A Gwynn Oak woman was arrested and accused of creating deplorable living conditions for her bedridden aunt, who later died from her injuries.
Antoinette Gray, who was a double amputee and bedridden because of a stroke 15 years ago, was found covered in feces, bedbugs, maggots and disposable absorbent pads used to collect her waste, according to court documents.
Brittany Brooks, 34, was arrested on Aug. 12 by Baltimore County Police and charged with three counts of vulnerable adult abuse.
Court documents said that Gray had several bedsores and was in extreme pain from any movement. Police said she was stuck to her mattress and the house had an intense smell of decomposing flesh.
First responders called Gray’s infections some of the worst they’ve ever seen, according to court documents. Brooks was her caretaker.
Gray told officers Brooks began taking care of her a year ago, but only moved in a few months ago.
According to court documents, Brooks said her aunt was stubborn, did not want to be bathed, wasn’t eating and wouldn’t accept help from medical professionals.
Brooks says she called 911 on August 12 because of her aunt’s depression, according to police.
Gray was transported to the hospital with the mattress still attached to her body because first responders were afraid that removing the mattress would send her into shock, according to court documents. Gray died on August 15.
Brooks is due back in court in early September.
The Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office says additional charges could be added once the police investigation is complete. It was not clear Tuesday if Brooks had an attorney.
WJZ is a media partner of The Baltimore Banner.
