NEED TO KNOW
The mom and stepfather of an 11-year-old lady in Oklahoma have been charged with felony youngster neglect after their daughter gave delivery to a child at house
Prosecutors allege that the daughter of Dustin and Cherie Walker gave delivery to a full-term child and had not been to the physician in additional than a yr
The couple mentioned they didn’t know the kid was pregnant
The mom and stepfather of an 11-year-old lady in Oklahoma have been charged with felony youngster neglect after their daughter gave delivery to a child at house.
In keeping with studies from native retailers KOTV, FOX 23 and KJRH, Dustin Walker, 34, and Cherie Walker, 33, have been accused of failing to offer supervision or medical take care of the kid after she gave delivery to a full-term youngster on Aug. 16 in Muskogee.
Muskogee County Assistant District Legal professional Janet Hutson informed KOTV that each adults alleged that they didn’t know the kid was pregnant when she gave delivery. Court docket paperwork obtained by FOX 23 reportedly state that she was 36 weeks pregnant.
Within the court docket paperwork, investigators mentioned the 11-year-old had not been to the physician in additional than a yr and had not acquired any prenatal care. Hutson informed KJRH that the district lawyer’s workplace discovered in regards to the incident after the lady was taken to the hospital after giving delivery.
“I used to be horror-stricken to seek out out it’s an 11-year-old little lady who’s given delivery,” Hutson informed FOX23. “And that she had no medical care, and she or he had nobody to be along with her.”
The district lawyer additionally mentioned that she anticipates submitting further costs in opposition to the dad and mom, and authorities are at the moment ready on paternity take a look at outcomes to find out the child’s father.
“This youngster is traumatized,” Hutson informed KOTV. “She’s been by means of a horrific ordeal. I imply, not solely has someone gotten her pregnant, however she gave delivery at house with out medical help, and this can be her life for the remainder of her life.”
Muskogee County Sheriff’s Workplace/Fb
Muskogee County Sheriff’s automobile (inventory picture)
Hutson additionally informed KOTV that the lady and different youngsters within the house might have been homeschooled.
“The guardians are at the moment within the Muskogee County Jail,” Hutson added to KJRH. “They each have a $100,000 bond in place. Like I mentioned, I do anticipate submitting further costs and amending that data shortly.”
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The 11-year-old’s grandmother, who was recognized by KJRH as Michelle, spoke out in protection of the couple, telling the outlet: “I simply need individuals to know, we didn’t know this was taking place. None of us.”
“They’ve made my daughter and my son-in-law a monster. They aren’t. They love these youngsters. They love them,” she mentioned, including that she hopes to see her grandchildren once more.
The couple is subsequent set to look in court docket on Wednesday, Sept. 3.
Hutson reminded the general public that there are numerous methods to report suspected youngster neglect.
“I need individuals to know that there are assets obtainable to achieve out to legislation enforcement, the Division of Human Companies, or the district lawyer’s workplace once you see one thing which may be abuse or neglect,” she informed KOTV.
In the event you suspect youngster abuse, name the Childhelp Nationwide Youngster Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Youngster or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is on the market 24/7 in additional than 170 languages.
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