Arkansas Couple Arrested for Allegedly Attempting to Sell Infant for Beer and Cash at Campground

Authorities in Rogers, Arkansas, have arrested Darien Urban, 21, and Shalene Ehlers, 20, after they allegedly tried to sell their two-month-old son for a six-pack of beer and $1,000 at the Beaver Lake Hide-A-Way Campground. According to reports, the couple, who were reportedly seeking alcohol that night, approached others at the campground to make the shocking offer.

A witness used the phone in the manager’s office to contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, stating that the parents “tried to give up the baby for a 6-pack of beer and then wanted $1,000 for the baby,” as per an affidavit of probable cause. The couple also allegedly signed a contract to relinquish their parental rights over the baby, a document that was later obtained by the police. It reportedly stated, “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,” with a disclaimer barring any future contact between the parties.

Authorities also recovered cell phone footage showing Urban and Ehlers signing the contract with the man allegedly attempting to purchase the child. Additionally, Ehlers reportedly asked another couple at the campground for beer, though they declined.

Ricky Crawford, a man at the campground, allegedly provided the couple with beer in exchange for keeping the baby overnight, citing concern for the infant’s welfare. Crawford’s actions were described in the affidavit, stating that he “asked if he could have the baby overnight” and handed over several cans of beer to Urban and Ehlers, who then gave him the child along with a diaper bag.

Both Urban and Ehlers were arrested by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office on September 21. They face felony charges, including endangering the welfare of a minor and attempting to accept consideration for relinquishing parental rights over the child.

“He then brought the baby to Martin at another camper at the campground. Ehlers and Urban then came to the same camper and spoke to Martin and Crawford before signing the letter.”

A detective wrote in the affidavit: “Based on the totality of the investigation, it is believed both Urban and Ehler created a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury by abandoning their minor child initially with an obviously intoxicated male and ultimately with someone they did not know.”