Parents facing felony child abuse charges involving twin infants

TULLYTOWN, Pa. (WTXF) - A Bucks County couple was expected in court on charges of abusing their two-month-old twin daughters. They were due for their preliminary hearing in Levittown at 9:30am, but the case has been continued.

FOX 29's Dave Kinchen reports the case has shocked so many over the past month.

The parents are Melissa Shales, 25, and her husband Michael, 30.

They face felony child abuse charges, including aggravated assault, conspiracy and endangering the welfare of children.

One of the baby girls had a broken leg that was so bad, doctors said she could've died.

Police say doctors found indications of prior fractures on the other infant.

They say the mother admitted doing certain things to the babies out of anger, in order to get her husband's attention.

Sources say she stuck cloths in one baby's mouth and tried to get them out with pliers.

The babies were reportedly found malnourished, and close to firearms and ammunition.

The girls and their brother have been in the custody of the Bucks County Children and Youth Social Services.

The parents were each being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.