An Arkansas couple, Darien Urban, 21, and Shalene Ehlers, 20, were arrested after allegedly trying to sell their two-month-old baby for $1,000 and a six-pack of beer at a campground. The incident was reported by the manager of the Hide Away Campground, who told the Benton County Sheriff’s Office that the couple initially attempted to give away the baby for the beer and later requested $1,000 for the child. According to the affidavit, the couple even signed a letter granting custody of their child to a man named Cody Nathaniel Martin, stating that the decision was final and the child could not be returned.
Witnesses confirmed the attempted transaction, and the child was found in need of medical attention when authorities arrived. The baby was taken to a hospital for evaluation after a witness noticed severe diaper rash, blisters, and swelling. The child is now in the care of the Arkansas Department of Human Services. The affidavit also detailed how a resident of the campground, Ricky Crawford, who was intoxicated at the time, had offered to take the baby for the night in exchange for beer, which the couple agreed to before bringing the baby to Martin.
Martin, who reportedly drew up the custody contract, claimed he intended to give the couple a $1,000 check on September 23. He said the mother indicated that managing three dogs and a baby was overwhelming. Urban was released on a $50,000 bond, while Ehlers remains in custody with a $30,000 bail. This tragic case has raised concerns about the couple’s mental state and their ability to care for their child, prompting calls for more stringent child welfare oversight.
