Delco Parents Broke Infant Twin Daughters' Ribs: DA

WALLINGFORD, PA — Two Delaware County parents are facing felony child abuse charges after authorities said they broke their infant twin daughters' bones.

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer Thursday announced the arrest of David Nelson, 42, and Colette Benel, 41, both of Wallingford. Nelson and Benel each face two counts of felony child abuse.

Authorities said their 3- month-old twins each suffered fractured ribs, caused by the parents.

Charges were filed after an investigation was launched on May 2.

Delaware County’s Department of Children and Youth Services contacted the Nether Providence Police Department it was alerted to the suspected child abuse by the team at the Alfred I Dupont Children’s Hospital.

Authorities said one of the girls came to the hospital in an ambulance on May 5 as a result of a pediatrician’s concern over a rapidly spreading rash.

In connection with her initial examination, a skeletal survey was performed, which revealed four healing rib fractures, the DA's office said. The discovery led the Criminal Investigation Division to open a child abuse investigation.

On May 7, Nelson and Benel were told by the team at Dupont Hospital to bring the other girl's twin sister to the hospital for examination. No signs of abuse were found, the DA's office said.

Then on May 11, accompanied by counsel, Nelson and Benel were interviewed at the DA's office.

Nelson and Benel said they didn't know of any inappropriate handling of the either infant by themselves, or by anyone else, according to the DA's office.

During a follow-up visit to Dupont Hospital on May 21, a skeletal survey was completed on both twins. Medical experts told investigators that the twin who previously had no signs of injury now showed signs of three healing rib fractures. The doctor stated that the rib fractures were similar to those on the original victim twin, and were approximately seven to 10 days old.

On July 21, the parents turned themselves in at the Media Courthouse with their attorney.

Both were arraigned by District Justice Robert Burke and bail was set at $50,000 cash and were committed to George Hill Correctional Facility after failing to post bail.