Tina Ramirez, a mother from Piedmont, Oklahoma, was arrested after allegations of child abuse surfaced. When confronted by the police, she invoked her right to remain silent, but her husband, Anthony Ibeziako, had a lot to say about the situation.
“This isn’t a normal family. It’s like some kind of prison,” Anthony told an investigator on March 19, referring to the numerous cameras inside their home. The investigator, appearing frustrated, replied, “Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking. Thank you.”
In bodycam footage, Anthony claimed Ramirez was responsible for feeding their children. However, police reported the kids were severely malnourished. According to documents, the situation came to light when one of the children ran away and was found hiding under a blanket behind a building. The child’s condition was alarming.
“After uncovering herself, it was clear she was extremely thin and frail,” authorities said.
Investigators confronted Anthony, pointing out how the children looked. “They’re stealing food all the time, and they’re skin and bones,” the investigator said. “They’re hungry, Anthony.”
The runaway child shared horrifying details with authorities. She described being locked in a closet for long periods without food as punishment. She also claimed she had been hit, tased, choked, and subjected to other physical abuse.
Though Ramirez stayed silent during her arrest on March 19, police said she spoke to them earlier, on March 15. In that conversation, she allegedly admitted to using physical punishment on the children and acknowledged their malnourished state. She also admitted she didn’t seek medical help for their condition. Police noted that Ramirez’s explanation for locking away food didn’t match her claims that the children were well-fed. She also confessed to using a handheld taser near the children and admitted accidentally tasing one of them in the eye.
The investigator expressed frustration with Anthony, questioning why he didn’t take the children to a doctor. His response? “They’re adopted. I’m not on their papers.”
Anthony is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on January 10, while Ramirez’s hearing is set for January 29.
