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Florida Parents Charged After 5-Month-Old Twins Hospitalized for Severe Malnutrition

Charging documents detail tiny feedings, an abuse tip, no formula found in the RV.

Overview

  • Seminole County deputies arrested Madison Smith, 23, and Leroy Somersall III, 24, on two counts of child neglect with great bodily harm after hospital staff raised alarms.
  • The 5-month-old twins were admitted on Jan. 6 weighing about 2.6 kilograms (5.7 pounds) each, with visible bones, sunken abdomens, dehydration and low blood sugar, according to the affidavit.
  • Investigators reported finding no baby formula or empty containers in the family’s RV and noted the twins had not seen a pediatrician since September.
  • Smith told detectives the babies were fed about 40 milliliters of formula every two hours before later increasing amounts, though records indicate no recent pediatric guidance.
  • Both infants are expected to survive and have gained weight under hospital care, while doctors evaluate possible neurological effects.