Two Illinois daycare workers are facing criminal charges after authorities say surveillance video captured repeated incidents of physical abuse involving young children in their care.
Jessica Murillo, 36, and Izabella Thompson, 23, were arrested this week following a joint investigation by the Des Plaines Police Department, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. The charges stem from alleged incidents that occurred over a roughly two-week period in November 2025 at A Mother’s Touch Daycare.
The case began when a parent alerted the daycare’s directors on November 20 about an incident in which an employee was accused of spraying a child in the face with water. According to police, the daycare’s leadership acted immediately — reviewing surveillance footage, contacting DCFS, and suspending both employees pending further investigation.
What they reportedly found next escalated the situation.
Additional video footage allegedly showed multiple incidents involving the two women and several children between November 3 and November 19. By November 24, daycare administrators and at least one parent filed a formal complaint with police, triggering a broader criminal investigation.
Detectives later determined that seven boys, ages 4 and 5, were victims of battery during that timeframe.
Murillo now faces three felony counts of aggravated battery along with 12 misdemeanor battery charges. Authorities allege she struck one child in the face with a notebook, dragged a 4-year-old across the floor by his foot — causing the child’s head to hit the ground — and slapped another child multiple times.
Thompson has been charged with four misdemeanor counts of battery.
Police emphasized that none of the children suffered serious physical injuries or required medical treatment. However, law enforcement officials acknowledged the emotional impact such allegations can have on families.
Des Plaines Police Chief David Anderson described the situation as a painful violation of trust, noting that parents expect daycare workers to provide a safe environment for their children. He also credited the daycare’s directors and staff for responding quickly once concerns were raised and cooperating fully with investigators.
Murillo appeared in court Wednesday, where prosecutors sought to have her detained without bond. A judge denied that request but imposed strict conditions for her release. She is barred from contacting the alleged victims or their families, must stay away from the daycare facility, and is prohibited from interacting with anyone under 18 except family members — and only under adult supervision.
Thompson is scheduled to appear in court on March 30.
Both women have been terminated from their positions at the daycare.
For parents, the allegations strike at the heart of a basic expectation: that children left in the care of professionals will be protected. As the case moves through the court system, families and the broader community will be watching closely — not only for legal outcomes, but for reassurance that safeguards are in place to prevent such incidents from happening again.
