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Mother Father: A Journey Through Time With Journey’s Timeless Classic

A Deeper Dive into Journey’s “Mother Father”

Formed in San Francisco in 1973, Journey has been a tour de force in the world of rock music for decades. Consisting of former members of Santana and Frumious Bandersnatch, the band has undergone various lineup changes throughout the years, with Neal Schon (guitar) and Ross Valory (bass) being the only two constant members. Journey is best known for its fusion of progressive rock and melodic pop-rock tunes – an amalgamation that has truly set them apart from the rest.

While most of us are familiar with Journey’s powerhouse hits such as “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “Open Arms,” one track that stands apart for its sheer emotional depth and lyrical complexity is “Mother Father” from their 1981 album, Escape. Featuring Steve Perry on vocals, this deeply personal song shines a light on the conflicts and struggles families face and the seemingly insurmountable fight to overcome them.

“Mother Father” takes listeners on an emotional journey, underscored by Steve Perry’s soaring vocal performance and the band’s tight, cohesive musicianship. The song’s poignant lyrics speak to the necessary hope and strength required to heal from familial strife, creating a powerful message that resonates with audiences even today.

Though Journey has achieved incredible success, some critics argue that the band’s music can occasionally veer into the realm of formulaic, with some tracks sounding strikingly similar to one another. However, “Mother Father” demonstrates the band’s ability to tackle more profound subject matters and break free from the mold that has occasionally constrained them.

Over the years, Journey has received numerous accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. The band’s albums have sold over 75 million copies worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands in history . Their legacy and continued impact on the rock and pop landscapes are undeniable.

In conclusion, while Journey may be best known for their anthemic hits and sing-along-friendly tunes, it’s worth revisiting lesser-known tracks like “Mother Father” to gain a fuller appreciation of the band’s musical depth and range. As an experienced music blogger, I encourage fans and newcomers alike to delve into Journey’s extensive discography to truly understand the breadth of their talent and the lasting impact they’ve made on the world of music.

The Mastermind Behind “Mother, Father”

When it comes to the composer of the classic hit “Mother, Father,” one cannot overlook the immense talent of Jonathan Cain. Best known as the keyboardist for Journey, Cain boasts an impressive resume filled with numerous other notable compositions. Among his most iconic works is the power ballad “Open Arms,” a testament to his ability to evoke emotions through his masterful songwriting. Additionally, Cain has co-written other Journey hits like “Who’s Crying Now” and “Don’t Stop Believin’,” which have cemented their place in the pantheon of rock classics. With a keen sense for crafting unforgettable melodies, Jonathan Cain’s contributions to the music world have undoubtedly left an indelible mark. Delving into the Musicality of “Mother Father”

“Mother Father,” a standout track from Journey’s 1981 album “Escape,” showcases the band’s musical prowess and versatility. The song is written in the key of B minor, providing a moody and introspective backdrop for the emotive lyrics. B minor is known for its somber tonality, and Journey uses it to great effect here, accentuating the song’s themes of loss and self-discovery .

The song kicks off with a beautifully intricate acoustic guitar intro, utilizing finger-picking techniques that highlight the B minor chord progression. The intro sets the stage for a dynamic and engaging listening experience, as the song’s tempo and intensity build throughout its duration. The main chord progression in “Mother Father” is fairly simple, consisting primarily of Bm, A, and G major chords. This simplicity allows the vocals and instrumental flourishes to shine, contributing to the song’s overall impact.

As “Mother Father” progresses, the tempo increases and the arrangement becomes more complex. The song transitions seamlessly from a moderately slow tempo in the verses to an up-tempo, driving chorus. This tempo change adds to the song’s emotional impact, creating a sense of urgency and intensity. The chorus boasts a powerful and anthemic melody, with the chord progression shifting to a more uplifting D major, A major, and Bm sequence, reflecting the song’s themes of hope and resilience.

One of the track’s most noteworthy features is the masterful interplay between the band members, particularly between guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist Jonathan Cain. Their respective solos are expertly woven into the song’s fabric, showcasing their technical prowess without overpowering the central melody. Schon’s passionate guitar solo employs a mix of melodic phrases and fast-paced runs, while Cain’s keyboard solo provides a beautiful counterpoint, adding depth and texture to the overall arrangement.

The rhythm section, consisting of bassist Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith, holds down the fort with a steady and driving beat that anchors the song’s dynamic shifts. Smith’s drumming, in particular, adds a sense of drama and excitement to the track, with his fills and cymbal crashes accentuating key moments in the song.

Overall, “Mother Father” is a prime example of Journey’s ability to craft memorable and emotionally resonant songs that showcase their musical talents. From its intricate intro to its soaring chorus and skillful solos, this track is a testament to the band’s enduring appeal and the power of their musicianship. Awards, Accolades, and Artistic Interpretations

“Mother Father” by Journey, though not as commercially successful as some of their other hits, has been widely praised and appreciated by fans and music critics alike. Its powerful lyrics, combined with the band’s signature sound, make it a standout track in their extensive discography. Over the years, “Mother Father” has maintained its relevance and has even been featured in various media platforms.

The song has not received any specific awards, but it has contributed to the overall success of Journey, which has culminated in several accolades for the band. Journey was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, partly due to the band’s impact on music history, which includes unforgettable songs like “Mother Father.” Additionally, “Escape,” the album on which “Mother Father” is featured, was certified 9x Platinum by the RIAA, further demonstrating the album’s significance and lasting appeal.

As for appearances in movies, TV shows, and video games, “Mother Father” has yet to make its way into these realms. However, Journey’s iconic music has been utilized in various forms of media, and it’s not a stretch to imagine that “Mother Father” may find its place in a movie or TV show in the future.

When it comes to cover versions, “Mother Father” has been reinterpreted by several artists and bands over the years. One notable cover was performed by fellow rockers Dream Theater during a live show in 2011, paying tribute to the timeless song. This demonstrates the respect that “Mother Father” has garnered within the music industry and its influence on a new generation of musicians.

In conclusion, while “Mother Father” might not have the same level of recognition as some of Journey’s other songs, its impact on the band’s history and its enduring appeal cannot be overstated. With its powerful message, memorable melody, and inspiring lyrics, “Mother Father” will undoubtedly continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans and musicians alike for years to come. Unraveling the Depths of “Mother Father” Lyrics

Hey, mother, father, sister Hey, come back, tryin’, believe Hey, mother, father, dreamer Don’t you know that I’m alive for you I’m your seventh avenue Don’t you know that I’m alive for you I’m your seventh sun

A lonely boy, an empty room It’s raining out the window There’s a killer caught Running through the night I can’t see I can’t look through their eyes

One more life’s charade, I see Hey, another game’s over Give another try, we cried Lord, it’s time to bring them back

“Mother Father” by Journey is a song that speaks volumes about the struggles faced by a broken family. The lyrics delve into the thoughts and feelings of both the parents and the child, providing a unique perspective on the turmoil that can arise from such a situation.

At the time the song was written, the late 1970s and early 1980s, society was experiencing a significant increase in divorce rates. This drastic shift in family dynamics marked the era, and many children found themselves caught up in the crossfire of their parents’ broken relationships. The song’s lyrics beautifully capture the pain and confusion experienced by both the parent and the child, as they navigate the aftermath of their shattered family unit.

The chorus of the song, “Hey, mother, father, sister… Don’t you know that I’m alive for you,” serves as a poignant reminder to parents that their children are still present and need their love and support, even as they face their own struggles. The repeated references to the “seventh sun” and “seventh avenue” may be interpreted as symbols of hope and the possibility of finding a new path in life.

As we immerse ourselves in the lyrics of “Mother Father,” we are reminded of the importance of family and the need for compassion and understanding during times of hardship. The song is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to overcome life’s challenges, making it a timeless anthem for anyone who has faced adversity within their family. A Visual Journey: The “Mother, Father” Music Video Experience

While there isn’t an official music video for Journey’s “Mother, Father,” the song’s popularity has spawned a variety of fan-made videos and tributes that have garnered attention on YouTube and social media platforms. These fan creations often feature a mix of live performance footage, behind-the-scenes clips, and even custom animation, showcasing the creativity and dedication of Journey’s fanbase.

One particularly noteworthy fan-made video cleverly combines footage from the band’s 1981 live performance at the Houston Summit with additional visuals that accentuate the emotional weight of the song. By blending the live concert atmosphere with artistic elements such as slow-motion effects and synchronized lighting, this video captures the essence of Journey’s performance while also elevating the cinematic experience for the viewer.

Journey’s fandom has also displayed their appreciation for the song through a multitude of YouTube tributes. These range from heartfelt cover performances to well-edited montage videos that showcase the band’s journey over the years. These tributes showcase the song’s enduring impact on fans and its ability to resonate with listeners even decades after its release.

Additionally, the song’s powerful lyrics and emotional intensity have inspired various visual artists to create unique works of art that pay homage to “Mother, Father.” From paintings to digital pieces, these artworks often depict the band members or incorporate elements from the song’s lyrics, further showcasing the creative ways in which Journey’s music can inspire art across different mediums.

In absence of an official music video, the collective efforts of Journey’s passionate fans have ensured that “Mother, Father” continues to captivate audiences visually as well as sonically. The myriad of fan-made videos, tributes, and artworks serve as a testament to the song’s lasting influence and the indelible mark it has left on popular culture. Charting the Journey of “Mother Father”

Despite being a lesser-known gem from Journey’s extensive discography, “Mother Father” undoubtedly deserves a spot in the limelight for its powerful lyrics and emotive musical arrangement. Released on July 1981 as part of their wildly successful album “Escape,” this track showcases the band’s ability to create a captivating and deeply personal listening experience.

In terms of chart performance, “Mother Father” did not receive the same level of recognition as some of the album’s other hits, such as “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “Open Arms.” While it did not have a significant impact on the charts or achieve a peak chart position, it has remained a beloved song among Journey’s devoted fanbase.

Interestingly, “Escape” – the album that houses “Mother Father” – reached the top of the charts, peaking at #1 on the US Billboard 200 in September 1981. Moreover, the album experienced phenomenal success in other parts of the world, securing a #12 spot on the UK Albums Chart and a #15 position on the Canadian RPM Albums Chart. Such accolades solidified “Escape” as Journey’s most successful album, even if “Mother Father” didn’t rise to the same heights.

Although it may not have conquered the charts, “Mother Father” remains an essential part of Journey’s musical legacy. Through its soul-stirring lyrics and passionate performance, this track continues to resonate with listeners, proving that chart positions aren’t the only measure of a song’s impact or staying power.

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Mother, Father

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Journey is an American rock band formed in 1973 in San Francisco by former members of Santana and Frumious Bandersnatch. The band has gone through several phases; its strongest commercial success occurred between 1978 and 1987, after which it temporarily disbanded. During that period, the band released a series of hit songs, including 1981's "Don't Stop Believin'", which became in 2009 the top-selling catalog track in iTunes history. Its parent studio album, Escape, the band's eighth and most successful, reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and yielded another of their most popular singles, "Open Arms". Its 1983 follow-up, Frontiers, was almost as successful in the United States, reaching No. 2 and spawning several successful singles; it broadened the band's ap… more »

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Written by: JONATHAN CAIN, STEPHEN RAY PERRY, MATTHEW A. SCHON, NEAL J. SCHON

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Mother, Father - Journey (live)

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Mother, Father

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Mother, Father Lyrics as written by Stephen Ray Perry Jonathan Cain

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it's story of a broken home.....done with beautiful lyrics and beautiful metaphors.....

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Im gonna re-sing this song! its sad to see only one comment! this song is about a divorced family, the son is is asking for help to make this all better. the mother seems sad that the husbands gone 'She sits alone, an empty stare A mother's face she wears Where did she go wrong...'

-'With dreams he tried, lost his pride He drinks his life away One photograph, in broken glass It should not end this way.'

And like many fathers, develops an alcohol problem. Just like my dad... i heard somewhere that the 'seventh son' is from something like Norske mythology or something like that and i think a seventh son is supposed to have powers... i think that the son is saying that he'll be there for both of them when trouble comes '...when lightin' strikes the family ' he will be their defender -'Don't you know that I'm alive for you'

-'Through bitter tears And wounded years, those ties of blood were strong So much to say, those yesterdays So now don't you turn away.' I think this part is saying that when the family was together in the hardships and not facing them alone, they were healthy so they could fight back, but that was in the past. 'So now don't you turn away'

I'm sure there are lotta people like me that are holding the family together, im only 18! its much bigger job than u would think! to all my brothers and sisters,Hang on help is on the way keep fighting! 2012!

I love this song! I first heard it over at a friends house and I watched Deen Castronovo sing it while playing the drums and I was blown away! He sang it with such ease! It was incredible! I listen to this song all the time. It makes me think of my own home that's broken. I love this song!

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My favorite Journey song. I like Castronovo's vocals on it as well, but no one touches Steve Perry's voice in my eyes.

I agree that Steve's vocals can't be matched but I too saw the video of Dean singing and for some reason that is my favorite version.

I think it isn't just for divorce. Any broken home sucks. If a family is ripped apart due to parents or kids actions..... any one of these versus can be a cry for help or a reflection on life. Awesome song. :)

''She sits alone, an empty stare A mother's face she wears Where did she go wrong, The fight is gone Lord help this broken home''

I have always felt it was coming from an outside view of a family with a rebellious, teenage son and controlling yet concerned father and the mother stuck in the middle. As often is the case when there is tensions in the family, the mother is often at the receiving end of fire from both sides and often feels she has failed as a mother and herself, hence the fight being gone, its gone in her.

''Don't you know that I'm alive for you I'm your sevenths son And when lightin' strikes the family Have faith, believe.''

In time the father and son clashed to the breaking point and the son being headstrong, decided to leave home with big ideas of making something of his life on his own with no family to help him. The idea of the 'seventh son' being the parable of The Prodigal Son. The mother has faith and believes if given time the son will come around in his views about his father and vice versa.

'With dreams he tried, lost his pride He drinks his life away One photograph, in broken glass It should not end this way.''

Once out in the real world he saw that life wasnt as easy as he thought it would be and that he yearned for the happy home life he had before his teenage years. But his pride prevented him from trying to set things right with his dad and so he lived his life trying something, anything to fill that void, until one day he comes across a broken photograph of his family he had packed away and there he saw the love he had for his father.

''Through bitter tears And wounded years, those ties Of blood were strong So much to say, those yesterdays So now don't you turn away.''

The son, putting his pride aside then decides that the ties of blood were strong and that he could have a relationship with his dad after all. That he needed to set things right as an adult. He was capable of seeing his fathers point of view on things now as a grown man and realised that his father was just trying to protect him from making bad decisions early on in his life. Instead of turning away as he did as a teen, the grown man decides to return home. He's realised that life was too short to hold onto pride and anger and that he needed to fix this before it was too late, ie. his father dying.

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Parents of Michigan school shooter sentenced

By Antoinette Radford and Maureen Chowdhury , CNN

Parents of school shooter sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison. Here's what happened in court today

From CNN staff

The  parents of the teenager who killed four students  in the 2021 school shooting in Oxford, Michigan, were each sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison Tuesday, weeks after being convicted of manslaughter.

James and Jennifer Crumbley, who each had faced up to 15 years in prison, have already been imprisoned for more than two years since their arrest in a Detroit warehouse days after the shooting. Though they were tried separately, their sentencing took place together in an Oakland County courtroom.

They are the first parents to be held criminally responsible for a mass school shooting committed by their child as the nation continues to grapple with the scourge of gunfire on campus and mass shootings.

Here's what everyone said in court today:

• Several family members of the four students killed in the shooting delivered emotional victim impact statements before the judge handed down the sentencing. The mother of Justin Shilling said "the ripple effects of both James and Jennifer's failures to act" to prevent their son from carrying out the deadly shooting " have devastated us all ." The father of Hana St. Juliana said the Crumbleys continue to deflect blame , adding his daughter's death "destroyed a large portion of my very soul."
• Jennifer Crumbley began her statement to the court on Tuesday by expressing her condolences to the victims and their families. She also said a previous statement that she made on the stand in her own defense  during her trial in Februar y was "completely misunderstood." Jennifer Crumbley previously said, “I’ve asked myself if I would have done anything differently, and I wouldn’t have.” Now, before sentencing, she said if she knew her son was capable of the crimes committed, her answer would have "absolutely been different."
• James Crumbley apologized to the victims , something he said he had not been able to do yet. He said he was not aware his son was planning a school shooting, and he asked the judge, "sentence me in a fair way."
• Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald urged the judge to exceed the sentencing guidelines for the Crumbleys and to consider the "devastating impact of their gross negligence that was foreseeable." In separate pre-sentencing memos, the attorneys for the parents asked for them  to be sentenced  to less than five years in prison.
• Judge Cheryl Matthews said the decision should be a deterrent to try to stop school shootings in the future. She pointed to James and Jennifer Crumbley's lack of action, saying, “These convictions confirm repeated acts or lack of acts that could have halted an oncoming runaway train."

Crumbley case sets a precedent on who can be held accountable for a mass shooting

From CNN's Celina Tebor

The historic trials, and stunning verdicts, of James and Jennifer Crumbley  tested the limits of who can be held responsible for a mass shooting.

The prosecution of both parents, and an uptick in other criminal prosecutions and civil lawsuits tied to mass shootings, indicates attorneys are increasingly seeking to hold responsible people — and companies — who didn’t pull the trigger .

Prosecutors over the past few years have been slowly, but steadily, expanding the notion of who can be held accountable for a mass shooting, CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig, a former federal and state prosecutor, said last month.

While he cautioned each case rests on its own merits, "we’ve seen groundbreaking prosecutions of parents and security personnel," he said, "and I’d expect that trend to continue."

The question remains whether prosecution of non-shooters will be effective in reducing the number of mass shootings in the United States. But undoubtedly, it has expanded prosecutors’ tool boxes, according to Ekow Yankah, law professor at the University of Michigan.

“It gives different prosecutors something to aim at – it gives them a new theory, it gives them something to try,” he told CNN. “It gives prosecutors who are frustrated, are facing a devastating crime, a mass shooting that’s hurt their community, some set of actions that they can take.”

Read about some other high-profile prosecutions of non-shooters in recent years.

Prosecutor says she is disappointed James and Jennifer Crumbley did not express remorse

From CNN’s Nicki Brown 

The lead prosecutor in James and Jennifer Crumbley's criminal trials said it was "disappointing" that the parents didn't express remorse.

"Feeling bad is natural, and we don't dispute that they feel bad ... that's not what's important to victims of crime," Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said to reporters after the Crumbleys' sentencing Tuesday. "What they want and need most of all is remorse, which means acknowledgment of the wrongdoing and some sort of reconciliation or apology for that — and that didn't come."

The prosecutor said she didn't think that the case would set a precedent for parents of other school shooters.

"There's a difference between precedent-setting and rare, and this is really a rare set of facts, it really is," McDonald said. 

"Most of us know that you have to exercise reasonable care at least to prevent other people from the dangers that you know are foreseeable," she added.

She said her team did the "absolute best" they could, and the victim's families know that.

"It's really hard ... to remark about how hard we work and how hard it's been when you're looking in the eyes of these parents every day, who get up in unbelievable pain and grief and see this play out every day and they still go on," she said. "And so, my focus is there."

James and Jennifer Crumbley each sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison

James and Jennifer Crumbley, the parents of the teenager who killed four students in a 2021 school shooting in Oxford, Michigan, were each sentenced Tuesday to 10 to 15 years in prison, respectively, weeks after they were convicted of manslaughter.

They will receive credit for 858 days already served.

Sentence for Crumbleys should be a deterrent, judge says

From CNN's Elise Hammond

The judge presiding over the sentencing of James and Jennifer Crumbley said the decision should be a deterrent to try to stop school shootings in the future.

"Opportunity knocked over and over again, louder and louder, and was ignored," Judge Cheryl Matthews said. "No one answered and these two people should have and sure didn’t."

She said she is "aware of my job in this situation” and promised not to be “swayed by public opinion” when handing down the sentencing decision.

Talking to the families in the courtroom, Matthews said she could never understand the pain they are experiencing, but reassured them, “I saw what you saw and I heard what you heard” during the trials.

Prosecutor urges judge to consider the "devastating impact" of the Crumbleys' "gross negligence"

From CNN's Nicki Brown

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald urged Judge Cheryl Matthews to exceed the sentencing guidelines for James and Jennifer Crumbley, asking the judge to consider the "devastating impact of their gross negligence that was foreseeable."

"I want to be clear, remorse does not sound like, 'I feel really bad.' I'm sure they do. I don't dispute they feel bad, I don't dispute they have grief. That's not the kind of remorse and accountability these victims are looking for," McDonald said in court Tuesday.

She continued, addressing the judge:

"When fashioning a sentence, it is absolutely critical that you listen and consider the impact of what that gross negligence caused. So we're asking you to exceed the guidelines because I believe all of the factors pursuant to the case law, with the necessary consideration of the impact of these crimes, justifies you to do. We're asking you, the people are asking you, to consider the devastating impact of their gross negligence that was foreseeable."

James Crumbley apologizes to the families of his son's victims

From CNN's Antoinette Radford

James Crumbley, the father of Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley, addressed the courtroom, opening his statement by apologizing to the victims, something he said he had not been able to do yet.

"I want to say I can't imagine the pain and agony ... for the families that have lost their children and what they are experiencing and what they are going through. As a parent, our biggest fear is losing our child or our children, and to lose a child is unimaginable. My heart is really broken for everybody involved," he said.

"I really want the families of Madisyn Baldwin, Hana St Juliana, Tate Myre and Justin Shilling to know how truly sorry I am, and how devastated I was when I heard what happened to them," Crumbley said.

Crumbley added that he was not aware his son was planning a school shooting, and he asked Judge Cheryl Matthews to "sentence me in a fair way."

Jennifer Crumbley says previous statement made in court was misinterpreted

From CNN's Maureen Chowdhury

Jennifer Crumbley began her statement to the court by expressing her condolences to the victims and their families.

"I sit here today to express my deepest sorrows for the families of Hana, Tate, Madisyn, Justin and to all those affected on November 30, 2021," she said.

Crumbley said that a previous statement made on the stand was "completely misunderstood."

When she took the stand in her own defense during her trial in Februar y, she had said, “I’ve asked myself if I would have done anything differently, and I wouldn’t have.”

On Tuesday, Crumbley said that she did not foresee the actions of her son and therefore would not have done anything different, and that is how she interpreted the question.

"With the benefit of hindsight and information I have now, my answer would be drastically different," she said.

Crumbley added that if she knew her son was capable of the crimes committed, her answer would have "absolutely been different."

 Father of Hana St. Juliana says Crumbleys "choose to blame everyone but themselves"

James and Jennifer Crumbley continue to deflect blame, the father of a victim of the 2021 Oxford High School shooting said at the Crumbleys' sentencing Tuesday.

"The defendants, through their choices, through their indifference and gross negligence, enabled their son to murder my daughter Hana and three other children," Steve St. Juliana, the father of Hana St. Juliana, said in a victim impact statement Tuesday.

"They chose to stay quiet. They chose to ignore the warning signs. And now, as we've heard through all of the objections, they continue to choose to blame everyone but themselves," he said.

Steve St. Juliana said his daughter's death "destroyed a large portion of my very soul."

"I will never think back fondly on her high school and college graduations. I will never walk her down the aisle as she begins the journey of starting her own family. I am forever denied the chance to hold her or her future children in my arms," he added.

St. Juliana said his position on the Crumbleys' sentencing evolved throughout the trial as the defendants' "defiance" increased. "Hana, Madisyn, Tate, and Justin are the ones who have lost everything — not the defendants," he said before requesting the parents receive the maximum possible sentence.

Buck Myre, the father of victim Tate Myre, gave his impact statement following Steve St. Juliana. He was the last person to give an impact statement.

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Oxford shooter's mother, father sentenced to years in prison for manslaughter

The parents of the Oxford High School shooter were sentenced on April 9, 2024. Watch Oakland County Judge hand down the sentences here.

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Watch: local 4 news at 11 p.m. : apr 09, 2024, local 4 news at 11 -- april 9, 2024, watch: local 4 news at 10 p.m. on local 4+ : apr 09, 2024, lakeside mall redevelopment plan delayed in sterling heights, crumbley's are sent to prison in historic ruling, local 4 news at 6 -- april 9, 2024, paula tutman talks to 'bookstock' winner of annual essay contest in laurel park place, watch: local 4 news at 6 p.m. : apr 09, 2024, i-96 construction headaches set to return in oakland county, watch: local 4 news at 5 p.m. : apr 09, 2024, crumbley's case sets new precedent on prosecutions of parents in gun cases nationwide, historic sentencing closes long chapter for victims of oxford high school shooting.

Baby found dead on Los Angeles highway linked to family's murder-suicide, police say

The mother allegedly killed their father, then crashed into a tree and died.

The death of a baby found Monday on a highway has been linked to a possible murder-suicide in Los Angeles, police told ABC News.

Early Monday morning, the body of an 8-month-old girl was found on the 405 Freeway. A 9-year-old girl was found on the shoulder, alive but with moderate injuries, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Shortly after, a woman -- who police identified as the children's mother -- crashed her car into a tree in Redondo Beach. She was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Police identified her on Tuesday afternoon as Danielle Johnson, 34.

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Authorities on Monday found the father dead from apparent stab wounds in an apartment in Woodland Hills. He was identified by police on Tuesday as Jaelen Chaney, 29.

Police said Tuesday that during the early hours of Monday morning, the two "became involved in a verbal altercation that escalated into Johnson becoming violent, stabbing Chaney, who succumbed to his injuries at scene."

A knife with biological evidence was recovered at the scene.

The mother is also suspected of leaving the two children on the highway and then crashing into a tree.

MORE: Idaho man arrested for planning attacks on churches in support of ISIS

The two children were "expelled" from the car while it was moving, police said. It is not yet clear whether the baby was already dead or died later on the highway.

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The 9-year-old girl, who is believed to be a witness to the murder, was hospitalized for her injuries and is now in safe custody, police said.

Neighbors told Los Angeles ABC station KABC they heard an argument coming from the apartment the night before and saw blood in the area the next morning.

"Their door was wide open, there was blood on the floor leading into their apartment, and then a trail of it in the hallway leading up to the elevator and I saw some blood on the wall," a 26-year-old woman told KABC.

The woman's father called 911, she said, who told them to check inside the apartment, where they found the man dead.

"He was deceased, he was facedown on the floor," she said. "And there was a lot of blood."

ABC News' Alex Stone contributed to this report.

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18-year-old in Idaho planned to attack more than 21 churches on behalf of ISIS, feds say

An 18-year-old student from Idaho was arrested for planning to attack churchgoers in his hometown on behalf of ISIS , according to federal authorities.

Alexander Scott Mercurio, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho , is accused of "attempting to provide material support and resources to ISIS" and pledging his allegiance to the terrorist organization, a Justice Department news release said.

In addition to supporting ISIS, Mercurio allegedly conspired to attack individuals at over 21 churches in Coeur d'Alene on Sunday with various weapons — including knives, guns and fire, according to the release.

Mercurio has been charged with "attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization," the Justice Department said. He could receive a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison if convicted. 

Court filings on Tuesday show Mercurio is without legal counsel for his case.

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Alexander Mercurio intentionally planned to attack churches before the end of Ramadan, feds say

The FBI began looking into Mercurio when the 18-year-old reached out to "confidential human sources" online and revealed his support for ISIS and terrorist organizations, according to court documents filed in the District of Idaho. The confidential human source met Mercurio in person, and he again expressed his support for ISIS, the documents continued.

"Mercurio spread ISIS propaganda online and solicited ISIS's involvement in and approval of his propaganda efforts, discussed traveling from the U.S. to join ISIS, considered and planned ways to support ISIS financially, and most recently, set forth a plan to assault his father with a metal pipe, acquire his father's firearms and attack a local church," according to court records.

Mercurio's behavior "escalated" at the beginning of 2024 when he began planning a suicide attack on churches in Coeur d'Alene, the court records show. His plan involved using flame-covered weapons, explosives, knives, a machete, a pipe and firearms, according to the court records.

He chose a specific church and intentionally planned the attack to occur on April 7 because that meant it would happen before the end of Ramadan, court documents show.

FBI thwarts Alexander Mercurio's plan before he stole father's guns

The next part of Mercurio's plan involved incapacitating his father, restraining him with handcuffs and stealing his firearms to use for "maximum casualties in his attack," according to court documents. Before the attack, he bought butane canisters and a metal pipe, the documents continued.

While planning the attack, Mercurio made a " Bayʿah statement ," which included him pledging his allegiance to ISIS and "stating his intention to die while killing others on behalf of ISIS," court records show. He transmitted the statement a day before he planned to carry out the attack, according to the court records.

Federal authorities managed to stop Mercurio before he could harm his father, court documents show. When they searched Mercurio's family's home Saturday, they found plans for the attack, the items he bought for the crimes and an ISIS flag in his bedroom, the documents continued.

Alexander Mercurio told the FBI's confidential source the attack plan, feds say

The FBI identified Mercurio as an online student at a local school who was issued a laptop and Wi-Fi Hotspot, court records show. Authorities found files on the school-issued laptop "confirming Mercurio's commitment to ISIS and its ideology," including photos of him using ISIS-related gestures and documents about socialism, communism and politics, according to the court records.

Mercurio also participated in an online group chat with other ISIS supporters, according to court documents.

"I'm 17 in USA," Mercurio wrote in the chat on Oct. 2, 2022, court documents show. "I know I try to keep secret, I'm in north Idaho very Christian and conservative parents are mad cause I'm not shaving beard and not letting pants go below ankle."

During an online conversation with the confidential human source, Meruciro told him the plan in detail, court records show.

"The plan is basically this: lie to my dad an say I'm going on a walk, leave, walk to a park, send the bayah video, delete all the social media on my phone (and) then walk to the nearest church," Mercurio wrote between March 25-26, according to court records. "Stop close by the church, equip the weapon(s) and storm the temple, kill as many as possible before they inevitably scatter, then burn the temple to the ground and flee the scene, then move onto the next church, rinse and repeat for all 21+ churches in the town until killed."

'This case should be an eye-opener', FBI agent says

U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit said "we have no higher calling than to protect our nation and our communities from terrorism," according to the Justice Department's release.

“This case should be an eye-opener to the dangers of self-radicalization, which is a real threat to our communities,” Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI said in the release. “Protecting the American people from terrorism remains the FBI’s number one priority, and we continue to encourage the public to report anything suspicious to the FBI or your local law enforcement.”

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A moment that changed me: I yearned to know my father’s identity – and in the garden, my mother opened up

After taking a DNA test, I had lots of questions for my mother. But it wasn’t until we took our conversations outside, working together in my scrubby yard, that I began to get some answers

I n 2019, I took a DNA test and discovered that my father, who had died three months earlier, was not biologically related to me. When it came to our family history, I thought I had everything figured out, but that turned out not to be the case. The father who raised me was a foreign correspondent and his love of questions shaped me. So, after my discovery I became the reporter’s daughter, approaching family and family friends with interrogative zeal. It quickly became clear that the one person who could complete the story of my origins was my mother, who had never been a reliable raconteur. Surely, she would be more candid and forthcoming now? What mother would not want to help her child restore their biography?

But every time I tried to interview her, she would talk over my questions or demur. She would answer like a cornered politician or a toddler with cake on its mind. She threw fistfuls of grass at any query. When I told people I could not get my story out of her, they asked: “Are you sure you’re asking the right questions?” But I knew from past experience that there were no right questions.

One day later that year, in a standoff, she said: “Why don’t we take this outside?” One of the many good things about my mother is that she doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty in the garden. The dirtier the better.

Slowly, we began turning the scrubby yard outside my house in downtown Toronto into a garden filled with pollinator species. I, a notorious plant killer, did not become Monty Don or Piet Oudolf , but I did grow more patient with my mother as she taught me about the plant world. All the forceful methods I had employed trying to yank up my mother’s memories had not worked. The questions I had thought would build a rope bridge connecting us had made us even more distant.

It was the garden that helped us create a new intimacy. An unexpected cluster of Virginia bluebells, a rogue patch of baptisia – vestiges of other gardens, surprises hidden at varying depths, quietly revealed themselves. Composted from residue, the perennial and unplanned, the yard became a layered and improvised meadow. All the dogged energy I had brought to uncovering my history began to soften as I saw the myriad ways plants anchor themselves to the Earth. Tangled, knobby, fibrous, sprawling – roots are seldom exactly what we expect.

In the garden, my mother began speaking more openly. As she talked about the past, I began to understand her antipathy toward questions. She had emigrated twice: to the UK in the 1960s, then Canada in the 1970s. As a Japanese woman living in all-white neighbourhoods with a white husband, she fielded a lot of intrusive questions. It took a long time for her to feel at home.

The memories she recounted were spotty; she held back facts she deemed private. But it often felt like enough, and besides, would she really be my mother if she wasn’t sometimes evasive, argumentative and a little dismissive?

Some people you will never know directly. You only come to know them by knowing the things they know, and by meeting them in their own habitat. My mother and I kept gardening over many months, to the sound of passing traffic, through her cancer diagnosis and then a diagnosis of dementia. Occasionally it would occur to me that we had spent a whole afternoon without one question forming in my head.

Then one day, in the pandemic spring of 2020, shortly after a downpour, I realised I had no more questions. At least, not big ones. I had made peace with what needed to be left deep in the dark soil, undisturbed.

Our standoff the year before had ended because I stopped demanding a story from her. But that day, as we sat together in the garden, I felt more connected to my mother than I had ever imagined possible. I knew it wouldn’t last – we are too fiercely different – but in that moment, I was not only the reporter’s daughter with a tendency to poke around, I was also the gardener’s daughter who had learned how to soften and surrender.

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'Genius' pre-med student seen on Ring video holding knife seconds before allegedly stabbing his mom to death

Polk county sheriff grady judd played a 911 call in which emmanuel espinoza is heard confessing to stabbing his mother because she 'got on his nerves'.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd gives update on Florida pre-med student who allegedly stabbed his mother to death

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the case is "one of the most bizarre" they have ever dealt with.

Chilling new details were revealed about a heinous crime that authorities are calling "one of the most bizarre" they've seen after a Florida pre-med student allegedly stabbed his own mother to death because she irritated him.

During a press conference on Monday, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd played a 911 audio clip of Emmanuel "Manny" Espinoza, 21, allegedly confessing to stabbing his mother, Elvia Espinoza, 46, to death inside her home on Saturday afternoon.

Manny Espinoza reportedly told his mother that he was going to be in Frostproof visiting his grandfather that weekend, so he would visit her. Judd said she invited him to stay at her house and he agreed.

Sheriff Judd said Manny arrived around 2 p.m. at his mother’s home and shared the Ring camera footage from her door, showing him holding a knife behind his back seconds before the attack happened.

FLORIDA PRE-MED STUDENT ADMITS TO STABBING HIS MOTHER TO DEATH: 'INEXPLICABLE, VICIOUS'

He was also listening to the song "No Church in the Wild" as he approached the front door.

"His beautiful mother, who was so excited to see her son, opened the door. The second she opened the door, he charged in and started stabbing her," Judd said. 

Police did not release the audio captured from inside the home, but said Elvia could be heard screaming, "Manny, Manny, Manny!" as he attacked her, while he never uttered a sound. 

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During a press conference on Monday, the sheriff played an audio clip of Emmanuel Espinoza allegedly confessing to stabbing his mother on Saturday afternoon. (Polk County Sheriff's Office)

"He made the statement that he knew where to stab her for maximum effect because of his biology classes," Judd stated.

Sheriff Judd went on to say that Manny was described as being a "genius, remarkably brilliant."

Sheriff Judd said he stabbed his mother in excess of 70 times and as she tried to get off the ground, he stabbed her some more.

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A 21-year-old pre-med student at the University of Florida is in custody after officials with the Polk County Sheriff's Office said he fatally stabbed his own mother Saturday afternoon. (Polk County Sheriff's Office)

"He said he noticed her hands were still moving, so he stabbed her some more. And then he told the detectives in his confession that he had cut his hand on the knife while stabbing his mother. And as he is standing at the kitchen sink, washing himself off and the knife, he wanted to ask his mom for the Neosporin, for the cut on his hand, but he noticed she was dead," Judd said. 

Sheriff Judd said Manny immediately called 911, and he played the audio for the press. In the audio, Manny can be heard admitting to the murder. 

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"I want you to understand she was really the perfect mom. I want you to understand she was very proud of his accomplishments. And then I want you to understand that he viciously murdered her and confessed to it," Judd expressed. 

Sheriff Judd said investigators then asked Manny if he loved his mom and if there had been any issues. 

"We said, ‘Do you love her? and he said ’Oh ya, I love her.' We asked ‘Do you all get along?’ And he said ‘Yea, an 8 out of 10, we get along, but I’ve wanted to kill her for years and I made up my mind when I drove from Gainesville, today is the day,’" Judd said.

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Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd detailed the horrific murder involving a Florida med-student allegedly stabbing his mother to death.  (Polk County Sheriff's Office)

The sheriff noted that Manny has no history of drug or alcohol abuse or mental health issues. He said Manny has no criminal history.

Sheriff Judd said Manny was the youngest of three and was the Frostproof class of 2020 valedictorian. He said he was described as a "genius."

"He was quoted at his high school graduation saying, ‘high school was just one of the chapters out of the many we will have throughout our lives. We still have so much to accomplish in the future that will define what kind of legacy the class of 2020 will leave behind,’" Sheriff Judd said.

Sheriff Judd added that detectives have searched his room at the University of Florida and did not find anything that would indicate he was planning to murder his mother.

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"It is one of the most bizarre murders that we have dealt with in a very long time," Judd said. "And when you see that he left a family behind that loved him, a mom that just worshiped her children, and at this very moment, she should have been in Ben Hill Griffin Elementary creating a future and educating our second-graders, is incomprehensible of what happened that day." 

Manny Espinoza was booked into the Polk County Jail and was charged with first degree murder.

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