A mother and father were arrested after they were accused of severe child neglect when one of their children was found near death.
Mobile County investigators said that 2-month-old twins and their 1-year-old brother have been hospitalized after it was discovered that their parents, Sara Sprinkle and Gregory Sullivan, were severely neglecting the kids, according to Fox 10.
They have both been arrested and charged with three counts of aggravated child abuse.
Authorities became aware of the situation when Sprinkle, 25, and Sullivan, 30, brought one of their twin boys to USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital for treatment.
Medical staff were concerned with the boy’s health, and they reported to police that the baby boy was severely malnourished.
An investigation was launched into the matter, and Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood said authorities then checked on the couple’s other children.
Investigators found the second twin and the couple’s 1-year-old son, who were also suffering from neglect.
During a hearing on Wednesday, October 21, a prosecutor said that the case was one of the most severe examples of abuse that they’ve ever witnessed.
“This is absolutely reprehensible to have three young children under, you know, around one, one of them, and then a couple of 2-month-olds in this state of affairs,” Blackwood said in court, per the outlet. “You know, this is a situation of neglect where one of the 2-month-old twins was very close to death. We have very talented doctors that are continuing to work with these children, and we’re hoping for the best.”
He continued, “It’s hard to characterize anything as the worst ever, but this is certainly some horrific circumstances.”
Sullivan and Sprinkle are both being held on $400,000 bond with a 10 percent cash component. If the couple is able to make bail, they have been ordered to make no contact with their children or any other children. Additionally, Sullivan and Sprinkle will have to stay on house arrest.
Blackwood added that the couple has two other children, who have now been placed in state custody.
Sullivan and Sprinkle are expected to be back in court for an arraignment on Tuesday, October 27.
It is not currently clear if Sullivan or Sprinkle have retained legal counsel following their arrests. The Mobile County District Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to Us’ request for comment regarding updates in the case.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
