A Ferguson, Missouri, mother is speaking out after discovering her home had been cleared out in what turned out to be a false eviction.

Storm Burris, a mother of two, said she returned to her unit at the Renewal Heights Apartments to find her belongings stuffed into trash bags and scattered in the hallway. Burris told KSDK, "They were laughing…'This is crazy. They were pointing to the trash can. When I took a good look at it, it was all my babies' stuff in it, and I was in shock."

According to reports, the incident was the result of a mix-up during either a maintenance or eviction process. Despite Burris being up to date on rent, property staff mistakenly targeted the wrong apartment. Tenant advocates say the error violated Missouri’s legal protections, which require landlords to notify residents before discarding property.

For Burris, the consequences extend far beyond the inconvenience. The loss included sentimental items, such as photos and keepsakes, as well as expensive property. “My son’s bedroom set, two new generation iPads, my son and daughter had cars they could drive when they could charge them up, Pandora jewelry, Kay jewelry, a safe, and I had an engagement ring that was $2,000 alone,” she said.

Property management reportedly offered her $5,000 and one free month of rent, but Burris said the offer doesn’t come close to replacing what was lost. She has since started a GoFundMe campaign to help rebuild. “I do everything I am supposed to do, and this just really set me back a lot,” Burris said to KSDK. “I believe this story needs to be heard because it shows how easily families can lose everything through no fault of their own, and how little accountability exists when a landlord or eviction team makes such a catastrophic mistake. I am asking for accountability, community support, and a chance to rebuild my life for my children.”

Police have categorized the case as a burglary, though no suspects have been identified.