Hollywood, Florida — A 7-week-old baby girl died after suffering devastating head injuries that investigators say were consistent with violent shaking and blunt force trauma, leading authorities to arrest her parents months after the infant’s death.
Gracie Jai Tellez, 20, and Robert Lee Ingram, 22, were arrested August 7 in Jacksonville, according to the U.S. Marshals Service, in connection with the death of their infant daughter.
The investigation began on October 14, 2025, when Tellez called 911 after the baby was found at the couple’s Hollywood home.
Investigators said the infant was cold, pale and unresponsive when emergency responders arrived. She was rushed to a hospital, where doctors fought to save her.
Four days later, the baby was declared brain dead.
Doctors Discovered Severe Injuries
What initially appeared to be a medical emergency quickly became a homicide investigation after doctors discovered extensive injuries.
According to an affidavit obtained by local media, medical professionals found brain injuries, bleeding in both eyes, retinal detachments and skull fractures.
The baby’s injuries also included serious blunt force trauma to her head.
Investigators said doctors determined that the injuries were consistent with “non-accidental head trauma” and “violent shaking.”
The medical findings raised serious questions about how the infant had been injured, particularly because her parents had allegedly told detectives that she was healthy.
Authorities ultimately determined that the baby’s death was a homicide.
Parents Allegedly Said Baby Was Put Down to Sleep
During the investigation, Tellez and Ingram reportedly told police that their daughter had been fed before she was placed into her bassinet to sleep.
The parents allegedly claimed they used FaceTime on their phones as a way to monitor the sleeping infant. Investigators, however, reportedly found evidence that contradicted parts of their account.
Phone records became an important part of the investigation as detectives examined what the couple had been doing during the hours before the baby was found unresponsive.
Phone Records Raise Questions About Call of Duty
According to reports, investigators discovered that the parents’ phones had been used to play Call of Duty during the period before the infant was found unresponsive.
The alleged gaming activity became another point of concern for detectives examining the parents’ timeline and statements. Investigators had already identified inconsistencies in the couple’s account of what happened before the emergency call.
The combination of the medical evidence and cellphone records ultimately contributed to the criminal case against the parents.
Parents Face Serious Criminal Charges
Tellez and Ingram were charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child and child neglect in connection with their daughter’s death.
Following their arrests in Jacksonville, the pair were extradited to Broward County, where they are being held without bond.
The case has drawn attention because of the severity of the infant’s injuries and the allegations that the parents’ account did not match evidence uncovered during the investigation.
The baby’s organs were reportedly donated after she was declared brain dead, adding another tragic dimension to the family’s loss.
The criminal allegations remain accusations unless and until proven in court. The defendants will have the opportunity to contest the charges through the legal process as the case proceeds.
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking case? Should parents face tougher consequences when infants suffer preventable injuries? Share your opinion in the comments below.
