An Oklahoma grandmother is accused of abusing her grandchildren, including drugging them and confining them in a dog cage for hours so she could go out alone, following a year-long investigation into abuse claims.

Davena Marx, 53, had full custody of her 8-year-old granddaughter and 6-year-old grandson. Authorities allege she administered anti-psychotic medication, physically assaulted them with a belt, pressed her heels into their feet, and forced them to do strenuous exercises until they were exhausted, reports confirm.

She faces multiple charges of child abuse and neglect. According to reports, one of the children told investigators, “She makes us stay in the dog cage when she wants to go outside by herself.”

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One child told investigators that Marx gave him Seroquel, a medication meant for teens, to induce sleep—despite it being inappropriate for children under 13. Traces of the drug were found in both grandchildren.

A welfare check was initiated last year after a tip about abuse, leading to the children’s removal from the home. The grandchildren later described physical and emotional mistreatment, including forced calisthenics until exhaustion.

A neighbor reported seeing the children rummaging through dumpsters for food, highlighting severe neglect. Medical examinations revealed bruises on the granddaughter consistent with belt whippings.

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Authorities found marijuana, drug paraphernalia, Alprazolam, and Seroquel during a search of her apartment. Marx had custody of the children since 2022, following their father’s fatal road rage incident, according to a GoFundMe page.

Warr Acres Police confirmed Marx’s arrest in May after interviews with the children. The police detailed the discovery of the drugs, the cage, and evidence of medication given to the minors.

Officers transported the children to a medical facility for examination and interviews. The case remains under investigation, highlighting severe allegations of neglect and abuse by the grandmother.