Wagoner County Couple Making Push To Get Grandchild Back From DHS Custody

A Wagoner County couple is making a big, public push to try to get their 12-year-old grandson out of DHS custody.

Bill and Lisa Woolley have hired experts and private investigators, bought billboards and TV commercials, and released a video online explaining why they believe they should get custody again.

The Woolley’s grandson was removed by DHS seven years ago when they were charged in the death of the boy’s brother in 2018. Those charges were later dropped by Wagoner County.

News On 6 has decided not to name the 12-year-old boy because he is a minor.

The Woolley family, their private investigator, and Gov. Kevin Stitt’s father called on DHS to give the 12-year-old boy back to the Woolley family.

The boy was taken from the Woolley family after his 14-month-old brother, Elijah Woolley, was found dead at Bill and Lisa Woolley’s home in March of 2018.

The Woolleys were charged with murder and child abuse in Wagoner County, but those charges were later dismissed.

The Woolleys have maintained their innocence and say the boy was not killed but died as a result of ongoing medical issues, including constipation.

A child abuse expert hired by the Woolley's attorney, named Dr. Robert Block, said there were no signs of abuse or neglect involving Elijah.

“I think he just was exhausted from everything going on, and he just passed away,” said Bill Woolley, the boy’s grandfather. “But that doesn't excuse why all these agencies and authorities aren't rushing in to restore our family after it's been proven that we didn't do anything.”

Elijah’s brother is now 12 and has been living with a family member for the past seven years.

The Woolleys now believe he is being abused in that home.

They say they received a call from someone in July who says they heard the boy’s relative bragging about abusing the boy.

“In that recording, he detailed being locked in a closet repeatedly as punishment,” said Glory Woolley, the boy’s aunt. “Being starved and being fed just bread with mustard on it as a meal whenever he was bad or acted up.”

The family says they have contacted DHS to try and get the boy removed from that home.

DHS sent us a statement about the case saying in full:

“Oklahoma Human Services is committed to protect the safety and well-being of Oklahoma’s children. Every child welfare case is different and the specific details in those cases impact decisions made by the agency, the courts, District Attorneys and others who participate in any case. Additionally, child welfare cases are confidential by state and federal statutes, so we are unable to discuss the facts or circumstances of any child welfare case with anyone who is not authorized by statute or permitted by an order of the court.”

The family says they will keep speaking up until they are able to get the boy returned to them.

“We love him with every fiber of our being,” said Lisa Woolley, the boy’s grandmother. “And we will never, ever, ever, stop fighting for him. If there's not another thing we do in our life.”

The Wagoner County District Attorney says the death of Elijah Woolley is an open case, and they are still investigating.

There is no statute of limitations for murder cases.

Broken Arrow Police released a public statement in regard to this case, saying in full:

“Broken Arrow Police Department has been approached by local media outlets to comment about a high-profile case involving an alleged juvenile victim. In Oklahoma, law enforcement records involving juveniles are confidential under the law and are not subject to public disclosure. In accordance with state law, BAPD will not speak about a specific case involving a juvenile, but we will comment on our process and how seriously we take allegations of child abuse in our community. BAPD works in partnership with the Department of Human Services to ensure that full, fair, and complete investigations are conducted into allegations of child abuse in Broken Arrow. When appropriate, charges are forwarded to the District Attorney's Office for review. The safety of children is our top priority. Furthermore, outside influencers have made multiple requests to the Broken Arrow Police Department and City leadership to circumvent state law regarding the juvenile case that is under the authority of the Department of Human Services. BAPD will steadfastly follow the law and will not succumb to the pressure of these third-party actors. We will continue to adhere to state statute regarding juvenile confidentiality while working cooperatively with DHS to ensure the safety and welfare of all children. Any questions involving child custody determinations or DHS investigations into a child's well-being should be directed to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.”