Judge David Wolf granted a petition to terminate the parental rights of Journey (Journey Deshaun) Keith’s biological father and allowed Shannon Keith Walker to adopt the girl, the court announced after testimony in Humphreys County Chancery Court.

The child’s mother, Claudia Veronica Castano Walker, and Shannon Keith Walker testified in court that the child, identified in court as 14 years old, has lived with Claudia Walker and Shannon Walker for years. The judge said he found “by clear and convincing evidence” that the biological father had abandoned the child and that it was in the child’s best interest to be adopted by Shannon Walker. The court signed an adoption order prepared by counsel.

Why this matters: The ruling severs the biological father’s legal rights and places permanent parental responsibility with the adoptive father. Adoption orders change custody, support obligations and inheritance rights and are final unless successfully appealed.

In court, Claudia Walker testified about service and contact attempts: the petition to terminate was served on the biological father on Oct. 21, 2024, and the mother said there had been no meaningful contact from him for more than a year. Both Claudia Walker and Shannon Walker told the court they are financially able to provide for the child’s needs and that they believe adoption is in her best interest.

Judge Wolf summarized the legal standard and delivered the dispositive finding, saying he had found grounds for termination and that the adoption should be granted. The judge directed entry of an order to implement the adoption.

No new post-judgment plan for contact with the biological father was recorded; the court record shows termination of legal rights and immediate approval of the adoption order prepared by counsel.