Stillwater couple ordered to stand trial on child neglect charges

 STILLWATER — A Stillwater couple accused of continuing to give their baby, from four to 13 months of age, a primarily goat’s milk diet despite warnings from medical professionals of that diet’s nutritional deficiencies leading to life-threatening health consequences, have been ordered to stand trial in Payne County District Court on charges of child neglect.

   Ann Lutnes, 43, and Seth Burton McKee, 47, who have been representing themselves in court, told Associate District Judge Michael Kulling on July 21, a week after they were bound over for trial by Special District Judge Jill Ochs, that they “may entertain the idea of obtaining counsel.”

   The couple were advised to fill out applications for court-appointed attorneys and appear before Judge Kulling again on Sept. 15, court records show. They remain free on $5,000 bond each. If convicted of child neglect, they could be given up to life in prison.

   Payne County Sheriff’s Investigator Tomm Edwards wrote in an affidavit that he received a referral from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services that “provided six PDF files containing pictures of the victim and medical records from Stillwater Medical Center.”

   The affidavit alleged that Dr. Mary Stockett of OU Children’s Hospital reported on April 7, 2025, the baby “was admitted in critical condition and considered near death. She noted that his hemoglobin level was two, which should be 10. Additionally, she indicated that he had very low platelet counts and abnormalities in other chemical levels.

   “Dr. Stockett explained that these issues resulted from the diet he was receiving, which consisted primarily of goat’s milk, crackers and baby oatmeal fruit. Dr. Stockett’s report also stated that (the baby) was found to have critical anemia caused by folate deficiency and had received multiple small-volume red blood cell transfusions. This resulted from his diet, which mostly consisted of goat’s milk.

   “Dr. Stockett identified critical electrolyte abnormalities and acute kidney injury dehydration. (The baby) had severe coagulopathy, resulting in purpura on the back, buttocks and a toe. (The baby) also had a cerebellar stroke.

   “Review of past medical records indicates that (the baby’s) mother was informed that a diet made up of goat’s milk would not meet (the baby’s) nutritional needs when he was evaluated on 7-30-24 at Stillwater Pediatrics. (The baby) did not return for well-child medical care to any provider after that.

   “This indicates that (the baby’s) family gave him a diet comprised almost entirely of goat’s milk after receiving education that the diet was not adequate. This resulted in critical anemia and may have resulted in other critical medical conditions.

   “The records also indicate that (the baby) was observed to be pale during the evaluation on 3-16-25, and follow-up with his pediatrician was recommended. However, (the baby) did not receive any further medical care until he exhibited markedly diminished activity and intake.

   “This delay resulted in dehydration, severe electrolyte abnormalities, acute kidney injury and the delayed recognition of his critical anemia. Furthermore, he did not receive routine medical care, which could have facilitated the earlier detection of anemia before it became critical. Therefore, Dr. Stockett stated in her report that (the baby) had been medically neglected.

   “(The baby) was transferred to Texas Children’s Hospital on 4-11-2025 due to the severity of his injuries. On 4-25-25, Texas Child Welfare worker Sarah Constant with The Children’s Hospital reported that at 8:40 am on this day, nursing staff, upon assessing (the baby), observed his Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) line was hanging over the IV pole, dripping the vancomycin (antibiotic) onto the floor.

   “When asking Ms. Lutnes and Mr. McKee if they knew why (the baby’s) IV was hanging over the pole and not attached to (the baby), Mr. McKee and Ms. Lutnes shrugged their shoulders and said no. Nursing staff also reported at the same time, Ms. Lutnes was holding (the baby) with the NG (nasal gastric tube) used to administer (the baby’s) nutrition was out of his nose and being held by (the baby).

   “The nursing staff observed that his pillow was wet; however, Mr. McKee and Ms. Lutnes did not inform the nursing staff that the NG tube had come out of (the baby’s) nose, preventing it from being replaced. Due to both incidents, Ms. Constant stated that Ms. Lutnes and Mr. McKee were no longer left alone with (the baby) during his hospital stay.”

   Payne County Sheriff’s spokesman Rockford Brown said, “The child was in DHS custody at the time of arrest, and I would assume they still are. I certainly know they are not in the defendants’ custody. While I do not know the entire medical condition of the child at this time, I know they expected him to recover well since he was getting better nutrition and care.”