Two individuals, Ashley Martin, 21, and DA’Shane Ellison, 27, both from Virginia, have been apprehended by the Wake Forest Police Department.
The warrants state that the baby sustained multiple injuries on Thursday, including a broken arm, two broken ribs, two broken toes, a fracture in the lower leg, and fluid in the brain.
Both individuals are facing a serious charge of felony child abuse resulting in significant bodily harm.
Martin and Ellison were identified as the parents of the infant, according to the warrants.
Martin was apprehended on Thursday at WakeMed in Raleigh. The authorities have detained him on a secured bond of $500,000.
According to the warrant, Ellison was arrested on Friday at a residence in Wake Forest.
Martin’s demeanor in court on Friday was clearly one of distress upon learning about the potential consequences she could face if found guilty of felony child abuse.
“Huh?” “I did not do this, Your Honor,” Martin stated.
During the court proceedings, a state prosecutor revealed that the authorities were contacted and conducted interviews with the parents of the baby.
“Ellison acknowledged his excessive force towards the child, suggesting that he may have unintentionally rolled over on her while she was peacefully sleeping on the couch beside him,” the prosecutor stated.
According to court documents, the parents provided inconsistent accounts of the events that took place on the night of Aug. 29.
Martin’s bond was reduced to $200,000 secured, while Ellison’s bond remained at $500,000. The decision was based on Ellison’s prior criminal history, which includes a misdemeanor assault charge.
“The judge issued a strict order to refrain from any contact with the minor victim, avoid being present at their current residence or any temporary shelter, and ensure their safety,” the judge stated firmly during the court proceedings.
Martin and Ellison have another court appearance scheduled for Sept. 19.
WRAL News contacted the Department of Social Services to inquire about the current custody of the baby.
The department stated that it was unable to verify the presence of a child welfare investigation.
The child’s condition has not been disclosed.