An Oklahoma mother who insisted she had no idea her 11-year-old daughter was pregnant is now facing the possibility of spending the rest of her life in prison — and jurors weren’t buying her story.
A Muskogee County jury found Cherie Dawn Walker, 34, guilty on seven felony counts: one count of enabling child sexual abuse and six counts of child neglect. Jurors recommended a life sentence on each count. The final sentencing decision rests with the trial judge.
The case is as disturbing as it gets.
Authorities say Walker’s husband, Dustin Joel Walker, impregnated the child. The little girl — just 11 years old — was forced to deliver a full-term baby inside the family’s Muskogee County home with no prenatal care, no doctor, and no medical help of any kind.
DNA testing confirmed with 99% certainty that Dustin Walker fathered the infant.
Dustin Walker has already been sentenced. He pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a child under 12 and six counts of child neglect. A judge handed him life in prison plus 42 years, with the 42-year term to be served first. He must also register as a sex offender for life.
Prosecutors pushed back hard against the family’s claims of ignorance. The assistant district attorney pointed out that the child, though petite, delivered a full-sized, healthy baby — something difficult to hide for nine months. The victim had also been pulled from school, prosecutors noted, cutting off any chance for teachers or officials to notice the abuse and step in.
“This child is traumatized,” the prosecutor said. “She’s been through a horrific ordeal.”
The victim’s maternal grandmother, Michelle Justus, has maintained the family was unaware. She is now facing her own child neglect charge and is scheduled to stand trial July 23.
If the judge follows the jury’s recommendation, Cherie Walker will receive seven life sentences.