Background: Newark-Wayne Community Hospital in the village of Newark, N.Y. (Google Maps). Insets (left to right): Camron Douglas and Brittany Spicer (Wayne County Sheriff”s Office).
A New York couple finds themselves facing legal challenges after their infant twin sons were admitted to the hospital with severe injuries.
Camron Douglas, 32, and Brittany Spicer, 34, were taken into custody by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office on April 2, following the hospitalization of their 6-week-old twins at Newark-Wayne Community Hospital, located in Newark, New York. Spicer has been charged with two misdemeanor counts of child endangerment and was subsequently released from Wayne County Jail. Meanwhile, Douglas faces two felony assault charges and remains detained.
As reported by local ABC affiliate WHAM, court documents reveal that Douglas and Spicer initially brought one of the twins to the hospital on March 15. Medical staff, upon discovering the child’s life-threatening conditions, requested Child Protective Services to ensure the other twin was also brought in, who was found to have similar serious injuries.
Authorities have stated that Douglas inflicted the injuries during February and March. The infants suffered from brain hemorrhages, fractures, and severe burns, which police have classified as “non-accidental.” The twin initially taken to the hospital reportedly had burns on his face and abdomen.
Court records indicate that Spicer was aware of her sons’ injuries but failed to seek timely medical assistance. Despite one of the twins exhibiting seizure-like symptoms on the morning of March 15, Spicer delayed seeking hospital care until 5 p.m. that day.
Both Spicer and Douglas have entered pleas of not guilty to their charges. Spicer, who was released from jail on April 2, made a court appearance on Wednesday, with her next hearing scheduled for May 13.
Douglas, who was paroled after being convicted of attempted burglary and assault, will have his case referred to a grand jury. His next court date was not made available.
Both of the twins remain hospitalized and will be transferred to foster care upon their release. Spicer’s 3-year-old child was also removed from her custody, and she was ordered to stay away from her twins.
