Pit bull that mauled Baker City boy to death to be killed

Very few details released regarding this little boy's death

OREGON -- The prosecutor in Baker County says a pit bull that fatally mauled a 5-year-old boy will be put to death.

The animal was impounded Friday shortly after the attack on Jordan Ryan. The attack happened at the home of a friend, authorities said.

An autopsy determined that the kindergartner "suffered extensive injuries, which caused him to bleed to death" in the attack, District Attorney Matt Shirtcliff said in a statement.

Police are conducting an investigation.

"Once the investigation is complete I will review the case for potential criminal charges, or determine whether the case needs to be presented to the grand jury," Shirtcliff said.

Friends and family members gathered Sunday night for a memorial outside the kindergarten the boy attended.

In the cold and rain, they released balloons.

"Bye, Jordan," many said.

Once the balloons disappeared into the dark, someone started singing "Amazing Grace," and the assemblage of about 150 people joined in.

The rain kept extinguishing their candles, and they kept relighting them.

"We have the memories," Hank King, Jordan's great-grandfather, told the audience.

The boy's mother and father and other close relatives then took shelter in a tent where a table held a photo of the boy and mementoes.

Cassie Glerup, one of the organizers, of the service, said she couldn't imagine the family's pain.

"It kind of hit home," she said.

Grief counselors were scheduled to be at the school Monday to speak with children troubled by the death, School Superintendent Walt Wegener said.

(KATU - Sept 30, 2013)

Earlier:

• Kindergartner dies after attack by pit bull