Del City mom accused of child neglect after fatal fire is bipolar, defense attorney says

BY NOLAN CLAY nclay@opubco.com

Published: February 25, 2011

A pregnant Del City woman charged with child neglect suffers from bipolar disorder, her attorney revealed Thursday during a bail hearing.

Stephanie Mae Dunham, 25, and her husband, Christopher Lee Dunham, 25, were charged with child neglect and methamphetamine possession after their three young children died in a motor home fire Jan. 4.

Attorney Joan Lopez told the judge Stephanie Dunham gets Social Security disability benefits because of her mental illness. The attorney also said the mother, who was burned in the fire, has been hospitalized twice since her arrest Feb. 11.

Bail had been set at $151,000 for each. Oklahoma County District Judge Jerry Bass cut bail to $35,000 for each. He rejected a prosecutor's argument the parents were a flight risk.

The judge said no one can hide long in the United States anymore because of computers. He warned the couple they would be caught quickly if they flee.

The judge also stressed the purpose of bail is not punishment but to ensure a defendant comes to court.

Both remained in Oklahoma County jail Thursday night. Attorneys and relatives were working to arrange bail and to meet the judge's conditions.

The judge required the parents to wear ankle monitors, follow a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew and take random drug tests weekly. He said they must reside only in residences approved by conditional bond officers.

The attorneys said Christopher Dunham will stay with his grandparents, and Stephanie Dunham will stay with her grandparents.

Police reported Stephanie Dunham left the children alone in the motor home, locking the door with a hasp that trapped them inside when the fire broke out. The father was at work.

Christopher L. Dunham Jr., 4, Crystal Ann Dunham, 3, and Kailey Mae Dunham, 1, died from smoke inhalation and burns. Police reported that blood tests showed the mother was on methamphetamine at the time. The father also admitted using methamphetamine in the past, a fire inspector reported in January.

A prosecutor gave the judge evidence that the parents told relatives they were �getting out of Oklahoma for awhile and going to Tennessee.� The prosecutor said they used donations to their children's memorial fund to buy a used Dodge truck that could make such a trip. The prosecutor said they have even more incentive to flee because they know child welfare workers will take their baby after birth.

Defense attorneys deny the parents planned to go to Tennessee. The attorneys contend the parents traded in the family vehicle to get away from painful memories and bought the truck on a payment plan.

Donors gave about $20,000 to the parents before the allegations of drug use arose.