Des Plaines daycare workers charged with battering kids in care

Two suburban daycare workers face multiple charges after numerous incidents involving children in their care.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 5:19pm

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Two daycare workers, Izabella Thompson and Jessica Murillo, have been charged with battering at least seven children between the ages of 4 and 5 at A Mother's Touch Daycare in Des Plaines, Illinois. The alleged incidents include striking a child in the face with a notebook, spraying another with water, dragging a child across the floor by his foot, and hitting another child multiple times in the face. The investigation began after a parent reported a child being sprayed with water, leading the daycare to review surveillance footage and contact authorities.

Why it matters

The alleged abuse of young children at a daycare facility is a serious breach of trust and raises concerns about the safety and wellbeing of children in care. This case highlights the importance of strong oversight, training, and accountability measures for daycare providers to protect vulnerable children.

The details

According to police, the investigation found that Thompson and Murillo battered at least seven male children between November 3 and November 19. The alleged incidents included Murillo striking a child in the face with a notebook, dragging a 4-year-old boy across the floor by his foot, and hitting another child multiple times in the face with an open hand. Thompson was charged with four misdemeanor counts of battery for "making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature." The daycare said both workers are no longer employed there and that they are fully cooperating with the investigation.

  • The alleged incidents occurred between November 3 and November 19, 2026.
  • Murillo is expected to appear in court on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.
  • Thompson is scheduled to go before a judge on March 30, 2026.

The players

Izabella Thompson

A 23-year-old daycare worker from Chicago who is facing four misdemeanor counts of battery.

Jessica Murillo

A 36-year-old daycare worker from Morton Grove who is facing three felony counts of aggravated battery and 12 misdemeanor counts of battery.

A Mother's Touch Daycare

The daycare facility in Des Plaines, Illinois where the alleged incidents occurred.

David Anderson

The Des Plaines Police Chief who expressed sympathy for the affected children and families.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Wednesday whether or not to allow Murillo out on bail. Thompson is scheduled to go before a judge on March 30.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for robust oversight, training, and accountability measures in the daycare industry to protect vulnerable children from abuse. It also underscores the importance of parents and daycare staff being vigilant and reporting any suspected misconduct to authorities immediately.