ASHLAND, Va. -- A Virginia mother and her boyfriend were charged with child neglect and abuse in connection to the death of a two-year-old boy found alone in an Ashland, Virginia motel room, Crime Insider sources told Jon Burkett. Those same Crime Insider sources called the case "the worst child abuse case" they'd ever seen.
Danielle Tulloss, 21, of Fredericksburg, and Raequan Gilliens, 24, of Ashland, were arrested without incident, Ashland Police confirmed.
Ashland Police were called to a motel, the Days Inn according to Crime Insider sources, along the 800 block of England Street on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, at 12:10 a.m.
The reason for the call was a "medical emergency" involving the child.
"Upon arrival, the child was discovered alone in the motel room in medical distress," an Ashland Police spokesperson wrote in an email.
Crime Insider sources told Jon Burkett the child was covered in bruises and had multiple bone fractures.
They also said the child was wearing a diaper that appeared to be several days old.
The child's mother told investigators said left the child with a friend while she went to work, according to Crime Insider sources.
"Officers began life-saving measures until Hanover Fire/EMS personnel arrived," the Ashland Police spokesperson said.
The child was taken to VCU Medical Center in critical condition. He died Thursday, Oct. 20.
"Investigators have been and will continue working closely with the Hanover County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and Child Protective Services.," the police statement continued. "This is an ongoing and active investigation."
The home address for both suspects, who were arraigned on the two charges and are being held without bond, was listed as a room at the motel.
Each suspect has their own attorney, both of whom declined to comment about the case, but said they would seek a bond hearing for their respective clients. Gilliens' bond hearing will be on Friday afternoon, while Tulloss' attorney said it would likely be some time next week.
Prosecutors declined to give more details about the case, but said they are waiting for more medical reports before deciding on additional charges.
An employee at the motel said he had never seen the child or boyfriend before, but that at least the mother had stayed there for several nights over the last few months. He added that his one interaction with the mother was about an hour after police had left the motel, when the mother asked for a key to get back in the room. He said she acted "normally" and said the child was OK.
Anyone with information about this case was asked to call Ashland Police at 804-798-1227.
This is a developing story, so anyone with more information can email newstips@wtvr.com to send a tip.
