Caretaker charged after death of woman covered in feces and maggots

A Gwynn Oak woman was arrested and accused of creating unbearable living conditions for her bedridden aunt, who later succumbed to her injuries.

Antoinette Gray, who had both legs amputated and had been bedridden since suffering a stroke 15 years ago, was found covered in feces, bed bugs, maggots and disposable absorbent pads that had been used to absorb her waste, according to court documents.

Brittany Brooks, 34, was arrested by Baltimore County police on August 12 and charged with three counts of abuse of vulnerable adults.

According to court documents, Gray had multiple bedsores and any movement caused her great pain. Police said she was glued to her mattress and the house smelled strongly of rotting flesh.

According to court documents, emergency responders described Gray's infections as the worst they had ever seen. Brooks was her caregiver.

Gray told officials that Brooks began caring for her a year ago, but only moved in a few months ago.

According to court documents, Brooks said her aunt was stubborn, refusing to be bathed, not eating and not accepting help from medical professionals.

According to police, Brooks said she called 911 on August 12 because of her aunt's depression.

According to court documents, Gray was taken to the hospital with the mattress still attached to her body because emergency responders feared removing the mattress would send her into shock. Gray died on August 15.

Brooks will have to appear in court again in early September.

The Baltimore County District Attorney's Office said additional charges could be added once the police investigation is complete. It was unclear on Tuesday whether Brooks had a lawyer.

WJZ is a media partner of The Baltimore Banner.