TEXAS PARENTS ARRESTED AFTER LEAVING INFANT UNATTENDED ON BEACH FOR NEARLY AN HOUR IN WALTON COUNTY

Posted on October 14, 2025

Mug shot of a white male with blue eyes and brown hair wearing an orange jumpsuit standing in front of a light blue wall.
Mug shot of a white female with dark hair wearing a navy blue jumpsuit standing in front of a light blue wall.

WALTON COUNTY, FLA— Two Texas parents are facing child abuse charges after deputies respond to the beach in Miramar Beach in Walton County regarding a six-month-old child left unattended beneath a tent.

Around noon Friday, October 10th, Walton County Sheriff’s Office responded to 4000 Sandestin Boulevard following reports of an unattended infant on the beach. When deputies arrived, witnesses confirmed the child had been left alone for nearly an hour while the parents walked down the beach with three other children.

Good Samaritans immediately began caring for the child and called law enforcement.

While deputies waited for South Walton Fire District personnel to arrive and assess the infant, the parents returned to the scene, where both admitted to placing the child under the tent for a nap before leaving with their other children, claiming they lost track of time.

Security footage obtained during the investigation confirmed the family was away for nearly an hour and did not bring their cell phone with them.

South Walton Fire personnel evaluated the infant and confirmed the child’s vitals were normal and they were not in distress. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) was notified and responded immediately to the scene.

Both parents, Brian, 40, and Sara Wilks, 37, of Houston, Texas, were arrested and charged with child neglect without great bodily harm. DCF took custody of the children pending the arrival of family members traveling from Texas. They both bonded out the following day on a $1,000 bond.

This incident serves as a reminder that even brief moments of inattention can have serious consequences and can sometimes lead to tragic outcomes.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office is deeply committed to the safety and well-being of every child in our community, whether they are residents or visitors.

“We’re thankful for the quick-thinking beachgoer who raised the alarm and for those who stepped in to care for the child with the same kindness and concern they would show their own,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson.