Daycare Employees Accused Of Battering 7 Boys: Des Plaines PD

DES PLAINES, IL – Two employees from A Mother’s Touch Daycare in Des Plaines have been charged with multiple battery offenses. The charges follow an investigation into incidents that reportedly occurred between Nov. 3 and Nov. 19, 2025.

Jessica Murillo, 36, of Morton Grove, and Izabella Thompson, 23, of Chicago were arrested Monday following an investigation by Des Plaines police, with assistance from the Department of Children and Family Services and the Cook County State's Attorney's Office.

The police investigation determined that seven male children, aged four to five, were reportedly battered by either Murillo or Thompson during the specified period. The nature of the contact varied, but no children required medical attention or sustained severe physical injuries.

According to police, daycare directors were alerted on Nov. 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. On Nov. 24, the directors, accompanied by a child's parent, filed a formal report with the Des Plaines Police Department.

Murillo was charged with three felony counts of aggravated battery and 12 misdemeanor counts of battery. The felony charges include allegations of striking a child with a notebook, dragging a 4-year-old by his foot, causing his head to strike the ground, and striking another child multiple times with an open hand. Thompson was charged with four misdemeanor counts of battery.

A Mother's Touch Daycare cooperated fully with the Des Plaines Police Department throughout the investigation, providing information needed to obtain formal charges.

"Our hearts go out to the children and families affected by this troubling case," Des Plaines Police Chief David Anderson said. "This was a painful breach of trust by individuals entrusted with the care of young children."

Murillo is scheduled for her first court appearance on Wednesday. Thompson will appear in court on March 30.