An Oklahoma mother, Cherie Walker, 34, has been convicted of child neglect and enabling child sexual abuse after allowing her husband to abuse her 11-year-old daughter. The conviction comes two weeks after her husband, Dustin Walker, received a life sentence for his crimes.
Jurors have recommended that Cherie Walker also receive a life sentence. The abuse came to light last August when the 11-year-old victim gave birth at home without medical assistance. An investigation revealed that the girl and her five younger siblings, aged 2, 4, 6, 7, and 9, were living in a home described as "deplorable conditions" and "feces-filled" in Muskogee County.
Court documents stated that the children were found living in dog feces and without clothing. A DNA test later confirmed Dustin Walker as the father of the baby. Muskogee County Assistant District Attorney Janet Hutson described the case as one of the most serious child sexual abuse and neglect cases she has prosecuted, emphasizing the severe trauma to the victim.
Dustin Walker pleaded guilty in March to child sexual abuse and was sentenced last month. He was implicated in having sexual relations with his stepdaughter, leading to her pregnancy and unassisted birth at home. The district attorney highlighted the grim circumstances of the home, noting the lack of basic necessities like access to water.
The victim's grandmother, Michelle Justus, is also facing child neglect charges and is scheduled for trial later this month. She has claimed that she and the Walkers were unaware of the child's pregnancy.
All of the children have since been removed from the home. The district attorney expressed hope that the children will find stability and a better environment through the justice process.