HOUSTON, TX – A Texas couple is facing serious charges following the tragic death of their 5-month-old daughter. The child, identified as Ja’nae Smith, reportedly died from injuries consistent with severe abuse over a four-day span.
Glenn Wayne Smith and Jasmine Ellison have been apprehended on charges of injury to a child and serious bodily harm. Law enforcement officials noted that neither individual has a previous criminal record or history with child protective services.
Authorities are deeply troubled by the nature of the case. Even if the injuries were unintentional, the accusations state that the couple delayed medical intervention despite the infant’s deteriorating condition. The infant’s mother, Ellison, was present in court to answer charges related to her daughter’s heart-wrenching demise.
Prosecutors argue that during the four-day abuse period, Ja’nae was under the care of both parents. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office depicted Ja’nae’s final days as a “horrific weekend,” commencing on Sept. 26. During this time, her father allegedly inflicted harm, while Ellison failed to act.
The abuse reportedly took place at their residence in north Harris County. Despite the child’s visible distress- partially paralyzed and vomiting blood- Ellison and Smith did not seek emergency medical help until Sept. 29. Upon hospital admission, Ja’nae displayed multiple severe injuries, including brain swelling, brain bleeding, broken ribs, and other trauma, as revealed by court documents.
Medical experts at Texas Medical Center assessed Ja’nae’s condition, ultimately confirming her death. It was suggested that her injuries stemmed from forceful shaking.
Subsequent police interviews with Ellison and Smith revealed statements that did not match the evidence of injuries. Ellison’s attorney argued that she had attempted to seek medical advice and was instructed to seek further care only if symptoms worsened.
Ja’nae’s grandmother, who frequently visited the couple, declined to comment when approached. Smith was initially held on a $1 million bond, later reduced to $250,000, while Ellison’s bond was set at $150,000.