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Wife Charged In Death Of Thurmont 2-Year-Old

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) -- The Frederick County Sheriff's Office is charging a second person in the death of a 2-year-old Thurmont boy.

Capt. Tim Clarke said Monday Melissa Brittle, 36, is charged with second-degree child abuse in the Sept. 8 death of Robert Watkins.

She also is charged with being an accessory after the first-degree child abuse allegedly committed by her husband, 39-year-old Raymond Brittle, the boy's stepfather.

Clark says the boy's mother put Robert in the Brittles' care more than two months ago.

Raymond Brittle was charged Sept. 6 after his wife took the unconscious boy to the hospital, saying he had fallen down the stairs.

Frederick County Public Defender Mary Riley says her office is representing both people. She declined to comment on the case.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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