Arkansas couple tried to sell their baby for a ‘6-pack of beer’: Police

An Arkansas couple, 21-year-old Darien Urban and 20-year-old Shalene Ehlers,  have been accused of attempting to sell their 2-month-old baby boy in exchange for a six-pack of beer and $1,000, according to local law enforcement.

The couple faces charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and attempting to accept consideration for the relinquishment of a minor.

The incident occurred at the Beaver Lake Hide-A-Way Campground in Rogers, Arkansas, on September 21. A witness contacted the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, claiming that the parents attempted to exchange the baby for beer and later demanded $1,000 for him.

Investigators later discovered a signed document indicating the couple’s intention to give up their parental rights for the money.

The affidavit revealed that the mother, Ehlers, had initially approached another couple’s camper asking for beer, which she reportedly did often. When they declined, a man named Ricky Crawford, who was heavily intoxicated at the time, offered beer in exchange for keeping the baby overnight.

The couple agreed, giving Crawford the baby and a diaper bag. Crawford then brought the baby to Cody Nathaniel Martin at another camper. Eventually, Urban, Ehlers, and Martin signed a contract, videotaped to “make it legal,” which formalized the exchange of the baby for $1,000.

“I Darien Urban and Shalene Ehlers are signing our rights over to Cody Nathaniel Martin of our baby boy [redacted] for $1,000 on 09/21/2024.” the document reads. “Disclaimer: After signing this, there will be no changing yall two’s minds and to never contact again.”

Martin admitted to drafting the contract and claimed that no money had changed hands yet, though he planned to deliver a $1,000 check to the couple on September 23. Martin also asked Ehlers about her reason for the potential sale, to which she responded that it was difficult to “take care of three dogs and a baby.”

Witnesses corroborated the pseudo-adoption, and investigators later found video evidence of the contract being signed. Following the report, the campground owner called 911. The baby, who showed signs of neglect, was taken to the hospital for evaluation.

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Urban and Ehlers were held on $50,000 bail. Urban has since been released, while Ehlers remains in custody.