Parents from Missouri conducted research and prayed before performing a circumcision on their son at home, according to authorities.
Staff at University Hospital in Columbia reported the incident to a Department of Social Services hotline on Nov. 27 after the parents brought the child to the hospital following the procedure. According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, the parents, identified as 35-year-old Tyler Wade Gibson and 32-year-old Bailey Alexus Gibson, initially took the child to Lake Regional Hospital, from where he was transferred to University Hospital. However, they left the hospital with the child against medical advice, authorities said.
Deputies from the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department visited the Gibson home to conduct interviews. Tyler Gibson, after being read his Miranda rights, reportedly admitted to performing the circumcision despite lacking medical training. He claimed to have completed the procedure after conducting “research” and offering a “blessing.”
Detectives stated in the affidavit that “the procedure did not go as planned.” Tyler Gibson said he used a sanitized blade and gauze pads to control bleeding but was unprepared for the amount of blood, prompting the parents to seek medical help. Although Tyler claimed the blade used was in his bedroom, police did not find it during their search, but they did locate an empty box of medical gauze.
Bailey Gibson told authorities she was “very hesitant” about her husband performing the procedure but admitted to assisting him. When questioned about why she went through with it despite her reservations, she declined to answer and later requested a lawyer. The couple reportedly left the hospital after waiting for four hours.
On Nov. 29, social services removed five children from the home. Police subsequently arrested Tyler and Bailey Gibson on child abuse charges, and they were taken to Morgan County Jail before posting bond. Their next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 28. Bailey Gibson’s attorney did not respond to requests for comment, while Tyler Gibson does not currently have an attorney listed.
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