Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sirens & Gavels

Baby’s parents said she might be anemic

The parents of a baby girl who police suspect may have been abused offered no explanation for the girl's bruises and broken bones, according to court documents filed today.

Ashley B. Huston, 21, and Joshua E Gillis, 22, brought Gracie Rae Gillis to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center Friday night. Medical staff called police and reported possible child abuse after discovering multiple skull fractures, a fractured right shoulder and a spiral fracture to her right thigh, police say.

The baby, who will be four months old on Thursday, also had bruises on her forehead, chest and legs and rib fractures that appeared to be older, according to search warrants filed today in Superior Court. Her injuries aren't considered life threatening, said Officer Jennifer DeRuwe, spokeswoman for the Spokane Police Department.

Officers say Gillis left the hospital as they arrived. Huston told officers that Gracie "bruised easily and was possibly anemic" but detectives say that doesn't explain the obvious bruising to her forehead and chest.

Huston told police she arrived home from work and found Gracie in her crib with a a limp right arm, so she took her to the hospital. Gillis was caring for the baby that day, she told police.

Detectives used the warrants to search the couple's home at 123 E. Baldwin Ave. early Saturday and, early this morning, the 1994 Ford Aerostar van in which they transported their daughter to the hospital.

Police seized nine marijuana plants from the couple's bedroom and living room.

No arrests have been made; police say the first-degree assault investigation is ongoing and Child Protective Services has been contacted.



Public safety news from the Inland Northwest and beyond.