Houston Police Department > News Releases

Incident at 8750 Broadway #2158

March 16, 2005 -- Houston police homicide investigators have arrested a suspect in the death of a nine-month-old girl following an incident at 8750 Broadway about 8 p.m. on March 5.

The suspect, the child's father, Michael Jovonne Smith (b/m, DOB 1-6-82), has been charged with injury to a child in the 230th State District Court. The baby, Lamya Smith, died from blunt trauma to her head.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant J.H. Binford and Officer R.A. Swainson reported:

The baby girl was rushed to Texas Children's Hospital on March 5 with massive head injuries and was placed on life support machines. The infant died the following day. The baby's father initially reported a minor fall caused the injury. A Harris County Medical Examiner's autopsy and homicide investigation indicated otherwise.

When the suspect provided a second statement to investigators detailing a much more severe fall causing the baby's injury, he was taken into custody on Tuesday (Mar. 15).

JFC/MES 3-16-05
Inc #034800605

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