Virginia: Man, woman charged with murder in deadly dog attack that killed infant

VIRGINIA -- A man and woman are now charged with second-degree murder after their pit bull mauled a 15-month-old child they were babysitting who later died.

John Underwood II and Terra Connell were originally charged with felony child neglect for the January 6 attack.

 

The child, Payton Lyrik Sawyers, died two days later at Brenner Children’s Hospital in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

RIP little Payton Lyrik Sawyers

Following the attack, investigators said they interviewed witnesses who said they saw the dog being aggressive toward other animals and humans.

Underwood and Connell were arrested on January 7, 2016 and are in the New River Valley Regional Jail without bail.

(WSLS10 - Jan 14, 2016)

Earlier:

• Virginia: Fifteen-month-old girl in critical condition after being attacked by babysitter's pit bull
• Virginia: Little girl, who was attacked by babysitter's pit bull yesterday, has died