COLUMBIA, MO (LOOTPRESS) – A Missouri couple faces child abuse charges after allegedly attempting to perform a circumcision on their infant son at home, resulting in significant bleeding and prompting an emergency hospital visit.
Tyler Wade Gibson, 35, and Bailey Alexus Gibson, 32, reportedly brought their son to Lake Regional Hospital on November 27 following the procedure, according to an arrest affidavit. The child was later transferred to University Hospital in Columbia. Hospital staff contacted a Department of Social Services hotline after learning the parents had conducted the procedure at home.
Despite being advised by medical professionals to keep the child in the hospital for further treatment, the couple allegedly left against medical advice.
Father Admits to Performing the Procedure
When deputies from the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department interviewed the couple at their home, Tyler Gibson allegedly admitted to performing the circumcision despite having no medical training. According to the affidavit, Gibson claimed he conducted “research” beforehand and said a “blessing” before attempting the procedure.
“The procedure did not go as planned,” detectives wrote in the affidavit.
Gibson reportedly said he used a sanitized blade and gauze pads but was unprepared for the amount of bleeding, which led the couple to seek medical help. During a search of the home, officers did not locate the blade Gibson claimed to have used but did find an empty box of medical gauze.
Mother Acknowledges Hesitancy
Bailey Gibson told officers she was “very hesitant” about her husband performing the circumcision but admitted to assisting him. She did not provide an explanation for why she proceeded despite her reservations. She also told investigators they left the hospital after waiting for four hours.
Following the interviews, the Department of Social Services intervened and removed five children from the couple’s home on November 29.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Both Tyler and Bailey Gibson were arrested and charged with child abuse. They were taken to the Morgan County Jail and later released on bond.
Their next court appearance is scheduled for January 28. Bailey Gibson’s attorney has not responded to requests for comment, and no attorney is currently listed for Tyler Gibson.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the risks associated with untrained individuals performing medical procedures and the well-being of the children involved. Authorities continue to investigate the case.
