OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – A 53-year-old woman from Oklahoma has been arrested following allegations that she drugged her grandchildren and confined them in a dog cage while she was away from the house. Davena Dian Marx is facing charges of child abuse and neglect after authorities acted on a tip from last year.
The Warr Acres Police Department, in collaboration with a social worker from the Oklahoma Department of Health Services, began investigating Marx in March 2024. The inquiry was triggered when an 8-year-old granddaughter reportedly texted the social worker, claiming, “She is mean to us she is very abusive.”
Upon separating the children from Marx for their safety, authorities learned disturbing details about their living conditions. The granddaughter allegedly informed officials that Marx referred to as “Memaw,” was involved in drug-related activities, including distribution and personal use. She also claimed that when Marx wanted to step outside, she would lock them in a dog cage.
For their welfare, the children were taken to a Safe Clinic for medical examinations and investigative interviews. Doctors reportedly identified bruises on the granddaughter’s back, which seemed consistent with belt lashing. The interviews shed light on further abuse, with allegations that Marx forced the children to endure excessive physical exercises against their will.
Marx’s 10-year-old grandson reportedly revealed to the police that Marx administered prescription drugs not meant for him. While Marx denied these allegations, a toxicology report indicated the presence of Seroquel in his system, a medication prescribed to Marx.
Local residents described more instances of maltreatment. Neighbors reported verbal abuse, with Marx allegedly calling the children “worthless” and “little bastards.” They also described witnessing the children with bruises and rummaging through dumpsters for food. One neighbor even alleged seeing the kids confined in a large dog cage, visibly distraught.
Marx obtained legal custody of the children after the death of their father, Devyn Wayne Hinkle, in 2022. Hinkle, Marx’s son, was killed in a road rage incident in Oklahoma City. He was shot dead by Kasey McConville during an altercation. Hinkle was driving near Northwest 10th Street when he encountered McConville, who was operating a distinct hearse-like vehicle.
Numerous witnesses to the shooting incident corroborated the sequence of events, enabling police to swiftly arrest McConville. Charged initially with first-degree murder, McConville later pled guilty to second-degree murder in 2024. He was sentenced to a 20-year prison term followed by 15 years of supervised release upon completion.