They Lived with Grandma After Dad’s Murder. She Allegedly Beat, Drugged and Locked Them in a Dog Cage: Affidavit

Grandma Accused of Drugging and Locking Kids in Dog Cage After Dad’s Murder: DA

A grandmother from Oklahoma, Davena Marx, currently faces charges of child abuse and neglect, following a disturbing investigation by the Warr Acres Police Department and Oklahoma Department of Health and Human Services. The accusations suggest that Marx mistreated her grandchildren, aged 8 and 10 at the time, by allegedly drugging them with the antipsychotic medication Seroquel and confining them in a dog cage while she was absent from the home.

The heartbreaking situation unfolded after the children, who had been living with their grandmother since their father’s tragic murder in a road rage incident, were removed from Marx’s care in 2023 and placed in state custody. Authorities were alerted to the potential abuse on March 13, 2024, when a caseworker from DHS discovered distressing messages from one of the grandchildren indicating mistreatment by their grandmother.

The allegations outlined in the probable cause affidavit obtained by PEOPLE detail that the grandchildren were subjected to physical abuse, including being hit with a belt, as well as emotional abuse such as blaming the children for their father’s legal troubles. The affidavit further reveals concerning incidents of drugging the children with unauthorised medication and locking them in dog cages as a form of punishment.
By Chris Spargo

A neighbour corroborated the children’s accounts, sharing observations of witnessing both children locked in a dog cage and even purchasing drugs from Marx in the past. The investigation culminated in both children being removed from the home and placed into state custody. Subsequent drug tests confirmed the presence of Seroquel in the boy’s system, further supporting the serious nature of the allegations against Marx.

Over two years later, Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Zemp Behenna has formally charged Marx with four counts of child abuse and one count of child neglect. Among the specific allegations are claims that Marx physically assaulted her granddaughter, administered unauthorised medication, confined the children in cages, and subjected them to excessive physical exercise as punishment.

Despite an arrest warrant being issued on May 23, Marx has not been located in the Oklahoma County Detention Center. As the legal process unfolds, Marx has yet to enter a plea or be represented by legal counsel. The distressing case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and intervening promptly upon suspicion of abuse or neglect.

In the event of suspected child abuse, individuals are urged to contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, offering confidential assistance and support 24/7 in multiple languages. As the community processes the disturbing details of this case, it underscores the critical need for vigilance and advocacy to protect the well-being of children and hold perpetrators of abuse accountable for their actions.