Ozarks Couple Allegedly Tried To Circumcise Their Baby At Home With A Utility Knife

MORGAN COUNTY, Mo. — A Versailles couple has been charged with child abuse and unauthorized practice of medicine after allegedly mutilating their baby in an attempted at-home circumcision the night before Thanksgiving, authorities are reporting.

On Nov. 28, the Morgan County Sheriff's Office received a call from the Department of Family Services, which learned via an emergency hotline from University Hospital in Columbia that a child had been brought in after a botched home-circumcision.

The child's father, Tyler Gibson, reportedly admitted to attempting the circumcision with a utility tool around midnight Nov. 27 despite his lack of medical training because, according to the report, he "conducted research and prayed a blessing." According to the probable cause statement, Tyler said he and his wife were unprepared for the amount of blood so they took the baby to the hospital.

The mother, Bailey Gibson, also reportedly told deputies that she helped with the procedure despite being hesitant about it.

The court document said the boy was taken to Lake Regional Hospital on Wednesday evening, before being transported to Columbia for hospitalization and treatment by a urologist.

The Gibsons later left University Hospital early Thanksgiving morning against medical advice, according to the document. Tyler Gibson allegedly told deputies they left University Hospital "because they grew tired of waiting" after spending four hours there.

Deputies responded with a DFS employee to the Gibson residence on Nov. 28. Tyler Gibson was booked to the Morgan County Jail, while Bailey Gibson was not arrested that day due to having kids at home, including a breastfeeding child.

On Nov. 29, Bailey Gibson was taken into custody while DFS removed five children from the home. She reportedly refused to answer any more questions at the jail.

Tyler Gibson faces two charges:

-Abuse or Neglect of a Child, and

-Unauthorized Practice of Medicine or Surgery.

Bailey Gibson is charged with Abuse or Neglect of a Child.

Michael Nivens Sr Bail Bonding posted both the Gibsons' $25,000 surety bonds on Dec. 2. Tyler's arraignment was scheduled for Dec. 3, while Bailey's is scheduled for Jan. 28, 2025.