Update on the Case of Khaila Czereda and Iris Crum

We are deeply concerned by recent developments in the case of Khaila Czereda, a mother desperately trying to reunite with her daughter, Iris Crum, whose whereabouts remain unknown since a devastating car accident in January 2025. This accident resulted in the death of Iris’s father, and since then, neither the courts nor the maternal family have received any confirmation of Iris’s location or well-being.

At a recent bail hearing, Khaila was able to secure release after her bail was reduced from $75,000 to $25,000. However, the hearing revealed disturbing new details. The prosecution’s primary witness, Dale Crum, alleged that Iris’s injuries were the result of an accidental fall, but under cross-examination, he admitted to failing to seek medical care despite visible bruises, scars, and injuries. The testimony was riddled with inconsistencies, and he repeatedly contradicted himself on the stand.

What’s worse, Dale Crum’s testimony included racially charged insults directed at Khaila’s legal defense, referring to her attorney as “big, Black, and stupid.” This blatant display of racism and disrespect in the courtroom caused even the judge and prosecutor to react with visible discomfort. It exposed the vindictive and biased motivations behind Dale’s involvement—rooted in what appears to be a personal vendetta, with the intent to keep Iris away from her mother for personal or financial gain.

Despite these alarming revelations, the court has not required proof of Iris’s care or safety, nor has it granted the defense’s motion to exclude Dale as a witness—despite his lack of personal knowledge and erratic testimony.

Khaila is currently on house arrest, wearing an ankle monitor while she awaits her next court date. She has applied for a waiver to cover the steep $60 weekly fee for monitoring. She continues to express deep concern for Iris’s safety, especially in the custody of someone who has never shown real care for her.

Her family, including her mother Christina, remains active in advocating for justice. Christina shared her own concern, as well as that of Khaila’s legal team, that Iris may be in danger and is possibly being used as leverage to punish Khaila further.

“Khaila doesn’t have anybody in Tennessee except her husband—who is also out on bail—and they’re just trying to make sure their household is safe for their two small children,” Christina said. “She’s sad and worried about Iris. And we just want her home.”

We are still fighting. And we will not stop.

Please continue to support this campaign and help us amplify the call for justice using the hashtag #WhereIsIrisCrum.

A text message Khaila sent her mother, Christina, after being released from a Tennessee jail in May on false charges of kidnapping.