Police: Mother throws twin toddlers out window
By Kirsten Glavin
@kirstenglavin
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Providence mother was arrested Sunday afternoon, after reportedly throwing her twin two-year-old toddlers, out of a window.
Police said Benita Barbour, 37, of Alverson Ave was drunk and arguing with her boyfriend. That’s when she grabbed each child and threw them out of the window and onto her porch. Neighbors told ABC6 news the children landed on their backs and immediately started crying.
Cherly Steinkamp, a housemate of Barbour, spoke to ABC6 News just after learning about what happened. "I just heard from her daughter that her kids are in the hospital, and Benita threw the kids out of the window. And she’s in jail!" Steinkamp said, shocked. She added that she heard the couple arguing on Sunday, and decided to then leave the house.
Barbour’s neighbors took cell phone video of the incident and called police. The video shows the boys in their matching pajamas crying and being ushered back into the house by Barbour’s boyfriend.
Police found the two year old’s crying in the street with bumps, bruises and cuts.
Steinkamp said she knew Barbour her whole life, and still believes she’s a good mother. "She’s a nice woman, she’s an excellent mom!” she said.
The twins were taken to the hospital, and are now in custody of DCYF.
Barbour was arraigned on Monday at District Court, and held on surety bail. According to police on scene, Barbour showed no remorse.
