Share and Follow
Background: The Panama City, Fla., neighborhood where Hailey Smith lived with her babies (Google Maps). Inset: Hailey Smith (Bay County Sheriff”s Office).
A Florida mother faces charges of child neglect after her plea for help revealed her twins were “severely malnourished.” Hailey Smith, aged 21, is currently detained without the option for bail in the Bay County Jail. She was apprehended on Wednesday, facing one count of aggravated child neglect and another for child neglect. This development occurred after she sought medical attention on September 30 for one of her one-month-old twin sons. When law enforcement arrived at her Panama City residence, they found the infant “barely responsive,” details from an affidavit examined by Law&Crime reveal. Bay County Fire Rescue administered CPR before the child was transported to a hospital.
Upon arrival, officers reportedly detected the scent of marijuana in the home.
“During their visit, deputies observed a marijuana odor coming from inside the premises,” the affidavit noted.
The affidavit further stated that the infant required ventilation support at the hospital and was “functioning at reduced capacity.” Consequently, medical personnel opted to transfer the child to a specialized facility in Gainesville for further intensive care.
Deputies wrote in the affidavit that the baby was put on a ventilator at the hospital and was “operating at a diminished capacity.” Medical staff made the decision to transport the baby to another hospital in Gainesville for intensive care.
According to the affidavit, the baby weighed 5 pounds, 6 ounces when he was born on Aug. 18. When he was weighed again at the hospital on Oct. 2, he weighed 5 pounds, 13 ounces. The possibility was raised that the baby could have a genetic disorder, but medical staff ruled that out since the baby gained weight during his hospital stay.
A medical examination revealed that the baby was suffering from medical neglect and severe malnourishment. In a Facebook post, the sheriff’s office said that investigators later found out the baby had a twin brother who was also “severely malnourished.” The other baby was also brought to the hospital in Gainesville. According to the affidavit, the first twin seen by first responders “nearly” died as a result of his condition.
Deputies said that the babies have since been released from the hospital and are in the care of family members.
Smith is being held without bond at Bay County Jail. Her next court date is scheduled for Nov. 13.
