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Authorities in Oklahoma have arrested the parents of an 11-year-old girl who gave birth at home without any medical care. The girl’s mother, Cherie Walker, 33, and stepfather, Dustin Walker, 34, are facing felony child neglect charges following the incident, which occurred on August 16.
According to court documents cited by FOX23, the child was 36 weeks pregnant and had not received any prenatal care. Officials say she had not seen a doctor in over a year.
The case came to light only after the girl was taken to the hospital following the home birth. Authorities were alerted when medical staff became aware of her condition.
“I was horror-stricken to find out it’s an 11-year-old little girl who’s given birth,” said Muskogee County Assistant District Attorney Janet Hutson, speaking to FOX23.
“She had no medical care, and she had no one to be with her.”
Despite the circumstances, the parents claimed they were unaware of the pregnancy. Prosecutors, however, argue that their failure to notice or act amounts to serious neglect.
Both parents are being held at Muskogee County Jail, each on $100,000 bond, and are scheduled to appear in court on September 3.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing. Hutson told KJRH that additional charges may be filed, and law enforcement is awaiting the results of a paternity test to determine the identity of the baby’s father.
“This child is traumatized,” Hutson added in a separate interview with KOTV.
“She’s been through a horrific ordeal. Not only has someone gotten her pregnant, but she gave birth at home without medical help. This will be her life for the rest of her life.”
Child welfare services are now involved, and further updates are expected as the case develops.
