Florida mom accused of starving her 3-week-old son to death

A Sanford, Florida, mother is facing charges for allegedly starving her 3-week-old twin son to death.

Michelle Spinicchia, 26, was arrested Sunday and charged with child neglect in connection with the August 10 death of Benjamin Mitchell, according to the Orlando Sentinel. The 26-year-old gave birth to premature twin boys—each weighing four pounds—on July 11, 2016.

Spinicchia claimed the child’s father woke up to find his son not breathing and cold. The mother told investigators that she wrapped the 3-week-old in a blanket to warm him up, according to WFTV. Though the father attempted CPR, the baby was pronounced dead at a hospital later that day.

An autopsy revealed that Mitchell was extremely malnourished and underweight when he died. Investigators alleged the infant was supposed to undergo medical treatment for breathing issues but Spinicchia never took him to appointments, WDBO reported.

“Investigators believed that [Spinicchia’s] failure to provide essential medical care and to properly feed the infant resulted in his death,” Seminole County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Kim Cannaday said.

The father told WFTV that he fed the twin boys, not Spinicchia. He also believed Mitchell had a rare genetic disorder which deprived him of nutrients.

Spinicchia was out on bond at the time of the arrest. Investigators said the 26-year-old was charged with domestic violence in March for hitting the baby’s father. She was also charged with escape from a deputy’s patrol car, resisting arrest, and grand theft.

Deputies alleged the father called authorities on Sunday and said the child’s mother was calling and texting him. While arresting Spinicchia for violating the conditions of her pretrial release, they noticed she had a warrant for her arrest related to the death of her son.

Spinicchia is also facing criminal mischief and creating a false fire alarm charges for allegedly damaging a fire sprinkler head while in custody on Sunday.

The 26-year-old is being held without bond in the Seminole County Jail.

[Feature Photo: Seminole County Jail]