A couple in Arkansas have been arrested after they tried to sell their baby for $1,000 and a six-pack.
The couple, identified as 21-year-old Darien Urban and 20-year-old Shalene Ehlers, created a self-made contract granting custody of the baby, identified as Cody Martin, to another person. In exchange, they would be given $1,000, according to WREG News Channel 3, citing an affidavit from Detective Wes Grube, the lead investigator in the case.
The self-made contract, which was signed by both Urban and Ehlers, also noted that they could no longer change their minds after giving the baby over and added that there should be no contact with the "buyer" after the deal is done.
Couple Deals Baby for Beer, Money
Urban and Ehlers were arrested after a manager at Hide Away Campground told the Benton County Sheriff's Office of the "deal." The manager said the couple attempted to sell their baby to a resident at the site, later identified as Ricky Crawford.
Deputies spoke to Crawford who said he offered to take the baby because he was "concerned" about his welfare. He added that the couple agreed if he gave them a six-pack. Crawford brought the baby to a second camper staying at the site. The police did not release information about the second camper's identity.
Witnesses who spoke to law enforcement said the couple later visited the other camper to sell their baby for $1,000. The second man agreed to the deal but sent the couple away, explaining that he would bring them the $1,000 cash the next day. He never pushed through with the deal. Instead, he brought the letter to the campground owner, who then called 911.
Police officers who responded to the campground on Sept. 21 found Martin in need of emergency medical services. He was transported to the Children's Hospital. At the time, neither Urban nor Ehlers were present at the site.
Charges Filed Against the Couple
The couple has since been charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and attempting to commit consideration for relinquishing a minor for adoption, per The Star, citing court records. Urban was released with $5,000, while Ehlers remains in custody.
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