Investigation continues for woman arrested; Charges relate to elder abuse in care of her aunt

by Barry Simms

BALTIMORE — A Baltimore County woman is being held in jail without bond, accused of neglecting the care of a family member, according to charging documents obtained by 11 News Investigates.

The family member is a woman who was a double amputee and had been bedridden for 15 years.

Neighbors told 11 News they are upset and disturbed by what has happened. They did not want to speak on camera, but some said the family had just moved in several months ago.

A medical call brought first responders last week.

Baltimore County police arrested 34-year-old Brittany Brooks on three charges related to abuse and injury of a vulnerable adult.

Police said 56-year-old Antoinette Gray was found in deplorable condition inside a home on Kirkwood Road in Gwynn Oak, according to charging documents.

Brooks called 911 and said her aunt had been depressed and hadn't been eating or acting like herself for about a week.

First responders arrived and entered the home, where they found Gray in a bed in the dining room. They noticed a terrible odor and saw flies, maggots and bed bugs, according to the charging documents. Gray had bedsores and was suffering from an infection. Her condition was so bad that rescuers worried about her going into shock.

The court record read:

"Due to victim Gray's skin being stuck to the mattress, victim Gray was transported to the hospital with the mattress still attached to her back."

"She was unable to move victim Gray so she left victim Gray there until a doctor would approve a lift to move her instead of calling for immediate medical attention," court documents read.

Brooks also said Gray would refuse medical care when needed and would not let anyone tend to her. One officer said they heard Brooks tell her mother she might get arrested for neglect, court documents show.

Gray, who died Aug. 15, said she was under Brooks' care for around a year, according to charging documents. Gray thanked rescuers and medical staff for helping her.

The investigation is ongoing. Brooks has another court date set for Sept. 6.

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Investigation continues for woman arrested; Charges relate to elder abuse in care of her aunt