INDIANAPOLIS -- A couple charged with abusing their infant son appeared in court Friday as chilling details of the abuse the boy allegedly suffered came to light, including an incident in which they pulled the child in a tug-of-war-style fight, according to court documents.Not guilty pleas were entered for Todd Spears and Simone Hamilton (both pictured), both 19, at their initial hearing, 6News' Julie Pursley reported.Seven-week-old Jaden Spears remained at Riley Hospital for Children suffering from broken bones all over his tiny body.
Charles Lovett, Todd Spears' uncle, said he was in court to show support for his nephew and the infant."No baby should have to go through this," said Charles Lovett, Jaden Spears' great uncle.Spears was charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery, neglect of a dependent and battery to a child.Police said he injured the infant to the point that the baby had to be placed in several casts.Lovett said he was surprised to learn of the alleged abuse the prosecutor's office said was inflicted by his nephew."Yes, very (surprised) because of his upbringing -- he was not brought up in an environment like that," Lovett said.Court documents stated that Spears admitted becoming frustrated with Jaden and squeezing him. He was also accused of shaking the infant.A doctor's report listed multiple injuries, including fractures to legs, feet, ribs and an arm."We are aggressively going to prosecute this individual," said Helen Marchal, Marion County prosecutor's chief of staff. "The facts support the attempted murder charge through the … extent of the injuries, number of injuries and the fact that the defendant has pretty much confessed to doing this."Hamilton is charged with neglect and battery. Police said she admitted fighting over the baby with Spears."She grabbed the baby under the arm. Spears grabbed the baby at the feet," Marchal said. "They actually kind of did a tug-of-war with the child using the child as a rope."Spears and Hamilton are expected back in court on Tuesday. Prosecutors want to increase their bond.Spears was held Friday on a $50,000 bond and Hamilton was held on a $15,000 bond.If convicted on all charges, Spears could face up to 50 years in prison and Hamilton could be sentenced to up to 23 years behind bars.