Injured baby possibly abused

A 4-month-old girl was hospitalized this week with skull, leg and rib fractures, and police believe the injuries were caused by child abuse.

The baby’s mother took her to a doctor on Monday because she was “exceptionally fussy” and certain movements caused her “exceptional distress,” said Spokane Police Sgt. Dave McCabe.

X-rays found that the baby had a skull fracture, nine rib fractures and three leg fractures in various stages of healing, McCabe said.

“The length of this child’s body has been broken at one time or another,” McCabe said. “It certainly makes you want to go home and hug your own kids at night.”

The baby, whose name has not been released, was admitted to a hospital and is in serious condition, McCabe said. She is expected to make a full recovery.

The infant lives with her mother, father and uncle in the East Central neighborhood, McCabe said. The mother works full time and the father is the primary care-giver.

Family members have said they have no idea how the baby was injured and have suggested that their dogs might be to blame, a claim detectives don’t believe, McCabe said.

McCabe would not comment on who might be considered a suspect. Police spokesman Dick Cottam said Wednesday evening that more interviews are needed before an arrest is made.

Child Protective Services took the parents’ other child, a 3-year-old boy, out of the home after the girl’s injuries were discovered. There was no indication that he has been abused, McCabe said.