SerpApi.Org
An Oklahoma mother has been found guilty of enabling the s–ual abuse of her 11-year-old daughter, which resulted in the child becoming pregnant and giving birth at home without prenatal care or medical assistance.
Prosecutors said that she failed to protect her child.
A Muskogee County jury found Cherie Walker guilty of one count of enabling child s–ual abuse and six counts of child neglect after a four-day trial. The jury has recommended life imprisonment on each count. At a later hearing, a judge will determine Walker’s final sentence.
The case first came into the spotlight in August 2025 after emergency responders learned that the 11-year-old had delivered a baby inside the family’s home.
During the investigation, it was determined that the child did not receive any prenatal medical care during her pregnancy, prompting a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the birth.
During the investigation, it was found that the child was being abused by the mother’s husband, who was the biological father of the child. Authorities then alleged that Walker failed to protect her daughter from ongoing abuse and failed to intervene.
DNA Evidence and Trial Testimony
Court records show that the investigators initially examined the case as one involving child neglect. However, once the evidence was uncovered, the scope of the prosecution increased.
During the trial, several law enforcement officials, medical professionals, child welfare officials, and members of the victim’s family testified before the jury.
Prosecutors argued that the evidence clearly showed that Walker had a legal and parental responsibility to protect her daughter, but she ignored the continuing abuse.
Assistant District Attorney Janet Hutson then went on to describe the child’s experience as one that will affect her for the rest of her life and will have lifelong consequences. She told the jury that the victim had endured not only prolonged abuse but was also forced to give birth at the age of 11 without appropriate medical care.
After listening to several testimonies, the jury ultimately convicted Walker on all seven counts. Prosecutors also said that the verdict reflects the legal responsibility of caregivers to protect children from any kind of abuse.
Husband Already Serving Life Sentence
Dustin Walker previously pleaded guilty to one count of s–ual abuse of a child younger than 12. He also faced multiple child neglect charges. He was ultimately sentenced to life in prison on the s–ual abuse conviction.
The investigation also extended beyond the parents. The child’s grandmother, Michelle Justus, has been charged with child neglect in connection with the case. She has pleaded not guilty, and her case remains pending.
