Suspect Arrested, Charged in Death of an Infant at 8787 Hammerly #1123

June 18, 2009 - A suspect has been arrested and charged after an infant died from injuries he sustained at 8787 Hammerly #1123 about 10 a.m. on Feb. 17.

The suspect, Gary Eugene Hullaby (b/m, DOB: 10-8-1983), is charged with felony injury to a child in the 177th State District Court.

The victim, Issiah Smith, 6 months, of Houston, was initially treated at Spring Branch Medical Center and then flown by Life Flight to Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital where he died a short time later.  An autopsy by the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office determined baby Smith died as a result of blunt trauma to the head and ruled his death a homicide.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant P.C. Motard and Senior Police Officer C.P. Abbondandolo reported:

The morning of Feb. 17, baby Smith’s mother, Heather Hess, left her son at home in the care of her boyfriend, Gary Hullaby, while she went to work.  Several hours later the infant began choking and stopped breathing.  Hullaby called the baby’s mother who returned home.  HFD paramedics were called a short time later and transported the six-month-old to the hospital.

HPD homicide investigators determined that Hullaby had been alone with baby Smith for several hours before he stopped breathing.  Hullaby was arrested today (June 18) at the home of baby Smith’s mother, Heather Hess, and has been charged with injury to a child.

KJS/JC
Inc. #024621109

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200 .