In a terrible case that has led to conversations about parenting, alcohol, and accountability, Brennan Spencer, 33, of Oklahoma City, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder soon after her two-month-old son, Rory Kelson, was found dead at her feet after a night of excessive drinking. Following a months-long inquiry that identified the infant’s death was easily avoidable, the November 2024 incident has become the subject of heated debate.
On the night in question, Spencer and her partner, James Kelson, split a 12-pack of White Claw hard seltzer, per court papers that People magazine was able to get hold of. Spencer, who seemed to have gone to buy more alcohol, was left alone with the couple’s baby twins, Rory and his sister, shortly after Kelson got ready for bed at around midnight.
Brennan Spencer can be observed buying four more tallboy cans of White Claw at 1:23 a.m. and heading home a few minutes later in CCTV footage taken from a nearby 7-Eleven.
Then, with one baby in her arms and the other (Rory) at her feet, she is said to have passed out on the couch. Spencer and the twins had vanished from their bedroom when Kelson woke up at 6:45 a.m. He found Rory unresponsive on the ground and Spencer and the baby girl lying in the living room.
Paramedics were called, but Rory was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Medical Examiner Rules Oklahoma Baby’s Death a Case of Neglect and Asphyxia
Because of what they called “an unsafe sleep environment,” the Oklahoma County medical examiner concluded that Rory’s death was due to death from asphyxiation. The affidavit also outlines how investigators found 15 empty hard seltzer cans within the family’s residence.
Due to Spencer’s dangerous drinking and lack of consciousness, Deputy Chief Child Abuse Examiner Ryan Brown classified Rory as a victim of neglect. If the boy had continued to sleep in his bassinet that night, he would probably have remained alive, he said.
In late June, the Cleveland County District Attorney moved to press charges after being made aware of the investigation’s results.
Cleveland DUI Attorneys – This page lists DUI attorneys located in Clevelandhttps://duiattorneytab.com/cleveland-dui-attorneys pic.twitter.com/13QAwkIVGp
— DUI Attorney Tab (@duiattorneytab) July 7, 2025
At the moment, Spencer is being held on a $500,000 bond and has yet to choose a plea.
She is scheduled to appear in court on August 5 for an initial court hearing.
This Mom’s Partner Remains Supportive, Seeks Legal Help Online
Spencer’s partner, Kelson, continues to stay by her side in spite of the horrible circumstances she finds herself in.
After being taken into custody, Kelson posted on Facebook to find out if anyone knew of any pro bono lawyers who would be prepared to proactively take on a “state vs. accidental death of a child case.”
On the internet, the case has brought about controversial opinions.
‼️Oklahoma ranks 46th in the nation for overall child well-being.
-49th in education
-37th in health
-38th in economic well-being
-43rd in family & community contextThis is according to the latest KIDS COUNT report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. pic.twitter.com/onNpQWD91x
— Payton May (@paytonmaytv) June 14, 2023
While some are calling for responsibility, others ask for compassion because of the unintentional nature of the death.
The court will decide whether Brennan Spencer’s “probably really drunk” admission and actions are considered as second-degree murder or perhaps something else entirely.
Spencer, now known as the infamous mom from Oklahoma, continues to serve time until she understands in her heart of hearts that one careless night might have cost her more than just her child.
