A Haskell couple is facing child neglect charges after a viral video captured a 7-year-old girl left outside in freezing temperatures, wearing only pajamas and socks. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and prompted investigations by law enforcement and state agencies.

Andrew and Kaytlin Fultz were charged in Muskogee County with one count of child neglect after authorities reviewed the footage and conducted an investigation into the foster parents’ treatment of the child. The video, recorded by a concerned neighbor on February 18, shows the young girl standing outside in 12-degree weather without shoes or a jacket, repeatedly saying she was cold.

• Feb. 18: A neighbor records a video of the child standing outside the Fultz home in freezing temperatures. The neighbor later contacts Haskell Po- lice, who arrive at the scene. The foster mother, Kaytlin Fultz, told officers that she left the girl outside for only two minutes to “help her reset” after she refused to put on shoes. However, the neighbor reported that the child was outside for closer to 15 minutes.

• Feb. 19: The video is shared on social media, leading to an outcry from the public. Police say a DHS worker visited the home and determined that the child was safe, stating that the method used was likely more effective than forcing the girl to wear shoes.

• Feb. 20: Preston Schools place Kaytlin Fultz, an elementary school teacher, on administrative leave. The Oklahoma State Department of Education announces an investigation into her conduct.

• Feb. 21: The Muskogee County District Attorney’s office begins reviewing the case to determine if charges will be filed.

• Feb. 22: The birth mother’s attorney, Donald Smolen II, confirms that DHS has removed the girl from the Fultz foster home. The attorney reports that the child appears malnourished.

• Feb. 24: The Muskogee County District Attorney formally charges Andrew and Kaytlin Fultz with child neglect. The couple is expected to turn themselves in to the Muskogee County Jail.

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from child welfare advocates and members of the public. Donald Smolen II, the attorney representing the child’s birth mother, condemned the handling of the situation, stating in a press conference, “If this neighbor hadn’t filmed this, this little girl would still be in this home.”

Smolen said the birth mother was devastated after seeing the footage of her daughter. “She was crushed. She was in complete shock and felt completely helpless.” He also revealed that the birth mother had been trying to contact DHS for updates on her daughter’s well-being but had not received a response. Haskell Police confirmed that officers had visited the home twice before referring the case to the Muskogee County District Attorney’s office. Court documents indicate that law enforcement officials recommended neglect charges after further reviewing the video and interviewing witnesses.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) has launched an investigation into Kaytlin Fultz’s fitness to remain in the classroom. State Superintendent Ryan Walters issued a statement condemning the alleged actions, saying, “If an educator shows signs of abusive behavior or fails to ensure the safety of our children, whether inside or outside the classroom, they have no place in our schools.”

Fultz is a third-grade teacher at Preston, and has reportedly been placed on leave as the investigation continues.

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) released a statement acknowledging the incident, but officials declined to provide specific details due to the ongoing investigation.

“The safety and well-being of our state’s children, particularly those in foster care, are top priorities for Oklahoma Human Services. We are cooperating with law enforcement and taking action to address all safety concerns related to this situation,” DHS said in a statement.

State Representative Scott Fetgatter shared information about the incident: Both Rep. Hays and I are aware of this heartbreaking situation of a foster child in Haskell allegedly locked out of her home in the freezing cold. I have spoken to the Department of Human Services. Rep. Hays has already spoken to our local district attorney to make sure this child is provided immediate safety, shelter and care and to get to the bottom of what happened here. Haskell was formerly in my House district and now is in Rep. Hays’ district. We care about what happens to the residents there. Thank you to everyone that has reached out to our offices. We will pursue justice.

The video has fueled widespread outrage on social media, with many questioning why it took nearly a week for charges to be filed.

The case remains under investigation by law enforcement, DHS and OSDE. The child has since been placed in another foster home, but Smolen emphasized that the birth mother is still seeking answers about her daughter’s condition and care.

Andrew and Kaytlin Fultz are expected to appear in court following their surrender to the Muskogee County authorities.