Muskogee, OK – An 11-year-old girl in Muskogee gave birth over the weekend, triggering a criminal investigation that has led to the arrest of her stepfather and biological mother on charges of child neglect, according to the Muskogee County District Attorney’s Office.
The child was taken to a local hospital after delivering the baby, prompting a report to authorities. Assistant District Attorney Janet Hutson confirmed that the girl had been living in a home with her stepfather, Dustin Walker, and mother, Cherie Walker, both of whom are now behind bars.
“The guardians are currently in the Muskogee County Jail,” Hutson said. “They both have a $100,000 bond in place.” She added that additional charges are expected as the investigation progresses.
Hutson said the girl received no medical attention throughout the pregnancy and was alone when she gave birth. Officials have since conducted a paternity test to determine who fathered the child. Results are expected within two weeks.
“I was horror-stricken to find out it’s an 11-year-old little girl who’s given birth,” Hutson said. “And that she had no medical care, and she had no one to be with her.”
The case has shocked the community and drawn intense scrutiny from state officials. Prosecutors are working closely with child welfare services and law enforcement to piece together the circumstances leading up to the birth and to determine how the girl’s condition went unnoticed.
Both suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues.