LAS VEGAS (KSNV & MyNews3) -- It was a call for help made by the daughter of an embattled former councilwoman from Henderson. Kathleen Vermillion's 15-year-old daughter was the one who called 9-1-1 last Friday.
News 3 expected to receive the tape Wednesday, but the City of Henderson seems to be changing its tune. Mackenzie Warren has been following the story from the very beginning.
Henderson City Attorney Josh Reid says he’s being very careful and will be taking his time in his decision to release the tape. After all, the 9-1-1 call involves a former Henderson city official. Releasing the tape, officials say, might put the city right in line of Vermillion's legal wrath. The city of Henderson doesn't want to get sued.
Sources close to the case tell me on the tape you hear Vermillion's 15-year-old describe her mother’s condition. The teen also allegedly shares the type of drugs Vermillion was taking at the time of the overdose, which family members describe as a suicide attempt. News 3 has also learned the stakes are even higher for Vermillion.
She lost her public position, her job, and now she could be at risk of losing her daughter. Family members say a Child Protective Services social worker gave Vermillion an ultimatum: go to rehab or lose custody of your child. From St. Rose hospital Friday night, Vermillion made a bizarre 9-1-1 call of her own. In the conversation, Vermillion alludes to the jeopardized custody of her daughter.
Dispatcher: Why would your son need to get custody of your daughter?
Vermillion: I don’t know. But here's why I'm calling and I want an investigator to look into this. I’m under the belief that my son has gone to my home.
Dispatcher: Tell me what you want us to do. Do you want us to go to your home to make sure your son is not there?
Vermilion: I don’t know what you want to do, but he's not supposed to be driving my car…
A Henderson spokesperson released this statement:
"The City Attorney’s Office has just informed me that they have not yet determined what, if anything can be released regarding the 9-1-1 dispatch recording requesting medical assistance to 1420 Clipperton Ave. on February 3, 2012. Pursuant to NRS 239.0107, I will let you know within five business days after your initial request on Feb. 7 as to when the recording could be made available."
