A devastating tragedy has rocked an Oklahoma community as authorities pursue charges against a mother whose alleged intoxication led to the death of one of her newborn twins.

According to People, Brennan Spencer, 33, faces second-degree murder charges following the November 2024 death of her two-month-old son, identified as RK, who was found unresponsive at her feet while she slept on the couch with his twin sister.

The Oklahoma City Police Department's investigation revealed that Spencer and her partner James Kelson had consumed significant amounts of alcohol the night of the incident, sharing a 12-pack of White Claw seltzers before Spencer made an additional trip to purchase more drinks.

Late Night Decision Leads to Fatal Consequences

Detective Matthew Bermel's arrest affidavit details how Spencer left their home around midnight to purchase additional alcohol at a nearby 7-Eleven. Store surveillance footage captured her buying four "tall boy" cans of White Claw at 1:23 a.m., spending just four minutes in the store.

The couple had originally placed both twins in bassinets at the foot of their bed around midnight. However, Spencer later moved to the couch with both infants, a decision that would have tragic repercussions.

James Kelson discovered the horrifying scene at 6:45 a.m. when he found Spencer on the couch holding their daughter LK, while their son RK lay unresponsive at her feet. Three empty tall boy cans were later found in the trash, along with the dozen cans from earlier.

Medical Examiner Confirms Preventable Death

The medical examiner's report concluded that RK's death was caused by "asphyxia due to an unsafe sleep environment." This determination was supported by Deputy Chief Child Abuse Examiner Ryan Brown's findings.

Brown's maltreatment report explicitly stated that RK "was a victim of neglect" due to his mother's significant level of intoxication. The report emphasized how Spencer's compromised awareness directly contributed to the tragic outcome.

The investigation revealed that had RK remained in his bassinet that night, as initially planned, he would have had a much higher probability of survival. This detail became crucial in the decision to pursue criminal charges.

Legal Proceedings and Family Response

Spencer remains in custody with bail set at $500,000, facing preliminary hearings scheduled for August 5. She has not yet entered a plea to the second-degree murder charge.

The case has created a complex family dynamic, with Kelson maintaining support for Spencer throughout the legal proceedings. He has publicly sought pro bono legal assistance on social media for what he refers to as a "state VS accidental death of a child case."

Cleveland County authorities reviewed the case in late June 2025, leading to a judge signing the arrest warrant on July 1. The tragic incident has sparked discussions about the dangers of co-sleeping and alcohol consumption while caring for infants.

Lessons to learn from this tragedy

1. Safe sleep for infants is essential: Newborns must be placed in a firm bassinet or crib free from pillows, blankets, or adult bodies. Co-sleeping, especially on couches and under the influence of any substance, significantly increases the risk of accidental asphyxia.

2. Substance use impairs parenting ability: Even moderate alcohol consumption can lower awareness and response time, potentially leading to tragic outcomes. Guardians and parents must understand the dangers of caring for infants while intoxicated.

3. Recognizing the importance of shared responsibility: Community support and education can help prevent such incidents, but it is also essential to recognize that bad outcomes, even with precautions, can still occur. It’s never the victim’s fault, and our focus should remain on understanding and preventing future tragedies.

Why this story matters

This case highlights the severe risks posed when infants are exposed to unsafe sleep conditions, particularly in combination with adult intoxication. It serves as a call to both law enforcement and the public to better understand how negligence and substance use can intersect with parenting duties. Educating caregivers about the dangers of co-sleeping and the importance of sobriety while managing infant care is a crucial step toward prevention. The legal proceedings and investigation serve to underscore the importance of accountability and awareness in child welfare.

Conclusion

Brennan Spencer, 33, now faces a second-degree murder charge after police say her newborn son, RK, died in an unsafe sleep environment while she was intoxicated. The incident unfolded in November 2024 in Oklahoma City following a night of drinking, with Spencer admitting to being highly intoxicated before passing out on a couch with her infants. Authorities cite her level of intoxication and failure to use the children’s bassinets as key components in the tragedy. Experts state RK may have survived had he remained in a safe sleep environment.