Dad Ran CSAM Ring + Forced Kids To Live In Cave For Decade

Dad Ran CSAM Ring + Forced Kids To Live In Cave For Decade

Content warning. This video is about a sensitive topic involving loss of life. We’ve removed any graphic content to comply with YouTube’s guidelines. We aim to provide informative, factual journalism on a tragic event in the public interest that does not dismiss its seriousness. All clips are used under the doctrine of fair use for news reporting and analysis.

The city of Deming, New Mexico, known as the Rock Hunter Paradise, is located in Luna County, just 35 miles north of the Mexican border. It is small with less than 15,000 residents per the 2020 census, but according to crimegrade.org, Deming is less safe than 85% of US cities.

 Now, obviously, sites like this can be wildly inaccurate with their data. So, we decide to look for experiences from people who have lived there. When looking for takes from locals, one person described it rather interestingly, saying, “Ever seen that classic oldtime photo of the dead cowboy face down in the desert with buzzards getting ready to pick at the corpse? Yeah, that’s stemming.

” Some folks blame corrupt public officials, rumored human trafficking, or rampant DV. Others feel it’s too hot and there simply isn’t anything to do, and that the culture seems to be about 20 years behind the rest of the state. New Mexico has a bit of a reputation on this channel for some pretty horrific crimes that have occurred in city of Albuquerque.

 I’m sure many of you have seen Breaking Bad and I’m sure that hasn’t helped the way New Mexico’s perceived by the average person. But some really horrible crimes have taken place in the southern part of the state as well. Deming is situated about 91 miles south of the city of Elephant but it was the home of David Parker Ray who went on to be known as the toy box killer.

 But today’s story isn’t about David and the horrible things he did in his soundproof trailer in the middle of the desert. It’s about a teenager who had the strength to come forward to report the horrible things that were occurring in her own home, which happened to be a sprawling garbage dump and a series of mud caves and dilapidated trailers.

>> In October of 2024, a 16-year-old girl was away from home in Roswell attending the New Mexico National Guard Youth Challenge Academy. According to their website, the organization is New Mexico’s finest leadership academy, developing the leaders of tomorrow through training, discipline, and mentoring.

 The New Mexico National Guard Youth Challenge Academy provides the education, leadership, character development, and life coping skills to New Mexico’s youth so they may become productive citizens. While at the program, the teenager, who has not been named publicly due to her age and for her own protection, revealed to staff she had been experiencing horrible mistreatment in the home of her parents, 50-year-old Melvin and 41-year-old Valerie Cordell.

 And given what police would soon discover, horrible mistreatment was the understatement of the year for what this poor girl had to endure at the hands of her parents. On October 23rd, 2024, officers responded to a 35 acre desert property near Deming that was cluttered with trash, buckets filled with human waste, and various debris.

 In body cam footage, you can see officers approaching the property cautiously. They try to make contact, noting that the dogs on site appeared scared and the officers themselves were feeling hot under the sun. Make >> contact, brother. Let’s take it easy. Are they big dogs? >> No, but I mean they still kind of scared. >> They’re pretty scared of us.

 Okay, I’ll see for >> Oh my god. >> I’m hot right now. So, >> they look for the family’s white van, suspecting it might be parked nearby, and called out to see if anyone was home. >> Hello. >> I don’t see the white van. Hello. >> Like this old white van. >> Yeah, maybe it’ll maybe they parked it back here. Let’s go. Let’s go look.

>> Hello. Hello. New Mexico State Police. One officer commented that the property did not seem to have traps set up and another identified a white van that appeared to be a camper. The footage clearly shows the property in a state of disorder. >> Just I don’t I don’t think they booby trap anybody. You guys already know.

Just 48. >> There’s a white van. >> Oh, okay. >> So, this is the camper. Officers then called out again trying to find the residence and noted that the underground space looked like a primitive bunker or cave dwelling. They questioned whether the family was inside, commenting on the clutter in the unusual setup of the space.

Watch out. They’re coming. Almost scram. Hello. Hi boy. Hello. The Mexico State Police. >> Dude, that looks like a bunker. >> Officers approached a white horse on the scene and were appalled at the condition it was left in. One officer exclaimed the situation didn’t seem right. They noted the horse’s overgrown hooves and the unclean pen, concluding that nobody was taking care of this beautiful horse.

>> This ain’t right, dude. This pen. >> Dude, his hose are overgrown. >> Look at that, bro. That’s not okay. They don’t even clean his pin, bro. I’m going to call life now. >> Hey, how you doing? >> As they continued inspecting the property, representatives from the New Mexico CYFD were also present. Body cam footage showed officers attempting to make contact with the residents, calling out for Melvin and Valerie.

>> Guys, hello. New Mexico State Police. Mr. Cordell, Melvin Cordell, Valerie Cordell. We want to talk to you guys real quick. We have CFD here. Hello. Hello. Hello, New Mexico State Police. Are you guys home? >> I’m not sure if this down here is your guys’ residence. We’re trying to make contact with you guys.

Hello. Hello. >> Receiving no response, they checked the area, noting a well, portable bathrooms, and multiple trampolines. One section even had skeletal remains of animals scattered. They also observed an unsecured trailer filled with stacked items that had a strong odor. >> Hello. Hello. >> New Mexico State Police. Hello.

>> This is it right here. >> What they described? >> Hello. Is that their well? There’s Pora’s bathroom stuff out here. This is the trampoline. >> Another trampoline here. >> Okay. >> So, >> yeah, there’s two more. >> There’s holding something up. I don’t know. It might lead to something they described. >> I see.

Yeah, there’s the bed. >> Oh, is that a kitty? >> Watch out, kitty. >> I don’t think they’re >> I don’t think they are. Let’s just make that effort of the door that we knocked on the door in case they We were in the trailer. Crazy smell, bro. Expressing concern, one officer pointed out the lack of safety barriers, worrying that a child could easily fall into a large hole nearby.

 They emphasized that their main priority was ensuring the children’s safety. >> Oh, all right, Senorita. Um, I can’t We checked the trailer. Trailer has stuff stacked up. The door’s not secured. Uh, we came checked this trailer. There’s stuff stacked up. the door. I I could probably push it in, but I’m knocking nothing in there.

 So, the only thing that I can think of the residence is what was described, which is the bed, cuz at least that’s true. That’s known to be true. >> Um, uh, the little pooping containers that are everywhere. >> My biggest concern is like if the kids are safe, like there’s a lot of concerns, but just like there’s no like barrier, you know, one of the little ones can just straight up fall in that big old hole and really >> Yes.

>> hurt themselves. That’s like my biggest thing right now is like that big old drop >> cuz even myself trying to walk through that is a little >> Yeah. >> After checking the described residence which consisted mainly of a bed, they considered visiting another address linked to the case. >> So it’s your call.

 What else did you need? >> Um as well >> that was it. Okay. >> We could check out the other address that we have where the other lady the other girl stayed. During their search, officers and social workers found even more concerning items on the property. One pointed out spoiled yogurt that was left in the heat. >> You have to look at these yogurt like >> Is there an electrical pole somewhere? >> Oh, that’s the Is that the free food that they get? >> Yeah, but look, this isn’t edible.

 Like these yogurts have >> 100%. You’re right. Yeah. Look it. That’s probably out in the sun. >> Yeah. >> Walmart or Demings’s hot. Okay, >> there’s open stuff. >> But authorities couldn’t find the Cordell’s during their initial October visit. So, after taking note of everything they saw, they returned on October 24th.

 Melvin and Valerie met them at the property entrance, acting as if they were expecting the police to visit them. Melvin mentioned that an officer named Coreo was on the way and would arrive shortly. He said that his wife needed a chair and some water, so police suggested they could wait in the car with air conditioning until the investigator arrived.

 The couple appeared cooperative and they calmly talked with troopers while they waited. >> How’s it going, Melvin? >> Melvin and Valerie Cordell appear at the entrance of their property and they’re not surprised. >> Um, I was told that I will be meeting Officer Car. He’s on his way right now. Okay.

 So, maybe another 5 minutes or so, right? >> I need to get my wife a chair. >> A chair? >> And she’s probably thirsty. >> Did she uh You guys don’t want to sit in the car for a second? I mean, that’ll have the air conditioner and stuff cuz they’ll be here in about 5 minutes and then you guys can talk to Agent Caillou and stuff. I um >> I think they mentioned yesterday um they mentioned yesterday agent Ario’s ring but >> I didn’t catch you.

 I owe no disrespect to him, >> right? >> And he should be here in a minute so he can talk to you, let us know what we’re going to do cuz he’s the investigator for this. But like he said, if you need a place to sit, you’re welcome to wait in the car till he shows up. It’s It’s up to you. Just go wait over there, take a seat, and he’ll be here in a moment.

>> Yeah. >> One officer asked if the land stretching from their house to the road belonged to them. Melvin confirmed it was theirs, but explained they hadn’t spoken to the previous owner in years. Mentioned the owner had once offered to sell it to them, but that they couldn’t afford it at the time.

 So, the officer asked how they acquired the property. Melvin explained that his mother originally bought 10 acres. After paying off that parcel, they were offered an additional 25 adjacent acres through a takeover payment, which they gradually purchased over time. [Music] >> I appreciate it. Is >> this all you guys from your guys’ house up to the road? Is that like all your guys? Not this is 58.

>> Oh, is where the line is. >> And so this belongs to ours. We haven’t talked to him in several years. >> Okay. >> He offered to sell it to us, but at the time was from >> Yeah, he’s back east. Um I still have his information, but we weren’t able to at the time. And so >> I I I suppose the offer still stands, but quite the space out here.

 How did you acquire this land? My mom, she purchased this 10 acres, not these five that were on here, the 10 acres after. And then whenever she had finished paying for it, they offered the surrounding property on just to take over payment >> 25 more acres. So altogether, it’s 35. >> So we started buying the rest of it.

 The conversation turned to food sources with Melvin describing their preference for self-sufficiency through vegetable gardening rather than store-bought produce. He mentioned growing watermelons, cucumbers, and tomatoes, though noted the soil required frequent watering due to poor moisture retention. Melvin recounted past struggles with livestock losses, explained they once kept horses as well as dogs for protection.

 He claimed their animals began dying after unspecified threats against their children and that the dogs disappeared before livestock losses resumed. >> Well, vegetable garden for the most part, i.e. or rather see we’re not interested in market produce because we would rather just be self sustaining and then be able to feed others, you know, be able to share.

 We had a lot of horses, but every time when we left after the the whoever threatened our kids, every time we came back, one of our horses was dead. Well, yeah, we lost livestock, lots of it. Um, we had we had um a pretty good collection of dogs ourselves and they kind of protected our place for a while. But then um they were taken and as soon as they were taken, we started losing our stuff again.

 So >> nearly 2 months later on December 17th, 2024, officers returned with a search warrant. They initially had difficulty locating the main living area before proceeding along a walkway. Announcing their presence loudly, they declared their warrant and instructed anyone present to identify themselves. >> Anybody in here? >> Walkway over there, too.

>> During the search, an officer noted what appeared to be makeshift sleeping areas scattered across the property. Despite initial appearances, they discovered multiple spots that seemed regularly occupied. me say police search warrant. If you’re out here and hear me, make yourself known. State Police. If you’re out here and hear me, make yourself known.

Check. That area right there is used as a little bedding area. Watch me. [Music] clear. It doesn’t seem like it, but there’s a bunch of like random areas where they they stay at. >> The search team methodically examined several trailer homes scattered across the property, but found no one present during their initial sweep.

 During the inspection, one officer observed that one trailer appeared relatively well-maintained compared to the others on the property. The team employed thermal imaging equipment to scan for heat signatures while systematically checking each area. At one point, an officer verified they should only encounter adults during this phase of the operation.

 We’ll explain to you why in just a moment. >> State police search warrant. If you can hear me, make yourself known. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] say police, if you’re in here, make yourself known. [Applause]

The only people here should be the adults, right? >> Yeah. >> Meanwhile, another group of officers approached a separate residence known to be frequented by the family. They announced their presence before gaining entry, carefully clearing each section of the structure. Their search included checking doors and examining what appeared to be a room to the left of their position.

 Questions arose regarding the children’s location with one officer inquiring about daycare arrangements. >> Stay search warrant. Stay search for it. Clear. [Music] stepping out. >> What’s the daycare? >> His kids [Music] Hey, [Music] hey,

hey. Stay. Please search war for it. Go to the back. Want to check that door? >> Yeah. Say police room to the left. Is there a room? >> The search eventually led authorities back to the Cordell’s in another part of their property. Body cam footage recorded the interaction, beginning with officers noticing a vehicle and inquiring about a laptop’s location.

Melvin engaged with the officers, discussing electronic devices and explaining they hadn’t used certain equipment in years. Valerie attempted to recall details about their previous devices, but appeared uncertain about their current whereabouts. Okay. >> Okay. All right. So, this is the one that you drive around town. Okay.

 The laptops are right here. >> Oh, the laptops are out back here. >> I hope so. >> And And these are the ones that you use like um >> you never used them. What happened to the one that or do you still have the one that you did use by any chance? >> No, we don’t have one that we had one years ago, but it doesn’t really >> It doesn’t even have that one.

>> I don’t know where we would be at. >> No. Um >> Okay. >> Um I’m trying to remember when >> Okay. >> Oh, they’re starting the boxes and everything. >> Stop. Stop. Stop it. I have taken this one out and I tried to >> um I tried to connect it with our phone. I don’t think I ever did. >> Okay. >> I was going to, but I don’t think that I ever did.

>> Okay. >> Um this one I have charged it. I powered it on once. >> As the officers examined various items, Melvin apologized for the disorganized conditions, explained that their parked van had become infested with mice. He assured the officers they maintained cleanliness despite the visible clutter, mentioning operational fans and the challenges of keeping the area tidy.

 The exchange included discussions about collecting evidence with officers gathering boxes and relayed materials while Melvin provided context about their storage situation. Throughout the interaction, the Cordell’s appeared cooperative. During the property inspection, Melvin Cordell made an unexpected apology about the mouse infestation, which seemed minor compared to the overall unsanitary conditions officers were documenting.

>> Do you need it? The box the box is dirty or when we parked our van with the box and everything. >> Yeah, I think so. Yeah, we’ll keep everything together. We’ll take the box, too, and everything. >> This is just um the key that my wife gave me for >> No, no yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. You’re good. You’re good.

>> I’m sorry for the mess. As soon as we park, as soon as we parked this, we got overrun with mice. >> Come on, boy. >> Okay, >> we have to stay clean, too. >> Yeah, fans are going to be all >> Yeah, you’re good. >> You’re good. It’s the end of the day. >> So, where were the children? Remember that unnamed 16-year-old girl we mentioned at the beginning of the story? Well, she shared that her father, Melvin Cordell, had been essaying her since she was around 12 or 13 years old.

 She also revealed that she had been assaulted by two adult relatives from Las Vegas, Nevada, which resulted in two pregnancies, one when she was 13 and another at 16. She went on to explain that her father performed force terminations at home and hid the remains. The girl described a disturbing pattern of violence involving her six siblings.

Now, it should be noted that the children’s ages range from 6 months to 16 years. She alleged that her parents forced the children to engage in inappropriate acts with each other while adults watched. According to the girl, adults from outside her family also visited their home so they could take part in the horrors being carried out against the children.

 In addition, her parents allowed these random people to take CSAM images of her and her siblings. She also shared that her parents punished her and her siblings by starving them. One notable example of this was when one of the siblings called 911, prompting a visit from the New Mexico CIFFD. The Cordell children had been forced to stay in underground caves connected by handdug tunnels for roughly a decade, many of which were four to 5 ft deep.

They faced extreme weather throughout the year and during both scorching summers and freezing winters without proper shelter. They were often made to sleep outside on the ground with police finding mattresses directly in the dirt. Sometimes they sought shelter in abandoned vehicles, including a nonfunctional van.

 Their living environment was contaminated with human waste stored in buckets scattered around the property. They were left vulnerable to external dangers such as people, wild animals, and illness. The children were kept from basic hygiene facilities for long stretches, often without access to showers or ways to stay clean.

 The teenagers report was then directed to the Roswell Police Department, and as a result, the New Mexico State Police was immediately involved. Because they were concerned for the children’s safety, officers took the other siblings into state custody. February 21st, 2025, police arrested Melvin and Valerie Cordell.

 They were booked into the Luna County Detention Center without bond. Melvin faced 24 felony counts, including essay of a minor, conspiracy, aggravated battery, and evidence tampering for allegedly disposing of fetal remains. Valerie faced 18 similar charges, with many matching those brought against her husband.

 Doesn’t appear that either Melvin or Valerie were charged with animal cruelty with regard to the neglect of their horse. During pre-trial hearings in March, Valerie was formally detained on March 3rd, and Melvin waved his hearing on March 10th, ensuring both would remain jailed pending trial. On April 28th, 2025, the couple both entered a not-uilty plea.

 As is with all cases that have yet to go to trial, Melvin and Valerie are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. will also be on the lookout for updates as they become available. Now, New Mexico CYFD officials, though unable to discuss specifics, emphasize their commitment to child welfare. Spokesperson Jessica Preston explained that when allegations of mistreatment or neglect are confirmed through legal proceedings, the department typically initiates motions to permanently revoke parental rights. As of the date of this

recording in June of 2025, the children remain in state care and the Cordels await trial with their dates yet to be decided. Neighbors expressed shock with one calling the Cordelves a tight-knit family while another recalled seeing the children sleep in an unheated out building during the winter, which begs the question, why didn’t anyone report this to the authorities? Police believe that all of this had been going on from about 2014 to 2024.

 That’s a whole decade. Why did it take a 16-year-old girl coming forward for something to be done? It’s fortunate that she found the opportunity to come forward without being killed. And why didn’t CYFD take action after they responded to the property after the 911 call the teenage girl described? >> I know there’s going to be people who will acknowledge how horrifying this case is, but think that this couldn’t happen wherever they live.

 Even Yorgi and I didn’t realize the frequency of some of these things until a couple years into the misery machine. It took all of you sending us cases, victims, families contacting us, or people messaging telling us, “Hey, this is what my parents did to me as a child.” And some of these stories, you don’t even know how they managed to survive it.

 I mean, what’s worse is that in 2025, I still have to see ignorant people claiming human trafficking doesn’t exist in America. I’m not trying to impress upon you that the situations these poor children faced are commonly happening around you. But what I am trying to say is that you need to keep your eyes open because you could save a life.

 And if something seems off to you, make that phone call. Even CYFD didn’t say something when they saw something. The services designed to protect vulnerable individuals have humans operating them. And humans make mistakes, even trained ones. It’s up to all of us to recognize the warning signs and take action because you could be the only person witnessing something in that situation where you have the chance to speak up and save someone’s life.

 Please do not take that lightly. We mentioned the case of David Parker at the beginning of this episode and while we’re not going to do a deep dive into the story, it should be noted that he was able to operate in a similar area between 1957 to 1999. He was suspected of the kidnapping, torture, essay, and murder of up to 60 people.

 The only reason he was even caught was because one of his victims escaped. David was convicted of kidnapping and torture in 2001, but the police couldn’t make the evidence stick for murder. David Parker escaped justice on May 28th, 2002 after he died of a heart attack. We mentioned David’s case as sort of an anecdote on what can happen when neighbors don’t speak up when something seems a miss, especially in rural areas.

 He was allowed to operate in plain sight for 42 whole years. And as we mentioned previously, the Cordell’s for 10. Thankfully, the Cordell’s children are out of harm’s way, but will likely live with the trauma of what happened to them forever. So folks, please if you see something, say something.