Oklahoma – An Oklahoma man and woman were taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder and felony child neglect following the death of their baby earlier this month. At the beginning of March, deputies responded to a report of an unresponsive child at the family’s home in Oklahoma. Upon arrival, deputies observed unsanitary living conditions, including a 3-year-old child with dried food, glitter, and animal hair adhered to his body.
The deputies spoke with the parents, later identified as 39-year-old Cristopher (SEE PHOTO) and 31-year-old Kourtney, who reported that their 1-year-old baby had ingested Iiquid metthadone the previous day. They claimed they briefly turned away, and upon returning, found the child had spilled the medication on herself but did not seek medical treatment, believing the amount ingested was insufficient to cause harm. The following morning, they found her unresponsive.
The baby’s dad told investigators that he had left a metthadone bottle open on the dining room table, and the child accessed it. He expressed a desire to seek medical attention but was dissuaded by the baby’s mom, who feared intervention by child protective services.
Deputies noted that the home was in deplorable condition, with the 3-year-old appearing unkempt and covered in debris. These observations contributed to the decision to remove the other two children from the home, with the Department of Human Services initiating efforts to place them with other family members.
The baby’s father allegedly told police that he briefly looked away and then noticed the child had spilled methadone on herself, suspecting she may have ingested some. He stated that he did not believe the amount was enough to cause harm but still advised his partner to take their daughter to the hospital.
However, according to the affidavit, the baby’s mother refused to seek medical attention, allegedly fearing that authorities would remove her children from her care.
Both parents were charged with first-degree murder and felony child neglect and are currently held in the county jail. Their court proceedings are scheduled to begin later this month.
The case has drawn attention due to the severity of the allegations and the concerning living conditions reported by authorities. The community and child welfare advocates are closely monitoring the proceedings, emphasizing the need for accountability and the protection of vulnerable children.
Mom refused to seek medical attention for her baby even after knowing that the child ingested medcation her husband left open because she feared her children would be taken away, resulting in her death; charges
