Two day care workers in Des Plaines, Illinois, were arrested this week after they were allegedly recorded abusing several children in their care. Jessica Murillo, 36, and Izabella Thompson, 23, were charged with multiple crimes, including aggravated battery and misdemeanor battery. The abuse allegedly occurred at A Mother’s Touch Learning Academy, located about 15 miles northwest of Chicago, between early to mid-November 2025. The disturbing incidents were brought to light after a parent reported an alleged incident where a child care provider sprayed a child in the face with water.
Investigation and Discovery of Additional Abuse
Following the initial complaint, the directors of the day care launched an internal investigation, reviewing surveillance footage and contacting the state Department of Child and Family Services. The investigation revealed multiple instances of abuse, with video evidence showing Murillo and Thompson battering seven boys between the ages of 4 and 5. The alleged abuse involved striking children with objects like a notebook, smacking them in the face, and dragging them across the floor. Despite the disturbing nature of the abuse, police confirmed that none of the children suffered severe injuries or required medical attention.
Charges and Court Appearances
Jessica Murillo faces three felony counts of aggravated battery and 12 misdemeanor counts of battery for her actions, including allegedly striking a child in the face with a notebook and dragging a 4-year-old boy by his foot, causing his head to strike the ground. Murillo is scheduled for her first court appearance on Wednesday. Izabella Thompson, who is facing four misdemeanor counts of battery, is scheduled to appear in court on March 30.
Des Plaines Police Chief David Anderson expressed his concern, stating that the case was a “painful breach of trust” and praised the day care directors for their swift actions in reporting the abuse.
