A couple living in Arkansas, United States, Darien Urban, 21, and Shalene Ehlers, 20, were arrested after allegedly attempting to sell their 2-month-old baby in exchange for a six-pack of beer and $1,000.
The incident occurred at a campground in Rogers, Arkansas, and was reported to local authorities by a concerned witness.
According to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, a caller from the Beaver Lake Hide-A-Way Campground reported that the couple had tried to give up their baby for beer and later demanded $1,000.
The couple even signed a letter transferring custody of the baby to a man named Cody Nathaniel Martin. The letter reportedly read, “After signing this there will be no changing yall two’s minds and to never contact again.”
The sheriff’s office affidavit revealed shocking details about the baby’s condition. The infant was found with a severe rash, blisters, and swelling on his buttocks and genitals. Witnesses at the campground, including Felicia Ayers, who changed the baby’s diaper, noted a strong odor of ammonia and feces. Photos of the baby’s rash were later provided to authorities.
The alleged deal began when Ricky Crawford, a man at the campground, offered Urban and Ehlers beer in exchange for letting him watch the baby overnight.
Crawford then took the baby to Martin, who later drafted the letter for Urban and Ehlers to sign, promising them a $1,000 cashier’s check. However, no money was exchanged at the time.
When authorities arrived at the campsite, both Urban and Ehlers admitted to giving the baby to Crawford and later discussing the deal with Martin. They claimed they intended to finalize the agreement and “legalize” the transaction on Monday, according to the affidavit.
Both Urban and Ehlers were arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and attempting to sell the child. The baby was transported to a hospital for medical care. Sheriff’s Office records show Urban was released on $50,000 bail, while Ehlers remains in custody.
The investigation revealed that the couple had put their child at serious risk by handing him over to intoxicated individuals and neglecting his medical needs.
Authorities said, “Both Urban and Ehlers created a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury by abandoning their minor child.”
This shocking case has drawn widespread attention due to the disturbing nature of the couple’s alleged actions and the poor condition of the baby.
