Oklahoma mother faces life sentence after failing to protect abused 11-year-old daughter

Oklahoma jury recommended life in prison for a mother convicted of failing to protect her 11-year-old daughter from sexual abuse by her husband, who fathered the child's baby.

Cherie Walker was found guilty on July 17 of one count of enabling child sexual abuse and six counts of child neglect following a jury trial in Muskogee County, as per People. Formal sentencing will take place at a later date.

Child gave birth without medical care

The case began in August 2025 after authorities discovered the 11-year-old had given birth inside the family's Muskogee home without prenatal care or medical assistance.

Prosecutors alleged Walker knew her husband, Dustin Walker, was sexually abusing their daughter but failed to protect her.

DNA testing later identified Dustin Walker as the baby's father.

Husband already serving life sentence

Dustin Walker pleaded guilty in March to one count of sexual abuse of a child under 12 and six counts of child neglect.

He was sentenced to life in prison for the sexual abuse conviction, along with consecutive prison terms on the child neglect charges.

Prosecutors describe lasting trauma

During the case, Assistant District Attorney Janet Hutson said the child had endured severe and lifelong trauma.

"She's been through a horrific ordeal," Hutson previously said, noting that the girl gave birth at home without medical assistance after becoming pregnant through the abuse.

Grandmother also faces charges

The investigation also resulted in charges against the victim's grandmother, Michelle Justus.

She has pleaded not guilty to one count of child neglect and is scheduled to stand trial on July 23.