DNA Test Leaves Judge Lauren SPEECHLESS in Courtroom!

I used to work every day. I keep my car every day. I don’t work there at school. I didn’t use my daddy a car every day. My daddy just died. >> I didn’t use your car. I didn’t use that car. >> My son was so upset. He sat there and cried because nobody [music] came to >> He wasn’t upset that I didn’t come. He was upset that his cousins didn’t come from Florida. It had nothing to do with cousins in Florida that he doesn’t see a lot. [music] That’s where it was at. But

as she was saying it, she pulls out the phone and she start showing me. I could pull it up. I ain’t got to lie. It’s what what the family tells me. my I’m like that man. >> Let’s get some order. Let’s get some literally enough there. >> Sickening. You know, I’ve been with this man 6 years. I ain’t never thought about getting no tattoo on me. You got five kids, but 3 weeks later you go get a man tattooed on your back. >> Miss Lover. >> Imagine spending nearly a decade with

someone only to break up because he refuses to claim your baby. Then you walk into court armed with screenshots, printouts, and even a wild story about climbing through a window. M. Hail swears Mr. Andrews is Amarillo’s father, and she’s ready to prove it. Meanwhile, he labels her a chronic cheater, and the tension hits the ceiling. >> Miss Hayel, after 8 years off and on with the defendant, the two of you called it quits just 3 months ago because he denies your one-year-old daughter, Amarella. Now, you want to

prove to him that he is her biological father. Is that correct? >> Yes, your honor. >> Mr. Andrews, you say you can’t trust Miss Hayd because she’s a serial cheater, and you are 100% certain that Amarella is not your daughter. Right from the start, Miss Hail unloads their turbulent history years of breakups, makeup attempts, and even a move to Kansas to hit reset. Her doubts began when Amaro didn’t resemble their older child. You can see in her eyes she’s hurting, but determined. She’s hoping

for recognition, even while bracing for rejection. >> I moved to Kansas [music] and got away from him. We then started our relationship back and um I had planned on having another child with him. So, I did get pregnant. umbrella came and I think the doubts came because she looks different than our other child. >> Then Mr. Andrews pulls out a folder, fires back with an exhibit full of intimate message. He’s convinced those texts were sent to the man she’d been involved with before. The message

underneath that child might not be mine. Miss Hail doesn’t deny the possibility of flirtation, which only deepens the mess. >> Father, you saw sexual text messages from another man. Is that correct? >> Correct. >> Explain. the same [music] the same person who I received this text message from the same guy who she was having an affair with all alone from the whole get-go. So when I seen that text message, my whole thought process was got to be his baby. >> Suddenly, the courtroom gets hit with

the infamous 3:00 a.m. window jumping story. Judge Lake cracks a superhero joke because seriously, who escapes through a window in the middle of the night? M. Hail claims the front door was blocked, so she went looking for comfort elsewhere. Mr. Andrews smirks while she stands by her choice. >> She need a house every time. is always when the private call come. Oh, it’s after 3:00 a.m. That’s the only time he able to get away from his wife. So, called >> what? >> That’s it.

>> Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. So, she gets a private call, >> then she leaves the house, right? >> And it’s 3:00 a.m., right? >> How are you getting up at 3:00 a.m. and leaving the house >> for once? They settle into a timeline. In May 2014, she confesses everything. He returns to Kansas and they try for another child. Amarillo is conceived during that period, which she claims was her faithful window. Judge Lake scans the room like everyone following this.

It’s tense but clarified. >> And told him if he wants to make it work, we’re going to make it work. And he came back to Kansas and we conceived Amarella. We were trying for a boy and I wasn’t cheating. I stopped. I being faithful and trying to be a good woman to him. >> How were you being a good woman? And look, I’m not saying he was perfect either cuz I’m getting to you next. >> Then comes the condom drama. Mr. Andrews swears he found a used condom in the car. She claps back that the box was

sealed and untouched. He insists he found the same thing multiple times while dropping their daughter at daycare. It’s the type of back and forth that reality TV editors dream of. >> Found a condom. >> I was using protection and it ain’t no >> do that. But she know I’m the one who take my daughter to daycare every morning. I don’t want to get the dress. Take daycare every morning. Little dirty people couldn’t take the condom and throw it away. >> If you found a condom in the car I

showed you. >> Oh, it was a dirty condom. >> It was a dirty condom. Just a pack. >> I don’t I don’t agree with that cuz I didn’t see it. He didn’t show me nothing. He showed me a box. >> Just when it feels settled, Mr. Andrews claims she told him about two additional possible fathers. She fires back instantly, calling it nonsense and blaming her cheating on emotional insecurity. Judge Lakes’s eyebrow shoots up like it’s trying to leave her face. That claim changes the whole timeline. I

apologize. She told me two other men which the time I wake up from the get-go anyway. and all he does talk about how bad of a person that I am. So when I went out and cheated on him, it was to find security and comfort because >> I know what comfort means. >> Ms. Hail pushes for clarity, saying she only agreed to his accusations to stop an argument. She insists she never mentioned other men at all. Her only intention, she says, was to have a boy, and she’s certain Mr. Andrews fathered

Amarillo. The room practically vibrates with tension. >> Oh, you just said, “Okay.” Okay. You didn’t come to him and say, “I want to tell you that there could potentially be two.” >> There is no potential. He’s the only one. As I stated, May 2014 when I got with him again, as in let’s work it out. We were planning to have a child cuz I wanted a boy. So, why wouldn’t why would I sleep around with other people? >> Next comes the battle over midnight

calls and disappearing acts. Mr. Andrews says those were her sneaking out hours. She counters that he literally blocked the door so she couldn’t leave the house. They argue non-stop while Judge Lake tries to keep control, looking exhausted at this point. >> And you got these little beautiful children. Beautiful. AND FROM WHAT I SEE, I DON’T EVEN KNOW HOW HOW YOU HAVE TIME TO MAKE BABIES CUZ YOU DON’T STOP TALKING. IF YOU’RE DOING THIS IN HERE, I can only imagine what you’re doing at

home. >> That’s why he’s not in my home no more. >> That’s why I left the home. >> No, he would not leave. >> It ain’t just your home. It was mine. Sufu. >> I don’t even know where you all were at in this relationship when Amarilla was born. Like, so are you trying to work out? >> I was out pregnant or are you? >> Then things shift emotional. Mr. Andrews admits he was actually present for Amarillo’s birth. For a moment, the anger fades and you see something raw in

both of them. Judge Lake catches it immediately being there changes thing. And you can tell it hits Miss Hail almost painfully. >> He was there the whole pregnancy, [music] you know, took care of rubbed my back, feet, helped with the kids, helped keep the house clean, you know, whatnot. But, uh, mentally he wasn’t a good family. So at the birth, did you go to the So you were there at the hospital because you got to see her be born >> pregnant. She was having >> Let me Let me tell you something, Mr.

Andrew. >> Guys, >> what? >> Right. We can’t leave that out. While she was [music] pregnant, she was having a fear. And yes, I still stay with her. >> Hold on. Slow down. Slow down. >> We learn he was involved with someone else during her pregnancy. Ms. Hail explains her own actions as seeking emotional protection and stability. The tension softens for a moment as both acknowledge their mistake. Still, Judge Lake reminds them this is about paternity, nothing else. scared. She

wouldn’t tell the she wouldn’t tell the [music] guy not to call back. I’m right tell >> I can have friends and it’s not an I said there was only one person that I had no friends >> for comfort and security and he did have friends. He had tons of friends. I don’t want to go I’m not going into detail. >> Why do you need friends when you’re having BABIES EVERYWHERE? YOU ALREADY HAD another baby. >> Understandable. I could have had no woman friend period.

>> So Miss Hayd look I I want to know this. >> Now the credibility contest begins. The accusations pile up about who called who, who lied last week, and who’s rewriting history. It’s a whirlwind of conflicting story, and Judge Lake finally hits her limit. She wants real answers, not emotional gymnastics. The air feels heavy. One of the guys was over a [music] house when her brother just moved down here. This is a friend. I’ve never been talking about a friend. >> I said who you said was my was Amarella

father. It’s a man contact with it. And there they had physologize physical contact with over this situation over this situation. >> He’s delusional at the house where I just left from. >> Finally, Ms. Hail declared she never tried to drag another man into this. Amarillo is his full stop. Mr. Andrews admits the doubt has eaten him alive, though he clearly cares about the child. It’s heartbreaking because you can see the love, but trust is non-existent. >> I’m not bringing up any dirt. Like I

said, I’m just [music] responding to what he’s saying, but I’m only here for Amarella. So that’s the only reason why I’m here. I’m not here to bring up >> I’m only here because I got doubt. >> I’m not here to bring up what he’s done to me. I’ve been hurtou. But regardless, Amil is his. I want to prove that to him. Everything you could have done. Why would that happen? >> And then the moment arrived. Judge Lake wraps up the chaos with a line that

feels like a trailer voiceover. She’s ready to reveal the truth everyone’s been bracing for. The entire room holds its breath. Time to find out who Amarillo’s father really is. >> Has been determined by this court. Mr. Andrew, you are the father. [applause] >> Imagine stepping into paternity court thinking your family is solid, only for one relative to pull out receipts and detonate everything. That’s the chaos Mr. Jordan faces today. He claims M. Heim misled him into signing Caitlyn’s

birth certificate. And now rumors point to Mr. Knight as the actual father. >> Mr. Gordon, you claimed the defendant tricked you into signing her daughter’s birth certificate and being a daddy. But 2 years later, you were told that another man is her biological father. You opened your case because you want DNA proof you are not the father so you can get your name removed from the birth certificate. Is that correct? >> Yes. Y >> Ms. Heim allegedly told him another man already tested negative, assuring Chris

he was the dad. He feels played for his loyalty and consistency. His goal is simple. If she’s lying, remove his name legally. The frustration coming off him is intense. >> That the other guy hadn’t got a paternity test on Caitlyn cuz she told me, “Oh, he already got one.” And you know what I’m saying? I That’s why I know it’s just you. Uh she tricked me into thinking that that family was something sacred. >> You believe she was intentionally deceived? >> Yes.

>> And what was her motive? >> I you know what I have? >> She confesses to cheating but doubles down that Chris fathered Caitlyn. According to her, the fling happened once in April and she learned she was pregnant in June. Judge Lakes’s eyebrows nearly left her face. The skepticism was practically vibrating in the room >> and I only had sex with one man when we were together and [music] I had sex with him one time and but we’ve been messing around for 7 years and I never became

pregnant. I met Chris and all of a sudden I came pregnant. [music] So I know Chris is the father. So, wait, you’re saying that you were only having sex with one other man other than Mr. Jordan? >> Just one time in April and then I found out I was pregnant. >> Then the emotional gut punch hit. Mim explains that Caitlyn asked, “Does my daddy still love me?” And Mr. Jordan gets visibly shaken. He remembers holding her, cutting the cord, the cravings, the midnight food run. His

pride in fatherhood is unmistakable. Because my daughter, she’s old enough to realize she came and asked me, “Does my dad still love her?” And that hurt me so bad. >> She asked you, “Does my daddy still love me?” >> Yes, he honored her. >> No. Now, if I if I will, um, he it has never been a moment where Caitlyn >> When asked where everything fell apart, Mr. Jordan describes a family fight that spiraled into a truth bomb. Someone shouted, “Tell Chris he’s not the

father.” Suddenly phones come out, pictures, messages, everything. The atmosphere thickens immediately. >> So, I’m real big on being a parent to my child. That like when this little girl was born, like that what changed my life. Like that that what did it for me. That’s what made me started going in a positive direction. You know what I’m saying? >> But this is what I don’t understand. It was all going well. >> It was you know what I’m saying? >> And so how does it go wrong?

>> This is where it goes wrong. Her and the family member get gets into like an altercation or whatnot. Like an argument. It wasn’t even altercation, argument. The images show another man holding Caitlyn with captions and smiles that feel familiar. The resemblance hits hard. Chris looks crushed, confused, betrayed. You can feel the entire room holding its breath. >> But as she was saying it, she pulls out the phone and she start showing me. I could pull it up. I ain’t got to lie is

what what the family tells me. I’m like that messy. They’re messy. They’re messy. >> What does she pull up? >> Jealous was a good person of of this other of the other guy and and my daughter. You know what I’m saying? like having moments together. >> Judge Lake demands an explanation. Why was Caitlyn on this man’s lap? Ms. Heim calls her family dramatic, admits weekend drop offs, and eventually confirms one moment happened on that couch. The judge’s face says enough.

This story is falling apart fast. >> That time I did on that couch >> that time. So, it’s been more than one time. >> No, that was the only one. >> John, I object. [laughter] What was your point of having the baby have this relationship with Santavius that he’s calling her his baby? >> That I mean I didn’t tell him that I told him I was pregnant. >> Miss I’m going to need you to tell me what the deal is. >> Tired of contradiction. Judge Lake calls

for Mr. Knight. He walks in with the calm confidence of someone who already feels connect. Those captions me and my baby Karn helping Mizheim’s case. The tension skyrocket. >> Thank you for joining us today. We are here discussing the paternity of Caitlyn. >> Yes, ma’am. >> And it has been brought to this court’s attention that there are pictures of you with Caitlyn where you put in a caption that this is me and my baby Kate where you are referring to this little girl as

your daughter. >> Yes. >> Do you believe Caitlyn is your daughter? >> Yes, that’s my baby. >> Mr. Knight states he genuinely believed he was the father. He recalls her implying Chris wasn’t the dad and promising to fix the paperwork later. Ms. Heim immediately denies it. The silence afterward is suffocating. >> So, how often do you see Caitlyn? >> I see Caitlyn when he ain’t got her or the people at who at the school ain’t got her. So, she going to sit here and

just keep the post line instead of being real and just tell the truth. You know what I [music] mean? It’s still going to come out anywhere it go. It’s going to come out anyway. They going to tell you the baby mind. >> You going to sit here going have to apologize. This man going to be crying. Still sitting here playing. Going to tell the truth. [music] Keep it real. >> What is the plan though? I I I mean I realize now that there is a WEB OF DECEIT, BUT I’M STILL NOT TOO >> Judge Lake cuts straight to the point.

Why all these conflicting narrative? Mim tries to deny ever suggesting Mr. Knight was the father, but the photos and captions paint another store. Entire courtroom looks stunned. This is peak chaos. >> So why did you tell Mr. Knight he was the biological I was pregnant? >> Where’s he getting all these stories about making the birth certificate right and all of this? >> I don’t know. I just told I called him when I found out I was pregnant and told [music] him that I was pregnant.

>> Did you tell him you were going to make the birth certificate right? >> I don’t remember that, your honor. >> But the conversation about the birth certificate would happen after Caitlyn was born. >> Then Judge Lake addresses the smirk on Ms. Heim’s face. She reminds her this is not entertainment. Finally, Ms. Heimbreak and admits she does not know who Caitlyn’s biological father is. The honesty like a collective exhale. You’re the mother of a beautiful little girl

and you know she deserves more and now I know why you know she deserves more is because you also deserve more and you didn’t get [music] it. Can we say in this moment that it is the truth that you do not definitively know which one of these [music] men is her biological father? It’s okay cuz when you tell it it can’t hold you hostage anymore. >> Judge Lake steadies the room reminding everyone that truth always brings clarity. She signals Jerome for the envelope. Chris leans forward, bracing.

Mr. Knight straighten preparing for his fate. The whole courtroom freezes. >> Spinning and spinning and lying and telling this person one thing and this person one thing and your family members, you just keep calling them messy and they looking at you like you messy and everything’s a mess. It can’t hold you hostage if you set yourself free. So now you set it. Look at me. It didn’t kill you. You still standing? I don’t know. >> And here it comes. The final reveal. Judge Lake sums up the emotional ride

they’ve all endured. She’s ready to present the answers everyone’s been fighting toward. Now the only question left is simple. Who is Caitlyn’s real father? Time to find out. >> Has been determined by this court. The biological father is Mr. Jordan. >> Imagine showing up to paternity court only to learn there are two toddlers named Steven Min Jr., both linked to the same man. Ms. Pucket insists her son belongs to Steven. Ms. Glover. Stevens on again off-ag again partner says her

child holds the same name. Judge Lake waste no time one father two juniors and one giant storm about to hit. >> Miss Pucket you claim the defendant Steven Makin fathered your child while in a relationship with his current girlfriend, Miss Glover. >> Yes, your honor. >> You claim you can prove he got you pregnant at the same time. And now you both have 2year-old children named Steven Min Jr. Yes, your honor. >> From the jump, Steven denies everything with a grin that practically echoes off

the wall. He claims months of no intimacy and insists protection was always used. Then he mutters something about a malfunction. Judge Lake catches the panic immediately as Steven points fingers at Miss Pucket’s other children. She shuts that down fast. >> 3 months out, I wouldn’t even [music] have sex. >> But you did have sex. >> Me and me and my me and Miss Glover, we wasn’t together at the time. >> Did you use protection? >> Yes, >> you did. >> But it was

>> okay. But there was a malfunction. >> Right. Right. Right. Before we even had sex, 3 weeks after I met her, she got my name right up there on your neck. >> You got his name tattooed on your neck. 3 weeks after we even had sex. >> No. No. [music] >> M. Pucket describes their relationship dates, small gifts, emotional support, and then the pregnancy call. She says Steven embraced her stomach proudly and excitedly. She even brought a photo showing him doing exactly that. He looks

far from distant. He looks invested. >> So, in your mind, what was this thing you all had? >> Well, we was dating. He was treating me real good. He buy me stuff. He gave me money when I needed it. He said, you know, he say if I need anything, my kids, anything, he do for him. When I was pregnant, he was rubbing on my belly like he was happy and he was concerned about the about it. And I have a picture of him that rubbing on my belly when I was >> Let me see that picture. Jerome, will

[music] you hand it to me, please? >> Steven tries the classic she was with others argument, but he brings zero proof. Meanwhile, that belly rubbing picture is still glowing from the printer. Judge Lake leans in, questions him directly. Why get so hands-on if you thought she was seeing multiple men? The mood shifts instantly. It’s not my child. I don’t It’s No, she was sleeping around with a whole lot of people. I know it was. >> Do you have any proof of that? Did you bring the court anything? Did you hear

anything? [music] Did you talk to someone? Did you see her? Did you >> Yeah, my old friends. They used to spend the night over there like it was nothing. >> Your friends used to spend the night over her house like your honor. >> Judge highlights that naming a child after their father creates a lifelong legacy. Two boys with the same name is more than confusion. It’s generational chaos. Ms. Pucket then drops a saved Facebook message from Steven himself. He apologizes, offers help, then includes

extracurricular bedroom promises. Not exactly paternal poetry. >> That if it was his that we always was going to move in together. He said me, her, her baby, and my kids, we all going to move in together if it was his. Then he sent me another one. Said if it was his, it come out to be his that we going to make a little to the sunrise. [music] >> Right. I said that. >> So you have evidence of that? >> I have one of one of the evidence. One of the >> Juron, will you please hand that to me?

>> Steven admits the message is his. Judge shifts to the birth moment. Miss Pucket claims Steven insisted she call the nurse to secure the baby’s name as Steven Men Jr. She says the nurse oversaw the paperwork exactly as hospitals do. The energy in the room tightened. >> Is that a text you wrote, Mr. Min? >> Yeah, I wrote it. >> Let’s move forward from this. Take me to the day you actually gave [music] birth. Was Mr. Min there? >> He came in, you know, and he was looking

at the baby playing with my son. And then so he said, “Um, what you he said, so what you naming him?” [music] I said, “I’m naming him after my brother.” I said, “Cuz that’s what my grandma want me to do.” No, you’re not. You’re not naming him that. You not naming him that. You You name You name him. >> Even fires back, claiming he barely glanced at the baby and laughed because he doubted eternity. He insists he never signed anything. Judge Lake narrows her

eyes aisha’s story wobbles like a loose chair leg. Ms. Pucket responds by placing a certificate of live birth on the stand, listing him as father. >> I stayed at the hospital. I don’t even think it was 10 minutes. I looked at the baby. She asked me, “Uh what you want to name the baby? You going to sign the birth certificate?” I said, “Look, I got to go. I got some things I got to do.” And I left. I want to sound right. >> Seriously, that’s exactly what happened.

>> So, when you looked at the baby, you felt like there’s no way this is my child. No. And then you you were done then? >> Yeah, I were done. I was been there. >> So, you didn’t sign a birth certificate. >> Judge explains the court contacted the hospital directly. To list a father, the man must provide a social security number and sign document. That isn’t a casual accident. Steven mutters that it could have been for. Judge Lake notes hospital procedures are strict tan

Stevens confidence of >> you know this court understands that sometimes we get a little less than the truth [music] from the plaintiffs and the defendants. So the court called the hospital in your home state where Miss Pucket delivered and their requirement is that a father biological father before signing a certificate of birth must provide a social security number and sign the birth certificate. Then Ms. Glover enters Steven’s girlfriend and mother of the other junior. She’s convinced Ms. Pucket’s son isn’t Steven.

She launches into her detective saga, complete with suspicious calls and knocking on doors like she’s on patrol. The room flares up all over again. >> Why can I start from the beginning, please? Her sitting here saying that she didn’t know about me. Let me tell you, I was at work. I worked at a gas station minding my own business. She sent some of her little friends up in there. I guess she heard my name but didn’t know exactly who I was. I go home. I talk to him. I’m like, who is this precious girl

that these folks came up to my job asking me about? >> Miss Glover claims she heard commotion behind the door like gymnastics in progress. Ms. Pucket says she stayed quiet because children were inside and things felt chaotic. The triangle erupts with accusation after accusation. Judge tries to steer them back to one thing, paternity. >> I hear rumbling. I hear folks doing back flips, body jumps, and everything behind the door. Okay. I said, “I hear you.” I said, “I hear

you.” I said, “Open the door.” Nick said, “Look, click the lock.” that she done hit the lock. She got smart cuz I was about to walk up in there, but she got smart. I don’t need no case. So, she hit the lock. I I’m like, I hear you in there. You might as well come out here. Your friend directed me to your house. >> Judge quickly recognizes that Ms. Glover is determined to disprove Miss Pucket, but then she turns to Steven, who stands there with hands stuffed in his pockets

like an innocent bystand. She reminds him he is the common denominator in all this chaos. The tension skyro. >> Let’s get some order. Let’s get some literally enough. Sickening. You know, I’ve been with this man 6 years. I ain’t never thought about getting no tattoo on me. You got five kids, but three weeks later you go get a man tattooed on your back. >> Miss Lover, she wouldn’t have been prompted to fall in love enough to do something as silly as put her his name

on the back of her neck if he wasn’t with her. >> Then comes the WIC office twist. Ms. Glover says a clerk accidentally read another baby’s file aloud. A boy born July 4th named wait for it Steven Min Jr. with Steven listed as father. She says Steven looked crushed when she told him. Miss Pucket immediately calls that nonsense claims he already knew >> that the child that Miss Pucket’s child was named Steven Min Jr. >> Okay, let’s talk about this. I go to the wick off. We got a little local wick

office. Everybody know everybody. Um, it’s about 2 weeks. My son’s probably about 2 3 weeks old. I go in [music] there. He’s there for his little checkup. They weigh him. They’re about ready. They’re entering his information in the computer. Next thing I know, the lady’s like, “Uh, oh, hold up. I made a mistake.” >> Judge reviews everything. texts, hospital confirmation, naming issues, and now two children with identical father information. Before revealing the

truth, she asks Miss Pucket if she has any doubt. Miss Pucket responds confidently, “No, she was with no one else during conception.” The air goes still. >> Surprise. >> Exactly. To hear that she had named her child Stephen M. >> So, Mr. Min, was this the first time you heard this that this child was named Steven Min Jr.? First time in your life. >> You lying, lying, lying as the day is long. I can see that from here. >> He already knew because he was there. He

signed it. And ain’t no nurse going to let you sign birth. I can’t just sit there and sign. >> And then the final moment arrived. Judge Lake summarizes the chaos, the accusations, and the emotional wreck. She prepares to read the DNA results. Everyone leans forward. Two mothers, one man and two boys tied to the same name. Time to learn the truth. >> These results were prepared by DNA Diagnostics and they read as follows. In the case of Pucket versus Min, when it comes to [music] 2-year-old Steven Min

Jr., it has been determined by this court. In the case of Pucket versus Min, when it comes to 2year-old >> Judge Lake ends with a reality check. She calls out Steven’s smirks, excuses, and lack of accountability. But she also offers resources and guidance. These boys deserve fathers who show up. It’s a heavy moment, but at least now the truth stands solid. It has been determined by this court. [music] Mr. Min Senior, you are his father. [applause] [applause] Imagine planning a birthday threesome

and ending up in paternity court more than a year later. That’s exactly where Miss Strong, her husband Douglas, and their friend Ms. Milan find themselves. What started as music, drinks, and fun rules turned into a DNA mystery. Miss Strong claims they agreed everything would always involve all three of them. Miss Milan insists baby Angel belongs to Doug. Buckle up. This gets wild fast. >> Miss Strong, you’ve summoned the defendant, Miss Mlan, to court to prove that your husband did not father her

14-month-old daughter, Angel. You say one month ago, Miss Mlan calls you out of the blue and claimed Mr. Strong was her child’s father and demanded he take care of her. Is that correct? >> Yes, your honor. Miss Strong describes the rules like a carefully crafted agreement, just without signatures or ink. She swore nobody would sneak around or take things private. Judge Lake asks if any of this was documented. The no, your honor, lands like a dropped microphone. You can practically see Miss

Strong holding her breath. >> You and Mlan got together to talk about this. >> Yes, your honor. >> For your birthdays? >> Yes, your honor. >> Okay. >> So, we went back to our apartment and discussed it with Mr. Strong, and he was resistant at first, but it happened. had some [music] drinks, music was playing, had a threesome, had a good time that night. >> Douglas confesses he had hesitations from the start. He thought the entire thing might explode on him because of

past mistakes. Then the twist, this wasn’t a one-time birthday adventure. There were multiple encounters. Eight to be exact. Judge Lakes’s eyebrows practically sprint across her forehead. >> Why were you nervous? >> Because prior to our first couple months of our relationship, I made a lot of bad decisions. And when she approached me with this conversation, I thought it was another setup. Oh, you thought it was a setup. So, you reluctantly agree and then what? >> I heard rumors about her being pregnant,

but I was told your ex-boyfriend. >> So, wait, I want to understand. After this night, you just had this one night. >> A few weeks after the first trio meet up, Ms. Land discovers she’s pregnant. She assures Miss Strong the child isn’t Douglas’s because she has another boyfriend. Miss Strong says she asked directly whether her husband was the father. According to her, the answer was a firm no. You can feel the sting in her voice. >> Okay, Mr. and Miss Strong. When Miss

Mlan came and told you she was pregnant, how did that conversation go? >> I asked her if it was my husband’s child and she told [music] me no. >> I was in a relationship at that point in time. >> Oh, while you were having the threesomes with them, you were in a relationship with somebody else. >> Then comes the uncomfortable discussion of rape. Miss Strong suggests Angel doesn’t look biracial given the other men involved were African-American. Judge Lake steps in sharply biracial.

Children come in all shades. And then the kicker. Miss Ellen already tested her boyfriend. He was ruled out immediately. Door closed. >> What am I missing? The other possibilities are African-American men. And you don’t believe Angel looks like she’s Africaname. >> Absolutely not. Not from the day. >> But to be honest with you, a white person and a black person can still have a white baby. >> Well, no, they can’t. >> They technically can. Not to argue with

you. >> The Strongs didn’t meet Angel at birth. They weren’t contacted at all. A whole year passes before Ms. Milan suddenly reaches out saying, “Angel needs her dad.” Douglas describes meeting the baby at work. His face softens at the memory like he’s already bonded without meaning to. >> Angel’s biological father, right? >> Correct. >> So, regardless of race, he’s ruled out. >> Yes. >> So, Mr. and Miss Strong, when do you realize this could potentially be your

baby? Mr. Strong’s baby. >> I asked her when she was an infant [music] and I seen her on the street and I was introduced to her for the first time. >> Judge Lake connects the dot. As soon as the boyfriend wasn’t the father, Ms. Emmaan started focusing on Douglas. She points to Angel’s personality quirks the lap, the earpole, even her feet. Miss Strong fires back, asking why they weren’t told sooner. The tension in the air practically crackle. >> Once you had your boyfriend tested and

he was not Angel’s biological father, you then shifted to believing it was Mr. Strong’s child. I did because come like in all reality my daughter has a lot of Douglas’s tendons pulling on her ears when she’s tired or she’s frustrated. Douglas does that. His yaba daba doo feet the flintstone feet that he has my daughter has. Then the medical revelation surfaces. Angel has an eye heangioma requiring frequent Chicago trips for care. Ms. Milan explains she focused on her child’s health instead of

hunting for DNA answers. Her exhaustion is visible in every word. Even Judge Lake acknowledges the emotional weight. >> Now you feel certain Mr. Strong is Angel’s biological father. >> I do. So Mr. and Miss Strong, what type of relationship have you built with Angel? >> The the day they they brought the kid to my work and we started hanging out. Um I did go out and buy a bassinet and some others baby stuff. Like she has clothes, food, toys, pretty much anything you can think of. I mean, I got it all within

like 48 hours. >> Douglas explains why he’s conflicted. Some features remind him of his own heritage while others don’t add up at all. He mentions his Hispanic and Irish roots. No redheads in the family and his fear of repeating his own fatherless childhood. He wants certainty before committing. The tension is thick enough to slice. >> So, I mean, there’s not many redheaded people in my family. I mean, I do have a little bit of Irish in me. I mean, I’m just trying to be certain cuz I did I

grew up without a father. So, I mean, if I am a father, I do want to be there for. >> And so, you do believe that there is a possibility, but you are not 100% certain. >> Yes, ma’am. >> And you are the reassurance that I am. And because you grew up without a dad, you don’t want to continue that cycle. >> Meanwhile, the Strongs have already welcomed Angel into their home. Miss Strong says her children embraced the baby immediate, treating her like a sister. Judge Lake compliments Angel’s

beauty. You see Miss Strong’s entire expression soft. She wants this child to be part of their family. >> My kids welcomed her with open arms, not even knowing. They treat her like that’s their sister, no matter what. >> And it seems like you have less doubt than your husband. >> I look at the conception date. She’d been telling me for, you know, a year that she’s not, but I went back to [music] the time of conception and she didn’t leave my bed that night. So,

>> she didn’t leave your bed? No. >> No. >> And she told us for a year that he wasn’t the father and that’s the only reason we’re here today. >> Then, Judge Lake casually asks when their last threesome was. The answer just over 2 weeks ago. The courtroom practically tilts. Ms. Milan adds she’s on double birth control. Douglas tries distancing himself by pointing out the threesomes were mostly his wife’s suggestion. Chaos level maximum. >> You You’re smiling, too. You real happy

about it? >> But I’m also on two different birth controls. >> This is fun for you, huh? >> No, it is not fun for me at all. >> No, I’m talking about the threesome. >> I’d rather him do it with me than behind my back. >> What’ you say? >> I’d rather him do it with me than behind my back. >> Oh, >> okay. Before they make me look bad, this most of the threesomes were her idea. >> They were. That’s what I felt like.

>> That’s what I’m saying. Like before I get looked like a jerk or something like >> Judge Lake then asks Miss Strong why she participates in these arrangements. Miss Strong delivers a calm analytical answer better with her watching than behind her back. She believes every man entertains the idea eventually. Judge Lake processes the statement slowly while the audience mentally gas. >> And so if it’s determined that Angel is your husband’s biological child, what

happens in your relationship? Does the dynamic get weird? What happens? I have absolutely [music] no issue. But in this case, the three of you are intimate and the baby was made. >> And then the emotional hammer drops. Miss Strong reveals she had cancer removed and cannot have more children. If Angel is Douglas’s daughter, she says she would embrace her as a blessing from God. The shift from shock to sincerity is intense. The moment feels raw and real. >> Have a son and a daughter, and that’s

all he’s ever wanted. He treats my kids like they’re his with no hesitation. [music] So, absolutely, I would take her in with open arms and raise her. He does it for me regardless if they were there before he was. We all three got together and made her together. We should raise her together. Very forward thinking. Jerome, this is a first. >> Judge Lake turns to Ms. Milan for clarity. Are there any other possible fathers? Ms. Milan answers with a steady no. No surprises pending. The Strongs

nod, bracing themselves for impact. The entire room holds its collective breath. >> If in fact, Mr. Strong is not Angel’s biological. >> I’m not going to cut him out of her life. Is there a real possibility he is not? Like, is there somebody else we haven’t talked about today? >> No. >> So, there’s going to be no surprises when I open this. All right, Dr. >> And here comes the final moment. Judge Lake acknowledges the chaos, the romance, the confusion, and the

heartbreak tangled in this story. She prepares to open the envelope, the one that holds the truth everyone’s been waiting for. Who is Angel’s biological father? Time to find out. >> It has been determined by this court. Mr. Strong. You are not the father. >> I’m sorry to have to deliver that news, Mr. M. [music] Strong. It seemed like you were very happy at the thought of having Angel as your >> Courtney Johnson steps into paternity court looking like she’s holding the

last threat of her marriage together. She tells Judge Lake that her husband Jason keeps forcing her to choose between him and her 12-year-old son, Elijah. Jason fires back that Courtney never backs him up and lets her son run wild. Judge Lake immediately frames the moment as make or break. The courtroom mood shifts before a single decision is made. >> Mrs. Johnson, you are here today on the verge of divorce because you claim your husband of 7 years is forcing you to choose him over your 12-year-old son,

Elijah. You state that you have separated multiple times over the past 5 years of your marriage. You have petitioned the court to order Mr. Johnson into family counseling because you say if he will not agree, you [music] plan to divorce him. >> Yes, your honor. >> Jason admits the relationship is hanging by a thread. He even counters sues and demands the court force Courtney into anger management. Then his past spills out he grew up on the streets at 14. He fears Elijah is heading toward that same

cliff. You can practically hear his trauma echoing. >> You are counter suing Mrs. Johnson asking the court to order her to take [music] anger management classes. Now, Mrs. Johnson, let me start with you. How does Mr. Johnson? >> He shows blame favoritism. He I’m angry. I just want my kids to feel equal. I want my oldest son. >> When you say he shows favoritism, explain to the court how >> Courtney throws favoritism into the center of the fight. She says Jason shows up for Ethan consistently while

Elijah gets skipped like an unwanted appointment. The go-kart birthday memory hits raw and hard. Elijah crying over people not arriving still haunts her. Jason insists the tears were over outofstate cousin, not him. >> We went on a trip to Gatlinburg. It was just the four of us and we had a great trip [music] and then um it all just kind of dwindled down. My son um we took like a safari ride and he said, “Oh, well you me and Ethan will ride on this one and you and Elijah can ride on that.” And it just

hurts my son’s feelings because he never shows that extra step to where >> she doesn’t enforce me as a father figure. Courtney claims Jason literally separated Elijah from the rest of the family, placing him alone on rides and activity. Jason argues she refuses to support him as a father fig. Judge Lake asks point blank if the boys get treated differently dayto-day. Courtney answers yes without hesitation. The tension spikes immediately. >> Now, Mrs. Johnson, in your statement to

the court, you said your son asked you, “Mom, why can’t I have a dad, too?” >> He does have a dad. I’m there for him. I potty trained him. I’ve taught him how to ride bikes. I play video games with him. I’ve tried so many times. It was years ago, >> Johnson. But do you show favoritism? Do you? >> Then comes the storm about rules and respect. Jason defends his expectations, chores, elder, basic manner. Courtney snaps back that Jason himself behaves like a 12-year-old during argument.

Their clash turns into a chaotic parenting workshop. Judge Lake tries to regain control while the emotional heat climbs. >> I They Please hand me that letter. >> There’s so many different >> Mr. Johnson, I have to ask you. Do you have any idea why Elijah would feel [music] this way? >> Elijah is disrespectful to me, to her, but he’s >> When you say he’s disrespectful, disrespectful to everyone, give me some specifics. What do you mean? >> The bomb drops when Courtney mentions

Elijah’s letter. She says her son avoids coming home whenever she and Jason are together. Jason stiffens like he already knows what’s coming. The courtroom leans in, holding its collective breath. The moment feels painfully still. do because when I do go to kids, I have to take my son to my father’s house. My son is not my father’s responsibility. >> Well, I’m sorry. You don’t discipline me. When he does those things, do you think he gets grounded? No. She’ll go

buy him a video game. >> Listen, this is concerning to me because when I hear a 12-year-old child, >> Elijah’s message is short and brutal. He says he doesn’t want his mom and Jason together, and he claims Jason hangs out with Ethan while ignoring him entirely. Jason insists Elijah disrespects everyone in the household. Courtney’s silence speaks louder than any argument she could make. >> She fights with him constantly over the simplest things. Clean your room. Listen, don’t talk back. It’s always an

argument. Take the dog out. Feed the dog. Whatever it is, he cannot do it. He cannot be disciplined. She won’t disciplining him. And instead of disciplining him, she she babies him. Okay? [music] And when me and him were left alone with me, him, and my other son, and they’re fighting for about 2 hours straight, non-stop. >> Jason lists specific incidents to prove his point. He talks about remodeling the house and Elijah refusing to help, leaving a mess minutes later. Elijah reportedly said, “You do it.” And Jason

clean to avoid a fight. Judge Lake asks Courtney if she’s undercutting Jason’s authority. Courtney denies it immediately as Jason claims she coddles the boy. >> Now, you two are separated because of this. >> I mean, I love Jason with all my heart. I do. And I would love for, you know, us [music] to work and to be a happy family. But at the point it’s at right now, I just don’t know if that that’s ever going to happen because so much has happened. So many >> Judge Lake tries to widen the lens,

reminding them this court is about rebuilding family. She asks Jason if he respects Elijah as a person. Jason says the disrespect goes both ways. Courtney argues she’s simply protecting her son. The emotional divide between boundaries and affection grows wider. Would you pick up your room? What’s wrong with you? Why don’t you Why aren’t we here for the way you talk to Ethan? >> You know, talk to him like a human being, not like an animal. >> Doesn’t that go for both kids, though?

Wouldn’t that go for both children? Not just Elijah. Like what? Ethan, my son, he does the same thing. He babies Elijah. Oh, it’ll be okay. Shouldn’t yell at Ethan? Oh, it’ll be okay. You yell at him. >> Jason adds that when he’s alone with the boys, it’s endless fighting for hours. When Courtney returns, she argues with him instead of addressing their behavior. He says his goal is teaching responsibility, respect, and life skill. The thin line between discipline and

conflict is stretching dangerously. Everyone feels the strain. >> It is your purpose in life as the father in the house to give them that discipline. You’re saying you’re molding them. You’re giving them showing them when he’s not working a steady job. When he I mean, you know, the thing about education sits there and one of our biggest arguments is financial [music] problems and he’s like, I help you and it’s 50/50 with both of us, but it’s not. Jason pays half of the bills and

that’s about it. A relationship check reveals they’re separated. Courtney still loves Jason, but says the chaos has blinded her ability to see any future. Jason drops a heavy question. How can she want him to be a father, but reject everything that comes with it? The weight of that statement hangs in the air. No one even shifts in their seat. >> No, I don’t feel like there is. So, from what I’ve seen over the years, he don’t keep a job. He does get a job that he loses it. And Elijah, it’s going to take

a lot for those two to get the respect for [music] one another. and you don’t feel like he’s setting a good example for your grandson. He ain’t in the home. He don’t know what I do. >> We lived with my dad from February till July. We lived with my father and so he does have a good intake of >> She needs anger management. She can’t handle them kids, but she can handle anger. Thank you so much, Mr. Mo, for your testimony. >> Courtney’s father, Rick, is the next

witness. He claims Elijah gets pushed aside while Ethan receives more father-son moments. He even points out the different tones Jason uses with each boy. Jason argues rules should apply equally and says Elijah gets baby. The family dynamics get thornier by the minute. >> Mr. Mulsh called you and said he couldn’t handle Elijah. >> Absolutely. He called me. He we made an agreement for Elijah to go there cuz we don’t get along. Called me and was like, “It’s just too much for me, too. I can’t

take it either. Courtney has to work tomorrow. You guys are going to have to figure something out.” >> Yeah. But my dad also had plans. >> Jason finally reveals his deepest fear. He doesn’t want either boy slipping into the same street life path he barely survived. Courtney switches the focus to finances, pointing out inconsistent work and uneven bill. Jason’s mother helping with clothing becomes another point of friction. Parenting and provision are battling in two different arenas because

he disrespects. >> Are you all interviewing each other or am I trying to figure out what’s going on in the marriage? Because my thing is all of a sudden you get in here and you want to talk to one another. If you were talking more to one another at home, then you wouldn’t be standing right here. >> Judge Lake turns to Rick for his view on the relationship’s fate. He bluntly says divorce is the only logical ending. Jason pushes back, unwilling to accept. Courtney explains why Elijah couldn’t

stay with certain relatives in the past. Judge Lake grows concerned Elijah is being shuffled around like a problem instead of a child. >> You’re the defendant’s mother. >> Yes, I am. >> Thank you so much for joining [music] us today. Please enlighten us on what you know about this situation. >> Well, there’s there’s a lot of disrespect going around alto together. You’ve got the whole family involved here. Courtney’s a good-hearted person. She tries to please everybody and she

goes out of her way to please me. >> Jason’s mother, Mrs. Phelps Schultz, enters soft-spoken but firm. She says disrespect runs through the whole household and no single person is to blame. She praises Courtney’s kindness, but says parents can’t become their children’s best friend. Her final blow. Jason and Elijah need professional help. Even she knows this won’t fix itself. >> A fix between Elijah and Jason unless a third party comes in and does, you know. Thank you very much, ma’am. I understand

your point. Thank you for that. Thank you very [music] much. You may have a seat. >> I’ve set up for Elijah has been in counseling for years. I feel like when he’s around my two boys, they fight even more because he has like this kind of hatred. >> It’s my fault they’re disrespectful. Ethan’s disrespectful, too. >> Courtney ends by saying Elijah has been in counseling for years. Yet, the conflict always spikes between the two boys. Jason argues Ethan has disrespect

issues, too. Judge Lake summarizes everything strained parenting. Money problems, unstable jobs, emotional overlon. Moes the kids are suffering the moat. The courtroom finally exhales after a storm of truths >> in your marriage. Some of which caused by the parenting issues, others financial issues and such, professional issues, they’re all getting clogged together and ultimately the children are the ones suffering. And parenting classes will help you learn how to navigate through