On September 21, 2024, a disturbing incident unfolded in Arkansas when a young couple, Darien Urban, 21, and Shalene Ehlers, 20, attempted to sell their 2-month-old baby for a six-pack of beer and a $1,000 cashier’s check. The couple’s actions came to light when the manager of a campground in Benton County alerted the local sheriff’s department about the suspicious exchange.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that Urban and Ehlers had signed a letter granting custody of their baby to Cody Martin in exchange for money. This shocking revelation was supported by multiple witnesses and a cellphone video showing the couple signing the contract with the prospective buyer.
The baby, who was found in need of medical attention, was promptly taken to a local hospital for evaluation by emergency medical services. Subsequently, the child was placed under the care of the Arkansas Department of Human Services for protection and support.
Additional witnesses reported unsettling details about the baby’s condition, including a strong odor of ammonia and feces, a dirty diaper, severe diaper rash, blisters, and swelling. These distressing observations were documented with photographs to provide evidence of the child’s neglect and mistreatment.
It was further disclosed that another individual, Ricky Crawford, had offered to take the baby for the night in exchange for beer, highlighting the callous disregard for the infant’s well-being by multiple parties involved in the ordeal.
Martin, the intended recipient of the baby, informed detectives that Ehlers cited the challenges of caring for both a baby and three dogs as the reason for considering adoption. However, despite drafting an agreement for Urban and Ehlers to sign, no money was exchanged at the time of the attempted transaction.
As a result of their reprehensible actions, Urban and Ehlers were arrested and now face felony charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and attempting to negotiate the relinquishment of a minor for adoption. While Urban was released on a $5,000 bond, Ehlers remains in custody on a $30,000 bail, awaiting further legal proceedings.
This disturbing incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable children and the need for stringent measures to prevent such exploitative acts from occurring in our communities. It is a sobering wake-up call to prioritize the protection and care of innocent lives, ensuring that every child is given the love, security, and respect they deserve.
