Makayla Darnell died late Thursday after being mauled by the family dog. The baby was in the living room of the Thayer Road home, just north of Beaverdam, when the dog attacked her, said Jim Everett, chief deputy with the Allen County Sheriff's Department.
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| This pit bull mix dog at the Allen County Dog Pound is accused of killing 3-day-old Makayla Darnell. |
The baby's parents are Audrianna Myers, 22, and Jared Darnell, whose age was not available. Everett said no charges have been filed against the family or anyone else in the case.
“The mother had just given the infant a bath and put her in a swing and was getting ready to feed her. Mom and Grandma were just a few feet away. They heard the baby whimper and looked and saw blood on the swing,” Everett said.
The attack occurred at about 6 p.m., Everett said. The baby was driven to Bluffton Hospital and later flown to Toledo's St. Vincent Medical Center, where she was treated for head trauma. She was pronounced dead at about 11 p.m. The Lucas County Coroner's office notified Allen County officials of the death.
“Shortly after midnight we were contacted by the Lucas County Coroner's office. As soon as the parents got back to the residence, they contacted us, and we went out to begin the investigation,” Everett said.
The dog, a pit bull mix, was taken to Allen County Dog Warden's shelter, where it is being held in impound until the investigation is completed, Everett said. He did not know the fate of the dog.
“Right now it's being quarantined until we're done with the investigation,” Everett said.
The dog is believed to be about 5 years old. Everett said there was no evidence it had ever bitten or attacked anyone before.
The attack comes just days before the state of Ohio's new vicious dog law goes into effect. Under the new law, which goes into effect Tuesday, pit bulls are no longer considered vicious dogs solely on their breed.
“We're taking statements and looking at it, but as of now, no charges have been filed,” Everett said.
(Lima News - May 18, 2012)
