Shocking News: Couple Caught Trying to Sell Baby for $1,000 and Beer!
A young couple from Arkansas is facing serious charges after allegedly attempting to sell their two-month-old baby in exchange for a six-pack of beer and $1,000, according to court documents filed by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.
The couple, identified as Darien Urban, 21, and Shalene Ehlers, 20, were charged with one count each of endangering the welfare of a minor and attempting to accept consideration for relinquishment of a minor.
These charges stem from an incident that occurred on September 21, 2024, when the Benton County Sheriff’s Office received a tip from a concerned caller.
The tipster, Cody Martin, told authorities that the parents had approached him and attempted to hand over their infant in exchange for the beer and cash.
Martin also mentioned that the baby appeared to be in need of medical attention. This alarming statement led authorities to investigate further.
Upon receiving the tip, a deputy from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call and arrived at the Hide Away Campground, where the exchange had reportedly been arranged.
Emergency medical services also arrived at the scene and quickly assessed the infant’s condition. They determined that the child needed to be transported to a nearby children’s hospital for further evaluation and care.
During the investigation, the deputy discovered a signed letter from Urban and Ehlers. The letter, addressed to Martin, read: “I, Darien Urban and Shalene Ehlers, are signing our rights over to Cody Nathaniel Martin of our baby boy for $1,000 on 09/21/2024.”
The letter also included a statement emphasizing that the couple could not change their minds or contact Martin again after the agreement was finalized.
A witness at the campground captured footage of Urban, Ehlers, and Martin interacting, adding further evidence to the case. The video allegedly showed the couple arranging to hand over their baby to Martin in exchange for money and beer.
In a surprising twist, it was revealed that another man, Ricky Crawford, had also been involved in the situation. According to reports, Crawford had visited Urban and Ehlers’ camper and asked to take care of the baby for the night in exchange for several cans of beer.
The couple agreed to the offer and gave Crawford the baby’s diaper bag. Crawford then brought the infant to Martin at another location within the campground.
Later, when questioned, the couple explained that they had followed Crawford to meet Martin and claimed that an agreement had been reached. They stated that they had videotaped the exchange to ensure it was “legal” and planned to finalize the arrangement the following Monday.
Ehlers reportedly told authorities that the couple had considered giving up their baby for adoption, citing difficulties managing life with three dogs and an infant. They had hoped that by Monday, they would receive the $1,000 from Martin as part of the arrangement.
Throughout the investigation, additional concerning details came to light. For instance, it was reported that Ehlers frequently visited another camper’s residence to ask for beer.
Crawford, who was involved in the overnight care of the baby, was found to be “heavily intoxicated” when interviewed by a detective. His condition raised further concerns about the child’s safety during the exchange.
Another witness, who had seen the baby and changed its diaper, reported that the infant was in poor condition. According to this individual, the baby had a severe rash, blisters, and swelling on its buttocks and genitals, along with a strong ammonia and fecal odor.
The witness also claimed that dog hair was found inside the baby’s diaper, adding to the concerns about the child’s well-being.
The court documents summarized the findings of the investigation, stating that Urban and Ehlers had “created a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury by abandoning their minor child initially with an obviously intoxicated male and ultimately with someone they did not know.”
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After their arrest, both Urban and Ehlers were held on $50,000 bail. However, reports indicate that Urban has since been released while Ehlers remains in custody.