Daycare Workers Charged with Battery After Alleged Abuse

Two employees at an Illinois daycare accused of physically abusing multiple children in their care

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Two daycare workers in Des Plaines, Illinois have been arrested and charged with multiple counts of battery after surveillance footage allegedly showed them abusing children at A Mother's Touch Daycare. Jessica Murillo, 36, and Izabella Thompson, 23, are accused of incidents including Murillo hitting a child in the face with a notebook, dragging a 4-year-old boy across the floor by his foot, and striking another child multiple times in the face. The daycare directors reported the alleged abuse to police after a parent complaint and an internal investigation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the critical need for strong oversight and accountability in the childcare industry, where parents entrust the wellbeing of their children to providers. The alleged abuse at this daycare raises concerns about the screening, training, and supervision of staff to prevent such incidents from occurring.

The details

According to police, the alleged incidents of abuse occurred between November 3 and November 19, 2025. Murillo is accused of three felony counts of aggravated battery and 12 misdemeanor counts of battery, while Thompson faces four misdemeanor battery charges. The daycare directors say they immediately removed the staff members involved and reported the incidents to authorities, including the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, once they became aware of the alleged conduct.

  • The alleged incidents occurred between November 3 and November 19, 2025.
  • Murillo's first court appearance is set for February 25, 2026.
  • Thompson will appear in court on March 30, 2026.

The players

Jessica Murillo

A 36-year-old daycare worker charged with three felony counts of aggravated battery and 12 misdemeanor counts of battery for allegedly abusing children at A Mother's Touch Daycare.

Izabella Thompson

A 23-year-old daycare worker charged with four misdemeanor counts of battery for allegedly abusing children at A Mother's Touch Daycare.

A Mother's Touch Daycare

The Illinois daycare where the alleged abuse incidents took place, and whose directors reported the incidents to authorities.

Des Plaines Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the alleged abuse at A Mother's Touch Daycare and charged Murillo and Thompson.

David Anderson

The Des Plaines Police Chief who expressed sympathy for the affected children and families and praised the daycare for cooperating with the investigation.

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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. 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.”

— David Anderson, Des Plaines Police Chief (PEOPLE)

What’s next

The judge will decide on February 25 whether to allow Jessica Murillo out on bail, and Izabella Thompson will appear in court on March 30.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for rigorous oversight, training, and accountability measures in the childcare industry to protect vulnerable children from abuse and ensure parents' trust is not violated.