A father in Indiana, United States, Austin Kinsey, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after his week-old son was fatally attacked by the family dog, which bit the newborn at least 180 times inside their rural home.
Jason Anthony Weaver suffered extensive injuries in the attack, including wounds to his head and body, brain hemorrhages, fractured ribs, and tears to his lungs. The five-year-old dog, Chomp, was a husky and pit bull mix.
The baby was killed in September at the family’s home in Markle, Indiana, about 25 miles southwest of Fort Wayne. His father, Kinsey, was among several family members arrested following the child’s death.
According to a police report obtained by WPTA, Kinsey told investigators that he had been playing video games in the same room as his newborn son before briefly leaving to speak with other relatives.
The baby’s grandfather, Timothy Kinsey, later heard noises coming from the room and discovered Chomp dragging the infant.
Police officers who arrived at the house tried to perform CPR on Jason, but he could not be revived. Officers also documented the condition of the property, describing a “strong odor of animal, trash, and dirt everywhere”.
Court documents said the home was filled with trash, insects, dirty dishes, and piles of dirty clothing. Investigators also found bugs on the baby’s car seat.
“There was so much trash and debris, officers could barely walk through the home,” one officer said in the report, obtained by the Daily Mail.
The condition of the property was later deemed unsuitable for habitation, forcing the family to leave the home.
Investigators also found that concerns had previously been raised about Chomp’s behavior. Although relatives described the dog as gentle with Jason, court documents said the animal could become jealous, had acted aggressively toward other animals, and had previously bitten people.
One family member told investigators that a gun was kept in the house specifically in case the dog became aggressive. Chomp was later euthanized.
Kinsey initially faced two neglect charges and a charge relating to harboring a non-immunized dog that caused an injury.
The highest-level neglect charge was subsequently dropped as part of a plea agreement under which Kinsey received a 16-year prison sentence. The sentence was handed down on Monday.
Jason’s mother, Violet Weaver, is scheduled to appear for a change of plea hearing later this month.
Separate cases involving Jason’s grandparents, Timothy Kinsey, Rita Wickey, and Michael Wickey, as well as his uncle, Tony Kinsey, remain active. They were also charged following the baby’s death.New York Post
