An Arkansas couple faces felony charges after allegedly attempting to sell their baby for $1,000 and a 6-pack of beer at a local campground. Darien Tyler Urban, 21, and Shalene Ehlers, 20, are accused of signing a self-made contract stating “no changing ya’lls mind” before handing the infant over, according to court documents.
The contract drawn up by the couple stated: “I, Darien Urban and Shalene Ehlers, are signing our rights over to [Cody Martin] of our baby for $1,000 on 9/21/24.”
Both parents signed the document, including a chilling disclaimer: “After signing this, there will be no changing y’all two’s minds and to never contact again.”
What happened?
Authorities located the two-month-old baby at the campground and immediately alerted emergency services. According to KFOR, the child was transported to a hospital for evaluation. The baby’s biological parents, Darien Urban and Shalene Ehlers, were reportedly nowhere to be found at the scene.
Darien Urban, 21, & Shalene Ehlers, 20, of #Rogers, #Arkansas, have been arrested for allegedly attempting to sell their 2-month-old baby for $1,000 & a six-pack of beer
The couple is charged with endangering the welfare of a minor & attempting to relinquish a minor for adoption… pic.twitter.com/ziK9867vr6
— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) September 26, 2024
Charges
A witness reported to law enforcement that the baby boy emitted a “bad ammonia and fecal odor” and was suffering from a “severe rash, blisters, and swelling” on his buttocks and genitals, as detailed by The Kansas City Star.
Authorities later uncovered a signed “contract” between the baby’s parents, Darien Urban and Shalene Ehlers, and the would-be buyer, Cody Nathaniel Martin. The document read: “I, Darien Urban and Shalene Ehlers, are signing our rights over to Cody Nathaniel Martin of our baby boy for $1,000 on 09/21/2024.” The contract chillingly added, “After signing this, there will be no changing y’all two’s minds and to never contact again.”
A witness provided authorities with a video allegedly showing Darien Urban, Shalene Ehlers, and Cody Martin signing the contract to sell the baby.
According to the affidavit, Ricky Crawford, another man at the campground who was reportedly drunk and slurring his speech, told detectives that his concern for the baby’s welfare led to the sale. Crawford claimed he offered the couple several cans of beer in exchange for the child, and they agreed, handing him the baby along with a diaper bag.
Crawford then approached Martin, who was also staying at the campground, and together they signed a document offering the couple an additional $1,000 for the baby. Martin admitted to law enforcement that he drafted the contract but stated no money had exchanged hands, as he planned to provide the couple with a $1,000 check in a few days.
Where Is The Baby Boy Now?
Police allege that Ricky Crawford appeared heavily intoxicated—slurring his speech and struggling to stand—when they questioned him, as outlined in court documents.
During the investigation, Darien Urban reportedly told authorities that the baby was with Cody Martin and undergoing an “adoption.”
Urban was released on a $5,000 bond on Tuesday, Sept. 24, while Shalene Ehlers remains on a $30,000 bail in Benton County Jail. Both parents have prior criminal records, according to KNWA.
The baby boy is now in the care of the Arkansas Department of Human Services, prosecutors confirmed.
