Oklahoma Grandmother Charged With Drugging, Locking Grandkids in Dog Cage

Davena Marx, a grandmother in Warr Acres, Oklahoma, has been charged with multiple counts of child abuse and neglect after allegedly drugging her two grandchildren with the antipsychotic Seroquel and locking them in dog cages while she went out. The children, ages 8 and 10, had been in her custody since their father was killed in a road rage incident, but were removed from her care following an investigation initiated by a tip to the Department of Health Services. The grandchildren reported physical and emotional abuse, including being whipped with a belt, forced to exercise until exhaustion, and subjected to neglect, which was corroborated by physical signs such as bruises. During a welfare check, one child texted a social worker, "SHE IS MEAN TO US SHE IS VERY ABUSIVE," and neighbors also reported witnessing signs of neglect and drug activity at the home. Police and social workers found evidence such as a large dog cage, medication not prescribed to the children, and a camera in the apartment. Marx's case highlights severe child abuse concerns and has resulted in the children being placed into state custody.