Muskogee County couple charged with child neglect after 11-year-old girl in their care gave birth

Q: Who are the individuals charged in this case?

A: Dustin and Cherie Walker are charged with child neglect, accused of failing to provide supervision or medical care for the child. Investigators report that she hadn’t seen a doctor in more than a year.

Q: What did the Muskogee County Assistant District Attorney Janet Hutson say about the situation?

A: Janet Hutson mentioned that both adults claimed they didn’t know the girl was pregnant. She described the child as "rather petite," while the baby was a normal-sized infant.

Q: How does this case compare to past experiences?

A: Hutson reflected on a similar case involving a 14-year-old girl earlier in her career, expressing concern about the trauma inflicted on young victims.

"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 said.

Q: Were there any signs that could have led to intervention?

A: Hutson indicated that doctors and schools typically notice such cases and report them. However, this child was not in school and may have been homeschooled, which limited opportunities for intervention.

"The child had been out of school for a period of time, and it is my understanding that children may have been homeschooled,” Hutson said.

Q: What steps are being taken next?

A: DNA testing will soon be done to determine the father of the baby. Hutson is urging anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect to report it.

"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,” Hutson said.

There are steps being taken to ensure the girl and her newborn are safe. DNA testing and more information should be available within the next 10 days.