegations have shaken families in the Des Plaines community, raising renewed concerns about oversight and accountability in childcare settings.
As the legal process unfolds, police say protecting children remains the priority.
What are your thoughts on this case and childcare oversight? Share your perspective in the comments below.
