OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — A grim scene unfolded last week when 33-year-old Brennan Spencer was arrested on charges of second-degree murder after her newborn son, RK, was found lifeless at her feet in their Oklahoma City home. Authorities say her high level of intoxication and unsafe sleep environment directly contributed to the infant’s fatal asphyxia.
On the morning of November 2, 2024, just before dawn, Spencer’s partner, James Kelson, woke up in their bedroom to an empty bassinet. Searching the house, he discovered Spencer asleep on the living room couch, clutching their newborn daughter, LK. Tragically, their newborn son, RK, was unresponsive at her feet. Paramedics pronounced RK dead at the scene.
Investigators revealed Stanley and Kelson had split a 12-pack of White Claw seltzers. Spencer even went out at around 1:30 a.m. to buy more, returning with four “tall boy” cans, according to surveillance footage. She later admitted to investigators that she had been “probably really drunk” and passed out on the couch, never making it to the bedroom with the twins.
The medical examiner determined that RK died from asphyxia due to an unsafe sleep environment, noting that had he been placed in a bassinet, his life might have been saved. A child abuse specialist emphasized Spencer’s intoxication severely impaired her awareness and care ability.
Spencer was arrested last week and charged with second-degree murder. Her bond was set at $500,000, and she is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on August 5, 2025. Meanwhile, Kelson continues to support her, calling the tragedy “a tragic accident” and seeking legal help.
The couple had welcomed twins in late October 2024. RK and LK were only days old when the tragedy occurred. Neighbors described the family as loving and attentive. Now, LK survives, but the loss of her twin casts a dark shadow. This event has jolted the community into confronting the serious hazards of alcohol use during infancy.
Child safety advocates stress the dangers of placing intoxicated caregivers in charge of newborns. Co-sleeping and inebriation are known risk factors for sudden infant death. This case has reignited public discourse about parent education, alcohol consumption, and proper infant-sleep practices.
Nationally, medical experts echo that parents—even when extremely fatigued—must avoid sleeping with infants when under the influence. Communities are encouraged to promote safe-sleep messaging widely.
Spencer awaits further legal proceedings, including possible sentencing if found guilty. Prosecutors have signaled an intent to pursue the full extent of punishment under the law. As the case progresses, the focus remains on balancing justice with awareness and prevention.
For the family, anger, grief, and confusion are woven together. Their focus now turns to healing, caring for LK, and confronting the stark reality of a preventable loss.
RK died in a moment that could have been prevented—but his story may yet save lives. As Spencer’s court date approaches in August 2025, the case remains a bleak reminder of how a night of drinking can alter the course of innocent lives forever.
