Two parents from Houston are currently incarcerated, facing charges of grievous injury toward their young child, who tragically died from sustained injuries. According to ABC13, the child was identified as 5-month-old Ja'nae Smith, the daughter of Glenn Wayne Smith and Jasmine Ellison, whose final days were spent in a condition that medical professionals deemed consistent with traumatic abuse. Harris County Sheriff's Office detailed a grave timeline leading to the child's hospitalization on September 29, culminating in her death days later.
The circumstances under which Ja'nae sustained her injuries are alleged to be spread over a four-day period. Court records reveal that the infant was suffering from multiple serious injuries, including bleeding in the brain and broken ribs. Officials have conveyed that there was no brain activity upon her admission to the Texas Medical Center, where she ultimately succumbed to the abuse after being found with blood coming from her mouth. According to KHOU, there seems to also been a discrepancy regarding the child's age in court documents, though she is largely identified as a toddler. Despite the apparent calamity, authorities said the parents delayed seeking prompt medical attention.
Jasmine Ellison's court-appointed attorney has argued that Ellison did seek advice from medical professionals and was advised to bring Ja'nae in for care if the child got worse, as reported by ABC13. The defense claims that Ja'nae's condition deteriorated while Ellison was at work. On the other hand, Glenn Wayne Smith faces a bond set at $1 million, with Ellison's bond significantly lower at $150,000. Both accused have presented statements that authorities assert are at odds with the child's injuries.
Investigators described the events occurring at the family's home on Plumwood Drive as deeply troubling. Moreover, despite Ellison and Smith lacking a criminal history or prior conflicts with child protective services, the nature of Ja'nae's injuries led medical staff to conclude that they were likely caused by aggressiveness, specifically through shaking. Both parents are scheduled to make their next court appearance next month, as they are found to currently remain incarcerated, with a combined bond set at $400,000, as highlighted in the reporting by KHOU.
