Two parents, Darien Urban and Shalene Ehlers, attempted to sell their baby boy for $1,000 and some beer, creating a twisted contract that stated they could not change their minds after signing it. The contract was signed by both parents and handed over in exchange for custody of the infant. However, the couple was arrested by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office on charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and attempting to negotiate the relinquishment of a minor for adoption.
The incident occurred when a Hide Away Campground manager contacted authorities after witnessing Urban and Ehlers trying to sell their baby boy to a resident at the campground. The baby was then taken to Children’s Hospital for evaluation while the parents were taken into custody. Witness reports suggest that a resident named Ricky Crawford had initially offered to take the baby for the night in exchange for beer, but then handed him over to Cody Martin, who agreed to purchase the child for $1,000 on the condition that a contract was signed.
The campground manager intervened, alerting authorities about the attempted sale of the baby before the deal was finalized. No money had exchanged hands at the time of the arrest. Urban claimed the child was with Martin and undergoing an “adoption” process. Urban was released on a bond, while Ehlers remained in Benton County Jail on a $30,000 bail. The baby boy is currently in the care of the Arkansas Department of Human Services.
Urban had previously created an online fundraiser stating that he and Ehlers were struggling financially after the birth of their first child, a daughter. They were living in a motel and relying on Urban’s income from working for Uber Eats. The couple’s financial difficulties may have contributed to their decision to attempt to sell their baby. The details of their criminal records were also revealed, shedding light on potential issues that may have influenced their actions.
The case serves as a disturbing example of the extreme measures some parents may resort to when facing financial hardship. The attempted sale of a baby for a small sum of money and alcohol reflects the dire circumstances the couple found themselves in. The involvement of other individuals in the transaction further complicates the situation, highlighting the dangers faced by vulnerable children in such situations. The quick intervention of authorities prevented the completion of the sale and ensured the safety of the infant.
Ultimately, the incident highlights the importance of proper support systems for struggling families to prevent such desperate actions. Urban and Ehlers’ attempt to sell their baby sheds light on the need for resources and assistance for parents facing financial difficulties. While the child is now safe in the care of the Arkansas Department of Human Services, the case underscores the challenges faced by families in crisis and the importance of addressing the root causes of such extreme actions.
