Officials: Unborn baby dies in traffic accident

Gwinnett County Police said alcohol may have played a role in a traffic crash which killed an unborn baby on Sunday.

Police said Charles Rutledge crossed the double yellow line and struck two cars. Officials said one of the drivers was Christina Barnum, who was in her third trimester. She was rushed to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. Officials said the injuries were too severe for her unborn child to survive.

Barnum’s two other passengers, Joseph and Jason Barnum, were also rushed to area hospital. Joseph was listed in stable condition as of Monday afternoon. Jason’s condition was not immediately available.

Investigators said Rutledge is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.

Police said this is the second traffic accident that has resulted in the death of an unborn baby in the past few weeks.