OKLAHOMA — A man who forced his 11-year-old stepdaughter to give birth at home without medical care has been sentenced to life in prison.

Dustin Joel Walker was convicted after DNA testing showed a 99% probability that he is the father of the child. Prosecutors say the young girl received no medical care during the pregnancy and delivered the full-term baby inside the home.

The victim had been pulled out of school, limiting opportunities for others to notice signs of abuse.

Assistant District Attorney Janet Hutson described the case as devastating.

“This child is traumatized. She’s been through a horrific ordeal. Not only has somebody gotten her pregnant, but she gave birth at home without medical assistance, and this will be her life for the rest of her life.”

Walker was sentenced to life plus 42 years. He must serve the 42 years for six counts of child neglect before beginning the life sentence for sexually abusing a child under 12. He is also required to register as a sex offender and is barred from contacting the victims.

The girl’s mother, Cherie Walker, and grandmother, Michelle Justus, have also been charged. Both have denied knowledge of the pregnancy. Cherie Walker is expected to go on trial in July.

This horrifying case has shocked the community and highlighted failures in detecting and preventing child abuse. The young victim is receiving support as she begins to heal from the trauma.