53-year-old woman regularly drugged her 8-and-10-years-old grandchildren she referred to as “little bastards” and forced them to do calisthenics until their limbs gave out; arrested
Oklahoma – In a deeply disturbing case out of Oklahoma, a 53-year-old woman, identified as D. Marx has been arrested and charged after she subjected her young grandchildren to extreme physical abuse, regularly drugged them, and locked them inside a dog cage when she left the house. Marx, who was legally responsible for the children following the death of their father in 2022, now faces one count of child abuse and one count of child neglect, according to court records.
The horrifying abuse came to light in March 2024, when the police department and a Department of Health Services social worker responded to a tip alleging child abuse inside Marx’s home. Shortly after officials arrived, Marx’s 8-year-old granddaughter managed to send a chilling message to the social worker on-site, saying their grandmother is abusive and mean to them. Authorities immediately removed the two children from the home. During interviews and medical evaluations at a clinic, both children described consistent and traumatic patterns of abuse. The young girl told authorities that their grandmother sells and uses drugs and added that she keeps them locked in a kennel when she wants some time outside for herself.
The children’s reports painted a horrifying picture of their day-to-day life under Marx’s care. They described being forced to do exhausting physical exercises such as calisthenics until their limbs would give out, and the granddaughter displayed marks across her back, which doctors confirmed were consistent with being beaten with a belt. The 10-year-old grandson told police that his grandmother routinely gave him prescription pills not intended for him. Though Marx denied this claim, a toxicology screening confirmed the boy tested positive an antipsychotic drug used to induce sleep, which had been prescribed to Marx.
Assistant Police Chief J. Allen confirmed the children’s accounts were consistent with the evidence collected, including medical findings and statements from neighbors who had witnessed disturbing events over time. One neighbor recounted seeing the children dumpster diving for food and crying while locked in a kennel. Others mentioned visible marks on the children’s faces and described Marx frequently berating the children, often referring to them as “worthless” or “little bastards.” According to those familiar with the case, Marx gained custody of the two children following the death of her son.
After months of investigation, law enforcement concluded that the children were suffering prolonged and intentional abuse. The dog cage, prescription drug misuse, and forced physical torment—all corroborated by evidence—led to Marx’s arrest in May 2025. The children have since been placed in state custody, and Marx remains behind bars as the legal case proceeds. Despite the removal of the children from her home last year, neighbors reported that Marx had still been hoping to regain custody—a fact that deeply unsettled the local community.
This case has reignited public concerns over child protective services and how individuals with troubling behavior manage to obtain or retain custody of vulnerable children. Authorities continue to investigate whether others may have known about the abuse and failed to intervene. As of now, no sentencing has been handed down, and Marx awaits her next court appearance. The outcome of the trial will determine whether she faces further charges or a more severe penalty for the prolonged suffering of her grandchildren.
