This week, two daycare workers from Illinois found themselves in legal trouble, facing several battery charges tied to incidents that allegedly took place last November, involving young children under their supervision.
According to the Des Plaines Police Department, Jessica Murillo, 36, and Izabella Thompson, 23, were officially charged on Monday. The charges were the result of a collaborative investigation with the state Department of Children and Family Services and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The situation came to light on November 20, 2025, when a parent informed the directors of A Mother’s Touch Daycare about an incident where an employee allegedly sprayed a child in the face with water.
Upon hearing the allegation, the daycare directors promptly initiated an internal inquiry, reviewed the surveillance footage, contacted the DCFS, and placed both Murillo and Thompson on suspension, according to police reports.
As the directors continued their inquiry, they uncovered additional footage showing Murillo and Thompson engaging in abusive behavior towards children between November 3 and November 19. Consequently, on November 24, the directors, along with a concerned parent, filed a formal complaint with the police.
Through their investigation, law enforcement officials discovered that seven boys, aged 4 and 5, were victims of battery by either Murillo or Thompson during the specified period.
Murillo was charged with three felony counts of aggravated battery and 12 misdemeanor counts of battery.
“The felony charges involve allegations of Murillo striking a child in the face with a notebook, dragging a four-year-old male across the floor by his foot (causing his head to strike the ground), and striking another child in the face multiple times with an open hand,” police said.
Thompson was charged with four misdemeanor counts of batteries.
Police stressed that none of the children required medical attention or suffered severe physical injuries and that daycare and its directors were “fully cooperative” as investigators probed the incidents.
“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. I want to thank the directors and staff of A Mother’s Touch Daycare for acting quickly, alerting authorities, and fully cooperating with our investigators.”
Murillo appeared in court on Wednesday, when a judge denied prosecutors motion to hold her without bond, the Daily Herald reported.
“It’s obviously extremely disturbing to hear these allegations. This is a parent’s worst nightmare,” Cook County Judge Michele Gemskie said.
Gemskie released Murillo with multiple conditions, including no contact with her accusers, their parents, or guardians; staying away from the daycare center, and no contact with anyone under 18 except family members with supervision by another adult.
Thompson is due in court on March 30. Both women were subsequently fired from their jobs.
