Daycare Employees Charged with Battering 7 Boys in Des Plaines

Two workers at A Mother's Touch Daycare face multiple battery offenses following an investigation into incidents from November 2025.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Two employees from A Mother's Touch Daycare in Des Plaines, Illinois have been charged with multiple battery offenses following an investigation into incidents that reportedly occurred between November 3 and November 19, 2025, where seven male children aged four to five were allegedly battered by the daycare workers.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of thorough background checks, proper training, and ongoing monitoring of daycare employees to ensure the safety and well-being of young children in their care. It also raises concerns about the need for stronger regulations and oversight in the daycare industry to prevent such incidents from occurring.

The details

Jessica Murillo, 36, of Morton Grove, and Izabella Thompson, 23, of Chicago were arrested on Monday following an investigation by the Des Plaines Police Department, with assistance from the Department of Children and Family Services and the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. The investigation determined that the nature of the contact with the children varied, but no children required medical attention or sustained severe physical injuries. The daycare directors were alerted to the incidents on November 20, 2025, by a parent regarding an incident where a childcare provider allegedly sprayed a child's face with water. The directors initiated an internal investigation, reviewed surveillance footage, contacted DCFS, and suspended both Murillo and Thompson. Further investigation by the daycare directors uncovered additional video evidence of Murillo and Thompson allegedly battering multiple children.

  • The incidents reportedly occurred between November 3 and November 19, 2025.
  • On November 20, 2025, the daycare directors were alerted to the incidents by a parent.
  • On November 24, the daycare directors, accompanied by a child's parent, filed a formal report with the Des Plaines Police Department.
  • Murillo is scheduled for her first court appearance on Wednesday.
  • Thompson will appear in court on March 30.

The players

Jessica Murillo

A 36-year-old employee of A Mother's Touch Daycare in Des Plaines who has been charged with three felony counts of aggravated battery and 12 misdemeanor counts of battery.

Izabella Thompson

A 23-year-old employee of A Mother's Touch Daycare in Des Plaines who has been charged with four misdemeanor counts of battery.

A Mother's Touch Daycare

The daycare facility in Des Plaines, Illinois where the alleged incidents occurred and where Murillo and Thompson were employed.

Des Plaines Police Department

The law enforcement agency that conducted the investigation into the alleged incidents at A Mother's Touch Daycare, with assistance from the Department of Children and Family Services and the Cook County State's Attorney's Office.

David Anderson

The Des Plaines Police Chief who expressed that the department's "hearts go out to the children and families affected by this troubling case" and that it was a "painful breach of trust by individuals entrusted with the care of young children."

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What they’re saying

“Our hearts go out to the children and families affected by this troubling case. This was a painful breach of trust by individuals entrusted with the care of young children.”

— David Anderson, Des Plaines Police Chief (Patch.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Wednesday whether or not to allow Jessica Murillo out on bail, and Izabella Thompson is due in court on March 30.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for rigorous background checks, comprehensive training, and ongoing monitoring of daycare employees to ensure the safety and well-being of young children in their care. It also underscores the importance of strong regulations and oversight in the daycare industry to prevent such incidents from occurring and to swiftly address any allegations of abuse or neglect.