Ruby Stephens and her husband, Roy Stephens were traveling to Florida from Indiana to visit relatives. Throughout their drive of several hours, little Betsey Kee Stephens awaited to be fed, but was forgotten. The 22-day-old infant not only suffered during the trip, but reportedly suffered throughout her entire 22 days of life. The baby girl tragically died weighing only a frighteningly low 4-pounds and 1-ounce. The cause of death was noted by the Polk County Medical Examiner, who stated Betsey died of “malnutrition as a result of starvation” and neglect. Reportedly, little Betsey dropped more than two pounds over the last three weeks.
The baby’s mother and stepfather pulled into the Golden Corral located off U.S. Highway 98 on December 23rd to meet with relatives when they pulled into town, for dinner.
Lakeland police responded to a call there of an unresponsive infant. When they arrived, emergency crews rushed the infant to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, but it was too late. The baby girl was declared dead at the time of arrival. Traveling with Betsey was her 1-year-old brother and 2-year-old sister, who appeared healthy, police said. They were taken into custody by the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Image credit: Daily Mail
The investigation is ongoing, as the medical examiner claims Betsey had died approximately three hours before 911 was notified of her unresponsiveness.
Police arrested the 23-year-old mother and 48-year-old stepfather and charged them with first degree murder. Ruby told police Roy was not the biological father of Betsey and took no interest in the girl since she was born. Her story also seemed to conflict with the medical examiner’s reports.
Ruby claims she “strictly breastfed” Betsey throughout the trip, but the medical examiner debunked her claims, advising the child last fed about seven hours prior to her death.
Newborns require a steady diet of breastmilk or formula, especially those who have problems gaining weight. Crying is an indication of a newborn going too long without eating, reports Kids Health.
Reportedly, Ruby had a doctor’s appointment scheduled with Betsey’s pediatrician prior to the vacation, but did not attend it, and preferred to hit the road instead of managing her daughter’s drastic health issue.