The mother and stepfather of an 11-year-old girl in Muskogee, Oklahoma, have been charged with felony child neglect after their daughter gave birth to a full-term baby at home.
The girl reportedly gave birth on August 16 without any medical assistance or supervision, leading to the charges against Dustin Walker, 34, and Cherie Walker, 33.
Alleged Lack of Supervision and Prenatal Care
According to local reports, the Walkers claim they were unaware that their daughter was pregnant. Investigators revealed in court documents that the girl, who was 36 weeks pregnant, had not received any prenatal care and had not seen a doctor in over a year.
The situation came to light when the girl was taken to the hospital after giving birth.
Muskogee County Assistant District Attorney Janet Hutson expressed her shock upon learning about the case, stating, “I was horror-stricken to find out it’s an 11-year-old little girl who’s given birth… and that she had no medical care, and she had no one to be with her.”
Potential for Additional Charges
Hutson has indicated that additional charges could be filed against the parents, and authorities are waiting for paternity test results to identify the father of the baby. “This child is traumatized,” Hutson remarked, describing the horrific circumstances the young girl endured.
The Walkers are currently being held in Muskogee County Jail, each with a $100,000 bond. Their next court appearance is scheduled for September 3.
Family’s Defense and Public Reminders on Reporting Neglect
The girl’s grandmother, Michelle, has defended the couple, stating they were unaware of the pregnancy. She expressed sadness over the situation, saying, “They’ve made my daughter and my son-in-law a monster. They are not. They love those children. They love them.”
Hutson, in her statement to the media, emphasized the importance of reporting suspected neglect or abuse and reminded the public of the resources available, including law enforcement, the Department of Human Services, and the district attorney’s office.
