AUSTIN, Texas – A Texas mother, 31-year-old Brittney Bailey, faces a possible death penalty after being charged with the capital murder of her 3-month-old daughter, in a case that has also implicated her toddler son in the allegations.
Bailey was arrested and charged by Travis County prosecutors early this week following a disturbing episode that originally transpired in March. Law enforcement responded to an emergency call at The Revl Apartments on North Lamar Boulevard where the infant was found unresponsive. Despite immediate medical intervention, the baby girl died five days later on March 15.
Initially, the circumstances surrounding the baby’s injuries were vague, but further investigation showed signs of abuse on the twin sibling of the deceased, leading to additional charges against Bailey for causing injury to a child—a significant first-degree felony.
According to police records, Bailey offered various explanations for her baby’s fatal injuries. Initially, she claimed the baby had fallen off a changing table, supposedly in the presence of her 17-month-old son. However, her explanation changed under interrogation on March 21, alleging her toddler son was responsible for the injuries—a claim quickly challenged by investigators, culminating in Bailey terminating the interview abruptly.
Following her arrest, Bailey managed to post a $250 bond relating to the injuries of her surviving child and was temporarily released from custody.
The investigation took a crucial turn when the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office concluded on October 4 that the infant’s death was a homicide, with autopsy results showing blunt force trauma to the head. These findings also noted a pattern of prior injuries, which further entangled Bailey’s already precarious defense.
Additional insight into the case was provided by court documents that revealed Bailey had been searching online for information on infants and injuries, including queries about shaken baby syndrome, just days before her child’s death.
Bailey is currently being held in Travis County Jail with the bond set at $600,000, awaiting a court appearance scheduled for November 14 to face these grave charges.
The case has triggered a broader discussion on child safety and the legal responsibilities of guardians, with experts emphasizing the tragic consequences that can arise from both actions and accusations within a familial context.