In a distressing account of a custody battle, Gabriela, a mother from Palm Bay, has detailed a series of alarming incidents involving her ex-partner, Cardell, who she claims has exhibited abusive and manipulative behavior. The situation escalated after Gabriela left the relationship in December 2022, fearing for the safety of their four-year-old son, Malik.

Gabriela reported that on October 12, 2023, she approached the police department out of concern that Cardell might take Malik out of the county. However, the police informed her that they could not intervene. The situation took a turn for the worse on December 18, 2023, when Cardell allegedly took Malik from daycare without Gabriela's knowledge, leading to a four-day period of uncertainty regarding the child's whereabouts.

Despite Gabriela's attempts to seek help from child services and the police, who were informed of Cardell's unlawful possession of a firearm and threats of violence, she claims that no action was taken. Following the return of Malik, Gabriela filed for a protective order against Cardell due to his history of abuse. Nevertheless, she allowed him to see Malik on December 29, 2023, in an effort to maintain some level of co-parenting.

The situation further deteriorated on August 26, 2024, when Cardell unexpectedly confronted Gabriela's husband, Thomas, at Malik's preschool, leading to a verbal altercation. Thomas was subsequently arrested and charged with battery, a charge that Gabriela contends was a misunderstanding stemming from the chaotic encounter.

Malik expressed fear about returning to school, stating he was worried that his father would \"steal\" him. Gabriela's attempts to file another protective order against Cardell for stalking were reportedly rejected. Recently, Cardell filed a protective order against Thomas, adding to the family's distress.

Throughout this ordeal, Gabriela has claimed that the police have been unresponsive, citing a lack of evidence despite her and her husband's eyewitness accounts of Cardell's abusive behavior towards Malik. Gabriela has highlighted a troubling pattern in Cardell's history, including previous domestic violence charges and a troubled past with other children and partners.

As the situation continues to unfold, Gabriela remains focused on securing a safe environment for Malik, expressing deep concern for his well-being amid ongoing threats and instability from Cardell.