Mother And Stepfather Face Felony Charges After 11-Year-Old Allegedly Forced To Give Birth At Home Without Medical Help

A mother and her husband have been hit with felony child neglect charges after their 11-year-old daughter delivered a baby at home without any professional assistance.

Dustin Walker, 34, and Cherie Walker, 33, are accused of failing to provide care, medical support, or proper supervision when their daughter went into labor and gave birth earlier this month in Muskogee.

According to court filings, the child was 36 weeks pregnant at the time. Muskogee County Assistant District Attorney Janet Hutson told KOTV that the couple maintained they had no idea their daughter was expecting until she gave birth on August 16.

Court documents further revealed that the girl had not received a single prenatal checkup and had not seen a doctor or healthcare provider in more than a year leading up to the birth.

After delivering the baby at home, she was later taken to the hospital for treatment and evaluation.

Hutson expressed her shock to KOTV, saying: "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."

Cherie Walker has been charged Muskogee County Sheriff's Office

"This child is traumatized. She's been through a horrific ordeal. I mean, not only has somebody gotten her pregnant, but she gave birth at home without medical assistance, and this will be her life for the rest of her life."

Hutson also shared concerns about the children’s living situation, suggesting that the 11-year-old and her siblings may have been homeschooled instead of attending a public or private school in the traditional system.

Authorities have since removed the girl and her siblings from the home for their safety.

Michelle, the grandmother of the 11-year-old, told reporters that the shocking incident had turned 'my daughter and my son-in-law a monster.' She insisted, as reported by KJRH, that no one else in the family had been aware of the pregnancy before the birth took place.

Meanwhile, prosecutors confirmed that both parents remain in custody. As Hutson explained: "The guardians are currently in the Muskogee County Jail. They both have a $100,000 bond in place. Like I said, I do anticipate filing additional charges and amending that information shortly."

The couple is expected to make their first court appearance on September 3.

The stepfather is facing criminal charges Muskogee County Sheriff's Office

As investigators continue their work, authorities are awaiting results from a paternity test to determine who the newborn’s father is. In the meantime, Hutson reminded the community about the importance of reporting any suspected child neglect or abuse.

She told KOTV: "I want people to know that there are resources available to reach out to law enforcement, the Department of Human Services, or the district attorney's office when you see something that may be abuse or neglect."

For anyone impacted by similar issues or who suspects a child may be in danger, the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). The hotline accepts calls from across the United States, as well as Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands.