A Houston couple faces serious charges following allegations of brutal child abuse that reportedly occurred over four days. The five-month-old victim was declared brain-dead upon her arrival at the hospital on September 29 and ultimately died from her injuries on Wednesday.
Glenn Wayne Smith and Jasmine Ellison have been charged with injury to a child and serious bodily injury. According to law enforcement, the couple has no prior criminal record or history with child protective services.
Investigators find the allegations particularly troubling. Even if the injuries were unintentional, the couple is accused of witnessing the infant’s decline without seeking immediate medical attention. Ellison, the infant’s mother, appeared in court to face charges related to the tragic death of her baby girl, Ja’nae Smith.
Prosecutors stated, “The abuse is said to have taken place over a four-day period, or the most recent abuse, while the child was under the care of both this defendant and the child’s father.”
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office characterized Ja’nae’s last days as a “horrific weekend” that began on September 26. During this time, it is alleged that Smith abused the child while Ellison failed to intervene.
The alleged incidents took place in their home on Plumwood Drive in north Harris County. Investigators reported that Ja’nae was partially paralyzed and vomiting blood, yet Smith and Ellison waited until September 29 to call 911.
In court, prosecutors detailed the severe injuries Ja’nae suffered: “The child was found with multiple serious injuries, including swelling and bleeding of the brain, no brain activity at the time of admission, blood coming out of her mouth, and broken ribs.” She was taken to Texas Medical Center, where she later died.
Medical staff indicated that the injuries were likely caused by aggressive shaking. After being questioned, both Ellison and Smith provided statements to detectives that were inconsistent with the reported injuries.
Ellison’s attorney stated that the 23-year-old mother sought medical care for her daughter but did not specify when. He claimed she was advised to bring Ja’nae in if her condition worsened, which he argued happened while she was at work.
Eyewitness News briefly spoke with Ja’nae’s grandmother, who often visited the couple’s home but chose not to comment.
Initially, Smith’s bond was set at $1 million but was later reduced to $250,000. Ellison’s bond was established at $150,000.
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