Couple Charged After 6-Week-Old Twins Hospitalized With Life-Threatening Injuries

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A couple from New York, Camron Douglas, 32, and Brittany Spicer, 34, were arrested after their 6-week-old twin boys were hospitalized with serious injuries including brain bleeds, broken bones, and severe burns. Police say the injuries were caused by the father, Douglas, during February and March, and the mother, Spicer, was aware of the injuries but did not seek medical attention.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of parents seeking immediate medical care for their children when they are injured, as well as the need for stronger child welfare policies and support systems to protect vulnerable infants from abuse and neglect.

The details

According to court documents, on March 15, Spicer brought one of the babies to Newark-Wayne Community Hospital in Newark, New York, where medical staff found the child had life-threatening injuries. They then asked Child Protective Services to have the twin brother brought to the hospital as well, and he was also found to have serious injuries. Police say the injuries, which included brain bleeds, broken bones, and severe burns, were "non-accidental" and caused by the father, Douglas, during February and March. Spicer was aware of the injuries but did not seek medical attention for either of the boys. On the morning of March 15, one of the boys had seizure-like symptoms, but Spicer did not take him to the hospital until 5 p.m.

• In February and March, the father allegedly caused the life-threatening injuries to the 6-week-old twins.
• On March 15, Spicer brought one of the babies to the hospital, where the serious injuries were discovered.
• On April 2, Douglas and Spicer were arrested by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office.

What’s next

Douglas' case will be referred to a grand jury, and his next court date has not been made available. Spicer's next court date is scheduled for May 13.