Two Wallingford parents have been charged with felony child abuse for allegedly inflicting broken ribs on their twin 3-month-old daughters.
“Injuries to children are always heartbreaking – but to 3-month old infants, such injuries at the hands of their parents are unconscionable,” said Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer in a release announcing the charges. “Infants are utterly defenseless – which is why it is so important that we stepped in to protect them.”
David Nelson, 42, and Colette Benel, 41, each face two counts of endangering the welfare of children.
The Delaware County Department of Children and Youth Services contacted Nether Providence police after it became aware of suspected child abuse reported by Alfred I. Dupont Children’s Hospital in Delaware, according to the release.
One of the infants arrived at the hospital by ambulance on May 5 as a result of a pediatrician’s concern over a rapidly spreading rash, the release says. A skeletal survey of the child conducted as part of an examination allegedly revealed four healing rib fractures.
Two days later, the hospital directed the parents to bring in the other child for an examination, but no signs of abuse were found, according to the release. Nelson and Benet were interviewed with counsel present at the Office of the District Attorney, but denied having any knowledge of inappropriate handling of either infant by themselves or by anyone else, the release says.
But during a follow-up visit to Dupont Hospital on May 21, a skeletal survey conducted on both twins showed that the daughter with no previous signs of injury was now showing signs of three healing rib fractures, according to the release.
The examining doctor allegedly told county Detective Michael Palmer that the rib fractures were similar to those on the original victim twin and were approximately seven to ten days old.
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