Chase Xavier Allen was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 1st, 2018 to parents Jan Allen and Azora DD France. At some point during Chase’s short three years on this earth, his parents separated and his father was incarcerated. At the time of the events of today’s story, he had five other siblings ranging in ages from 3 months to 9 years old.

 According to reports, Dee had a history with the Children’s Services Division of Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services that dated back to 2017. She was involved in at least seven investigations as a parent. Dee was also arrested for CA for harming a nephew whom she had been caring for, and she served two years of probation.

 By the time Chase was 2 months old, he and his siblings had been removed from Dei’s care and then subsequently returned to her. Based on our research, it appears Dee had her children taken and then returned to her more than once. This was in spite of several calls to the agency made by Chase’s grandmother and aunts regarding he and his siblings well-being.

 Indeed’s refusal to address her own issues. On June 24th, 2022, at approximately 12:45 a.m., a team of Detroit police officers and CPS agents performed a wellness check at a rundown home on Monte Vista Street, which is located in Detroit’s west side. However, the woman who answered the door was acting strangely, and it wasn’t just because the police had woken her up in the early morning hours.

 According to Detroit Police Chief James White, the woman in question identified herself as 31-year-old Dee France, and she tried to push the officers away as if there was nothing going on. Acting on a hunch, the officers called for a supervisor, and the team entered the derelch two-story home.

 Inside, they found five children living in squalor. Even more shocking was what the response team was going to find next. Intombed in a broken basement freezer was the decomposing body of a three-year-old little boy. That little boy was Chase Allen, and he had not been seen by neighbors or relatives for over 3 months.

 Following the discovery of Chase’s body, Dee was arrested and charged with felony homicide, firstderee CA, torture, and concealing the death of an individual. Her five surviving children were taken to a local hospital for wellness checks and for forensic interviews with investigators and psychologists. While at the station, Dee gave the following interview to detectives.

>> And you can explain to me everything that that took place and and you know the whole story. Okay. Um so let’s start with what happened tonight. Okay. Like how it all began. Um, I was laying down watching TV and I saw the flashlights like in the window. >> What time do you think that was? >> I’m not sure. I’m not sure. I didn’t look at the town.

>> Well, how long do you think it’s been since like that point to right now? >> A little bit over an hour. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> And I opened the door and I said yes. And they said they were here to do wellbeing check. >> You said So you opened the door and you saw it was the police. >> Mhm. >> Okay.

 And he said there heard there will be a check and I said okay for Chase Allen my son >> for Chase Allen >> my son. >> Okay. >> And they asked me where was he and Okay. I did a lie. I say he was with someone with he wasn’t >> who’ you say he was with >> a lady a friend. >> A friend. Do you remember the name he told them? >> Miss Robinson. >> Miss Robinson. Okay.

 Is there is such a person or you just made that up? >> I just made that up. >> Okay. So they they didn’t believe you or >> I guess not because they came back. >> Oh, so they left. >> So you told them So you told them he was with Mrs. Robinson. >> And how long before they came back? >> Um like 10 20 minutes. >> Okay.

 So when they came back, what happened? >> They said they needed to check the house >> and make sure he wasn’t there. >> Yeah. So that’s when I opened the door and said, “Okay, I confess my >> You said I confess?” >> Yes. I said he’s in basement in the refrigerator. Well, at least she’s finally coming clean. Sort of. I don’t think we’ve ever seen a perp confess this quickly before.

>> And then they handcuffed me, put me in the back of the car. But I did not beat my son. I didn’t. He was me. He >> Okay, let’s Hold on. We’ll get there. So, they handcuffed you and they took you into custody and put you in the back of the police car. >> Yes. >> And then they brought you down here. >> Yes. >> Okay.

 [snorts] So, so you said you didn’t beat your son? >> No, I didn’t. >> So, can you tell me how he >> Okay. He passed. >> He wasn’t eating. Okay. He He’s blind and he’s medical issue. So, he >> he’s blind and what else? >> Um he like wouldn’t eat or anything like he needed special attention and Okay. So, the I woke I tried to wake him up that morning and he didn’t wake up.

 He wasn’t breathing or anything. So I laid I laid him on the hallway floor and I said I thought to myself I said what am I going to do? I picked up my phone and I was going to call the I that was scared. So I just took a vacation. >> So he How long ago was that? >> The end of March. The end of March. >> The end of March.

>> Yes. >> So you’re saying you woke up one morning and he was already dead? >> Yes. >> He died in his sleep. >> Yes. He had to cuz he wasn’t breathing. I was about to wake him up. I fig. >> Where did he sleep? >> In alone with the kids. >> In a bed. In a bed by himself or >> Yes, the kids was in my room and he was no longer >> by himself.

>> Yep. >> And he’s how old? >> Three. >> And when you say he wasn’t eating, were you trying to feed him? >> Yes, I was. I went and bought the um powder from GNC, the weight powder, >> protein powder, >> and I bought the insurance. I did everything I could. He wasn’t eating. And I did I tried to take him to the doctor.

>> I was scared. I was scared that they was going to take my other kids. I was so scared. >> So when he when how long had he not been eating? >> Um couple weeks >> and you never and you never took him to the doctor or anything to try to figure out what was going on >> cuz you were afraid they were going to take your other kids.

>> Yes. >> But if it’s a >> because he was no nutrition, >> right? But if it’s not if it’s a medical condition, >> I should have made the right thing. >> But Okay. So the end of March, you’re saying you woke up one morning. >> Mhm. Cuz I made the king breakfast and I went in there to get a look and I gave him some water. He fell back down.

 So I’m like, he’s not breathing. >> What do you mean he fell back down? So he was up. >> No, he wasn’t up. Like I set him up but he wasn’t responding. >> Was he cold? I mean, >> yeah, he was. >> So if we’re to believe Dee, she never hit her son and he passed in his sleep due to alleged malnutrition. Malnutrition that could have been addressed by simply bringing him to the hospital. But no, Dee was too scared.

allegedly, except that wasn’t really even true at all. At autopsy, it was discovered that Chase died as a result of blunt force head trauma. Dee also later admitted that she kicked Chase in the chest because she was frustrated that he wouldn’t eat. Now, this case reminds me a lot of another case we discussed a couple of years back, also out of Detroit, and that’s the case of Air Griffin.

 Amir’s skeletal remains were brought into the Children’s Hospital of Michigan by his mother, Shantavia Hayden. He was already showing signs of rigger mortise and had been dead for several hours. Despite receiving unemployment benefits, food stamps, cash assistance, and 16 cans of formula from Wick, Shantavia just didn’t feed him.

 According to ER nurse Katie Isles, “It took my breath away a little bit. The baby was emaciated, sunken cheeks. You could see all of his ribs. His eye sockets were sunken in. It was horrible. We’ll be sure to link you our coverage in the pin comment if you want to check that out. I didn’t I did not meet I didn’t touch him or anything.

 I could not breathe. I didn’t. >> You were able to move him around? >> Yes. I was scared. I I didn’t I didn’t know who to call. >> So he You woke him up. You sat him up. You tried to wake him up. He wasn’t awake. No. >> I think his heart he wasn’t. >> So you tried to sit him up. He fell back down. >> Yes. >> You laid him in the hallway.

>> Mhm. >> And then you decided you were going to call, but you were scared that they would take your other kids. >> Yes. My feet I dialed 911 on my phone, but I didn’t it didn’t. >> So you put them in the basement. >> Yes. >> So explain to me at that point what like exactly what you did. >> Okay.

 I found one of the pad bags and I put them in >> like a laundry bag. >> Yep. And then I put him I walked him downstairs, put him in the basement one. But I was >> So you put him in the bag first? >> Yes. >> Upstairs? >> Uhhuh. In the hallway. >> You put them in the bag. Then you carried the bag down into the basement. >> Yes. >> And you have a refrigerator in the basement.

>> Uh-huh. A freezer. >> Is it a like a like a >> It’s It was there when I moved them. It’s >> Well, describe it to me. Is it Does it look like a refrigerator or does it look like one of those like deep freezers that’s kind of like this big? >> No, it’s a old back in the day refrigerator.

 Like it isn’t It doesn’t have a freezer. Just >> or just one big refrigerator. >> Yeah. >> Like one big like a door. >> Yep. >> Was is it plugged in? Was it working? >> It was working, but I don’t know what happened >> and I swear I was going turn myself into everything. I was >> So, so at the end of March, so you put him in there and then that was it.

>> Yes. >> You never checked, you never tried to move the body. You never tried to do anything with it? >> Well, I went down there like a couple weeks ago and I just got on my knees and prayed. Hello. >> When did you discover that the refrigerator wasn’t working? >> Last week. >> Last week? >> Yes. >> So, when you initially put him in there, the refrigerator was working? >> Yes, it was.

>> Real quick. I did not meet him or anything. He’s just little ink. He wasn’t eating. Like, I did call my dad and say, “Dad, he’s not eating. I don’t know what to do.” And they did tell me to take him to the hospital. So, I didn’t listen. So since March, none of your family members or anybody have asked like where he’s at or anybody and what he had said he’s a village home >> and um I I wanted to open up to him but I was so scared.

>> Okay. >> Before I we write all that down. >> Okay. >> I just want to get a few things from you. You’re the sea son. >> His name is Chance. >> Chase. >> Chase. >> C H >> A Y C E. >> A Y C E. >> Last name is what? >> Allie. >> And what’s his date of birth? >> 18. >> So he’s almost going to be four. >> Yes. >> And you have how many other children? >> Five.

So, not only were Dee and her five other children living in squalor, but they were living above the decomposing body of a toddler that was sealed inside a nonfunctional refrigerator. And somehow, no one seemed to notice this. Dei goes on to mention a man that was staying with her.

 How in the world did he not notice a smell? >> Who all was home when that happened? >> They needed me kids. >> Nobody else lives there. No, none of your baby daddies, no boyfriend. They’re not going to find cuz you know they’re searching the house right now. >> So there’s no male clothing or somebody’s stuff there that lives there. >> He wasn’t there at the time.

>> Who’s he? >> My baby daddy. >> What is it? >> Um I lied and told him he was with Cuz he did ask and I told him he was with a lady but he don’t know he was in the basement. >> Where is he right now? >> At work I think. >> Where’s he work at? >> Last >> at night? They don’t cut grass at night. >> Well, he was at work early. I’m sorry.

 I don’t know where he is now. >> What’s his phone number? >> He sleeps in the driveway. >> He doesn’t sleep in the house. >> No. >> No, he doesn’t. Cuz me and him are not together. But he asked to just stay there until he get together. >> But his stuff’s in the house. >> Yep. >> What kind of car does he drive? >> Um, a black Tahoe.

>> Black Tahoe. >> Mhm. >> Do you know what year? >> No, I’m not sure. Is it newer or older? >> Older. >> Anything descriptive about the you can tell me about it that stands out? Is it tinted? Big wheels? Anything? >> Just the old Tahoe. >> Is it rusted up, bent, banged up, accident damage, anything? >> Yeah. >> Mackie is still a te that he sleeps in the car, too.

I understand if you’re trying to protect somebody. >> No, I’m >> Hold on. Hold on. >> Okay. Like, I just want to make sure and I’m not accusing you of lying to me or trying to be an a-hole or anything like that. Okay? Just hear me out, okay? I understand this your baby daddy that’s the father of your some of your kids.

You know, if something happened and you’re trying to cover up for him, you need to think about your other kids. >> No. >> And you need to be there for them. >> No. >> So, if he did something to that child >> and you’re trying to cover up for him, you should just you need to tell me. >> No, I swear on my kids. I swear.

>> So, you tell me for the last >> Yes. 4 months. >> You can call my dad too cuz he me and him got into it and my dad made him move out and ever since then he been sleeping in the driveway. I understand that he’s been sleeping in the driveway, but what I’m saying is so for 4 months he didn’t ask. >> Yes, he asked and >> he never didn’t I mean 4 months is a long time for a kid to be away >> and for him not to wonder where this child is.

 He’s not the father of that child. >> No, he was wondering where he was. He kept asking and I kept lying and saying he was with someone. >> So he kept saying that that didn’t sound right to him. Where’s uh Chase? Where’s Chase’s dad? >> Incarcerated. >> He’s in jail. None of uh his family members ever came and visited the child or anything like that.

 Grandma or nothing. >> There’s a lot about this interaction that kind of rubs me the wrong way. But I do appreciate that Dee remains somewhat honest and did not implicate her ex and Chase’s death. Although I don’t know if I totally believe that he was sleeping in the car in the driveway. I guess I’m a little unsure why the detective is choosing to steer her in that direction.

 Also, based on what she said, she was able to keep him from finding out about Chase for months. I wonder exactly what she was telling him. >> The next question is going to be basically the bulk of your story here. Can you tell me what happened to your son, Chase? >> Okay. >> Okay. >> So, I’m going to write down what your what you told me >> and then you can review it and then we can ask some other questions if we need to clarify anything. Okay.

So, um, you said that your son suffered from me, uh, numerous medical. He >> stopped eating. >> Yes. >> For about close to 3 weeks, and then you said you woke up. You don’t do you don’t remember the exact date, but it was the end of March. >> Yes. >> You discovered that he was deceased. Mhm. Oh, >> you didn’t call 911.

 You were scared that they were going to take your other kids away. >> Yes. >> So, you put him in a laundry bag. >> Yes. >> And took him into the basement and placed him into the freezer. >> Yes. >> And he’s been there ever since. >> Yes. >> Then today, the police showed up checking on his whereabouts. >> Yes.

 And when they said they needed to come inside to make sure he wasn’t in the house, >> you told them to come in and that you confessed. >> Yes. >> You said he’s in the basement. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, that’s what I’m going to write down. Is that basically it? >> Yes. >> Okay. Initially, investigators were looking into whether DD France had previous contacts with the Detroit Police or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

 And as we mentioned previously, Dee was absolutely on the radars of both agencies. According to Chase’s grandmother, Tony Haynes, she and other relatives had called DHHS to report DD on dozens of occasions. said she first got suspicious that her grandkids were not being taken care of properly after her daughter told her that Chase had burned his hand on a cup of noodles.

 Prior to the discovery of his remains, Dee began to concoct stories regarding Chase’s whereabouts. She allegedly told Tony that Chase had gone to live with his paternal grandfather’s girlfriend. At that time, the grandfather in question had been incarcerated. However, once released from jail, the grandfather denied that the little boy was ever in his or his girlfriend’s custody.

 Tony stated that family members allegedly went to her daughter’s house on Monte Vista Street about 2 weeks ago to confront her, followed by yet another call to DHHS for help. De’s stories regarding Chase’s whereabouts kept changing. At one point, she allegedly told relatives that he was in the hospital and that she had given him away.

 Chase was described by his family members as a sweet little boy who was blind and disabled. According to a relative, she referring to Dee couldn’t deal with it and we all said, “Give him to us if you can’t deal with it.” According to neighbor Lynette Hardy, they didn’t have anything. In the winter, I saw them with summer clothes on, summer shoes.

 Some had no shirts, and I just made it in my mind that I was going to help her because she needed help. Lynette also was of the impression that Chase was living with relatives after Dee informed her that her uncle and aunt in Alabama had him. Only recently did she learn that he was actually missing. Lynette, who couldn’t have children of her own, said she often bought clothing and food for the family, who she described as poor, but she said they were a loving family.

 She insisted Dee was loving. Recently, she provided the family with rides and connected the mother with resources for tutoring as her kids had trouble with reading. In the wake of Chase’s death, an ever growing memorial of toys and stuffed animals gathered upon the cement steps of the shabby white single family home. Tony Haynes set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for Chase’s funeral, as well as for clothing and other necessities for his surviving siblings.

As of the date of this recording, the fundraiser has raised 90% of its $10,000 goal. In addition, Chase’s father, Jawan Allen, filed a federal lawsuit in April of 2025 against 13 employees of Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services, citing gross negligence and deliberate indifference.

 The lawsuit sought damages of at least $75,000 and a jury trial. It alleges that, and I quote, “Defendants were entrusted with the duty of protecting this vulnerable child from harm and neglect and had the chance to intervene in diligently respond to the severity of the situation and the horrific nature of the allegations.

 However, each time defendants left Chase with or return him soon after to his abusive mother. He spent his final days of torment and abuse in complete darkness. As of the date of this recording in January of 2026, it’s unclear whether or not the lawsuit has been settled. As for DD France goes, she eventually plead guilty to seconddegree murder and was sentenced in July of 2024 to 35 to 60 years in prison.

 During her victim impact statement, Dei’s sister told her, “You were supposed to protect Chase. Instead, you hurt him to the point where he can’t come back.” Dee is currently serving her sentence at the woman’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Ipsilani, Michigan. Her earliest scheduled release date is June of 207. If she manages to be released, she will have just celebrated her 66th birthday behind bars.

We mentioned the case of Air Griffin earlier, but we would also like to highlight another case that is shockingly similar to Chase’s, and that’s the case of Stony Blair and Steven Barry. Both children were murdered by their mother, Michelle Blair, and then hidden away inside of a freezer located in their Detroit home.

Chase’s story resonated with you. Please click here to check out Stony and Steven’s case.