An Indiana father was sentenced to 16 years in prison after his 1-week-old son was killed by a family dog that bit him 180 times.
Austin Kinsey was sentenced Monday after pleading guilty to child neglect following the death of baby Jason Anthony Weaver.
The newborn suffered extensive head and body bite wounds, major brain hemorrhages, lung tears, and fractured ribs.
Kinsey claimed he was playing video games in the same room before stepping away briefly to talk with relatives.
The child’s grandfather, Timothy Kinsey, heard unusual noises and found the dog dragging the infant across the room.
Responding police officers attempted CPR on the child, but emergency resuscitation failed.
Officers noted a heavy smell of waste inside, reporting a “strong odor of animal, trash, and dirt everywhere”.
Describing the clutter inside the residence, law enforcement personnel recounted the physical obstacles encountered upon entering.
“There was so much trash and debris, officers could barely walk through the home,” one officer stated in the police report.
Investigators documented severe hoarding inside the home, which was filled with dirty clothes, dishes, trash, and insects.
Conditions were so hazardous that bugs were found on the baby’s car seat, prompting authorities to declare the home uninhabitable.
The animal, a 5-year-old husky and pit bull mix named Chomp, was euthanized.
Family members admitted the dog was aggressive toward other animals and had previously bitten humans.
Relatives noted the dog exhibited jealousy and disclosed that a firearm was kept inside the home in case the animal acted up.
Violet Weaver, the child’s mother, is scheduled for a plea hearing later this month.
Four relatives living in the home, including two grandparents, an aunt, and an uncle, face criminal neglect charges.