An Arkansas couple was arrested for allegedly trying to sell their two-month-old baby for $1,000 and a six-pack of beer, facing felony charges for endangering the child's welfare.

The arrest of Darien Urban, 21, and Shalene Ehlers, 20, follows a disturbing incident reported by a campground manager, who had witnessed their failed attempt to sell their baby. Authorities found the infant in dire need of medical care due to a dirty diaper and severe diaper rash, raising serious concerns about neglect. As the couple navigates felony charges for endangering the welfare of a minor, this troubling case has sparked a broader conversation about child welfare protections in the community, emphasizing the critical need for intervention in such hazardous situations.

The incident occurred at the Hide Away Campground in Benton County, where the manager reported Urban and Ehlers' alarming behavior to the Benton County Sheriff's Office. The manager's intervention was pivotal in alerting authorities to the situation, potentially protecting the baby from further harm.

Witnesses at the campground reported that Urban and Ehlers were openly discussing their intention to sell their child, citing the sum of $1,000 and a six-pack of beer as their asking price. This shocking revelation raised questions about the couple's judgment and their capacity to care for an infant.

In a written agreement, Urban and Ehlers signed a letter relinquishing custody of their baby to Cody Martin. The letter included a stipulation that they would not make any future contact regarding the child. This agreement demonstrates an alarming desire to sever all parental ties while profiting from the transaction.

Authorities noted that the baby was not only in unsanitary conditions but also in need of immediate medical attention. Upon examination, medical personnel determined that the infant had a dirty diaper and severe diaper rash, symptoms that indicate potential neglect. Following the discovery, the baby was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.

The situation escalated when a cellphone video captured Urban and Ehlers signing the custody relinquishment contract, which serves as crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation. The video provides visual confirmation of the couple's intentions and actions surrounding the incident.

Cody Martin, the individual to whom the couple attempted to transfer custody, later indicated that Ehlers had expressed difficulties in managing the responsibilities of caring for three dogs and the baby. This statement signals a lack of preparedness and understanding of parental obligations by the couple, further complicating the narrative of their actions.

As the legal proceedings unfold, Darien Urban was released on a $5,000 bond, while Shalene Ehlers remains in custody with a significantly higher bail set at $30,000. The disparity in bail amounts has raised questions about the legal system's approach to handling charges of this nature, particularly regarding the perceived severity of each individual's role in the incident.

The case has also prompted discussions about the resources available for at-risk families and the importance of community vigilance in safeguarding children from potential harm. Child welfare organizations and local authorities are being called to evaluate and possibly enhance intervention strategies to prevent incidents like this in the future.

Following the alarming circumstances surrounding this case, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust child welfare systems designed to protect vulnerable children from neglect and abuse.