Missouri: Pit Bull kills 13-month-old Missouri girl. Her babysitter is charged with manslaughter

MISSOURI -- A southeast Missouri woman faces manslaughter charges after a dog she was keeping killed the 13-month-old girl she was baby-sitting.

The Cape Girardeau County, Mo., prosecutor filed a second-degree involuntary manslaughter charge against Erica N. Jordan “for acting with criminal negligence that resulted in the death" of the girl, Loxli Chavez, said a police department statement.

Jordan was arrested last week and posted bond, court records show. Loxli was attacked March 9 at Jordan’s home in Cape Girardeau and was pronounced dead at a hospital.

KFVS 12 reported that an autopsy showed she died from two puncture wounds to the skull.

The Southeast Missourian reported the dog, named Smokey, was part Pit Bull, Labrador and Malamute.

Jordan told police that she was keeping the dog at her home for her brother and that the dog was “not good with kids," the newspaper reported.

The woman said the dog had bitten her son "about a year ago", but claimed she thought the dog had calmed down after being neutered.

Loxli's mother, Tia Bailey, said she wasn't informed of the attack on Jordan’s son, or of the dog's behavior around children, the newspaper reported. Jordan had started baby-sitting the girl and her 5-year-old sister earlier in the week of the attack.

In court records, the babysitter described hearing “screaming and crying” and saw “blood everywhere” when the dog mauled the girl, the newspaper reported. She said she pulled the dog off the child and called 911.

The dog was taken to a shelter and is expected to be euthanized, per protocol, police said.

Following Loxli's death, the community raised more than $4,800 through GoFundMe to help the family.

"Loxli was full of life, she was happy, strong and was always full of joy," said a statement on the fundraising website. "She is also described as having a beautiful attitude. She would wrinkle up her nose and snort. Just a couple of weeks ago she started taking her first steps. Today, Loxli's life was cut too short by a tragic accident. ... It was all (too) unexpected."

Baby Loxli Willow Chavez Memorial
Created March 9, 2018
Jeremy Verhines
on behalf of Michelle Seabaugh
  Medical
  SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA

On March 9, 2018, Loxli Willow Chavez went to be with the Lord. Loxli was born on February 4, 2017. Loxli was born premature, weighed 3lbs, 3 oz. She was a warrior and made it out of the NICU and went home with her parents. Loxli was full of life, she was happy, strong and was always full of joy. She is also described as having a beautiful attitude. She would wrinkle up her nose and snort. Just a couple of weeks ago she started taking her first steps.

Today, Loxli's life was cut too short by a tragic accident. The family is devastated and in shock right now if you can imagine. It was all to unexpected.

The funds that are raised will help the family with support through this tragedy. As you can expect, returning back to normal life and routine is going to take some time. The family has limited income to live on and any support you offer will go farther than you can ever imagine.

I set the goal high because that just a fraction of the real picture of what they will need to be able to take care of the accommodations they are responsible for. In addition, they are going to need support in their healing, grieving the loss of their child, and being able to take the time they need to recover and start over.

The father and mother have been through many rough trials. Life has thrown them many curve balls and they continue to do their best to make ends meet. They are going to need our support through this time and financial gifts will ease the stress and concerns they already have.

(Ledger Enquirer - April 12, 2018)

Earlier:

• Missouri: Babysitter Erica Jordan, 33, knew dog in deadly mauling was aggressive with children, say court documents

Missouri: Babysitter Erica Jordan, 33, knew dog in deadly mauling was aggressive with children, say court documents

MISSOURI -- A 33-year-old Cape Girardeau woman has been charged with second-degree involuntary manslaughter after her brother’s Pit Bull / Labrador / Malamute mix fatally attacked a 13-month-old girl she was babysitting last month.

Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Limbaugh announced the charge Friday against Erica N. Jordan of 46 N. Hanover St. The charge alleges “criminal negligence.”

Jordan was arrested and posted a $5,000 surety bond. As a condition of her release on bond, Judge Benjamin Lewis barred Jordan from caring for any children in her home other than her biological children, Limbaugh said in a news release.

“These charges come after a careful review of the evidence, an opportunity to speak with the victim’s family and follow-up investigations with witnesses,” the release stated.

The girl, Loxli Chavez, was taken to a hospital where she later died from “severe injuries,” according to a probable-cause statement.

The attack occurred March 9 at Jordan’s home.

In an interview with police, Jordan said the dog, named Smokey, weighed between 30 and 40 pounds. She said she was keeping the dog temporarily for her brother, according to the probable-cause statement from police Sgt. Darren Estes.

Jordan said she began babysitting Loxli and Loxli’s 5-year-old sister, Juniper, on March 5, Estes wrote. Jordan said Loxli’s parents knew about the dog, according to the statement.

Estes wrote “Jordan stated she frequently lets the dog loose, but sometimes placed the dog into her son’s room because the dog is ‘not good with kids.’”

She recalled the dog had “attacked” her son, biting him in the head about a year ago.

Jordan said the dog had since been neutered and “she thought the dog had ‘calmed down,’” Estes wrote.

Jordan said Smokey was drinking water from a dog bowl within a few feet of Loxli just before the attack. She said she suddenly “heard screaming and crying” and saw “blood everywhere, ”according to the probable-cause statement.

She said in the statement she tried to pull the dog away, but “he was so aggressive” and “just kept going for the baby.”

Jordan said she finally pulled Smokey off the girl and secured him in a closed bedroom. She then called 911.

Tia Bailey, the victim’s mother, told police it was never disclosed to her before the attack Smokey previously attacked Jordan’s child. Bailey said Jordan had reassured her the dog would not pose a risk to her children, according to the statement.

If convicted, Jordan faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison, the prosecutor said.

Police said after the attack the dog was impounded and would be euthanized.

(Southeast Missourian - April 7, 2018)

Louisiana: "Tomorrow makes another year that our baby was taken from us by a pit bull"

LOUISIANA -- Richard Derouen posted on Facebook March 24, 2018  ·

Tomorrow makes another year that our baby was taken from us by a pit bull, so don't feed me any bullshit about it being the way you raise them!

Earlier:

• Louisiana: Pit Bull Mauls, Kills Four-Year-Old Girl Days Before Her Birthday

Texas: Family's Pit Bull mauls their four-year-old son to death

CONVERSE, TEXAS -- Authorities identified the 4-year-old boy who was killed Sunday evening after he was bitten by a dog in his own backyard.

Noah Trevino, 4, was pronounced dead at the hospital. The Bexar County Medical Examiner has not determined the cause or manner of death.

Authorities were called to the 8900 block of Twin Creek Farm at about 3:45 p.m. for reports of a dog attack.

The Bexar County Sheriff's Office said the 4-year-old was in the backyard Sunday with the family dog, when the "large mix breed" dog bit him on the neck.

Yeah, let's stop with the "large mix breed" nonsense. You can clearly tell in the photo it's a Pit Bull.

His uncle told police that he went outside and the family started CPR to resuscitate the child.

Authorities said the child was airlifted to University Hospital with life-threatening injuries and "excessive trauma." He was later pronounced dead at the hospital, officials said.

The family said the dog has never attacked people. The dog will likely be taken by animal control, authorities said.

(Fox29 - March 25, 2018)

Illinois: Authorities close out the case of Dorothy Ford, 76, who was attacked and mauled to death by her own Pit Bull back in December

ILLINOIS -- The death of a woman who was mauled by a pit bull last year in south suburban Alsip has been ruled an accident by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Officers were called about 3:30 p.m. Dec. 11, 2017 when someone reported the woman was being attacked by a dog in the backyard of a home in the 11600 block of South Komensky, according to Alsip police.

Dorothy Ford, 76, was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering multiple injuries during the attack, according to police and the medical examiner’s office.

On Monday, the medical examiner’s office announced her death had been ruled an accident following an investigation by the agency.

Both Ford and the dog, which was described as a pet, lived at the home, authorities said. The dog was killed by officers when they arrived and found it acting aggressively.

At the time of the attack, police said no complaints involving the dog were previously reported to authorities.

No charges or citations were filed in the case.

 

 

 

(Chicago Sun Times - March 12, 2018)

Earlier:

• Illinois: 76-year-old woman mauled to death by her own Pit Bull

Delaware: Tiara is outraged that no one is talking about all the Cocker Spaniel attacks

DELAWARE -- Tiara Laureano posted on Facebook March 2, 2018 ·

What a load of shit!

All dogs can be aggressive, but making it out to be a breed cause it's bullshit!

My dogs have never bit anyone but those fucking cocker spaniels are quick to bite a face, where's the video for that?

Yes, there have been soooo many mauling deaths from Cocker Spaniels... not.

South Africa: Former cop mauled to death by his own pit bull

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA -- A retired police officer was tragically mauled to death by his own pit bull at his home in Belmont Park, Kraaifontein, on Thursday night.

The dog turned on his owner, 50, as well as his wife, Ruth, who is in ICU at Karl Bremer Hospital. Neighbours say the couple were found lying in pools of their own blood.

Residents say Henry Kleynhans had just spoiled himself and his son to a new car and motorbike on the Tuesday before the incident. His new Harley Davidson was splattered with blood stains.

A trail of blood marked the path where the animal dragged his owner’s body around the house. Henry’s son, Chad, who was not home at the time of the attack, was too distraught to speak to the media.

The former captain was stationed at Kraaifontein SAPS and had retired in January last year.

Next-door neighbour, Eldridge Africa, 32, said he heard a commotion at the house and went to see what was happening. “I heard a weird noise coming from the house before 10pm; my girlfriend and I went to look what was going on.

“When we arrived at the gate, we saw Mufasa, the dog, dragging his owner and tried to fight him off ... but he wouldn’t let go. He’d just brought his new motorbike home that day and never got to ride it.

“He was a calm guy who always did everything for everyone. He always told us something about that dog wasn’t right.

“His wife was bitten on her arms, legs and stomach and was lying in the passage next to her house in a pool of blood.”

Doctors at Kraaifontein Day Hospital said Henry had lost too much blood and died.

The SPCA immediately collected the dog after the deadly attack. The society did not respond to media queries by Sunday night.

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the incident and said an inquest has been registered for investigation.

(IOL - February 12, 2018)

New York / Louisiana: Apologists rush to their computers to defend Pit Bulls after Laura Ray is attacked and killed by a Pit Bull at a boarding facility

NEW YORK -- Angel Nieves posted on Facebook January 12 at 9:56am ·

First of all this could have happened on any breed and by how they are raised by owners. The news also didn't show the picture of the dog. It's not the one on the video. RIP Laura Williams Ray, my condolences to the family.

 

 

"Choate states that if you are getting attacked there are a few things you can do to protect yourself, "Make a big noise, yell at them, scream at them, jump up and down, do something that will scare them away. If you have something in your hand, throw it just get their attention off of you."

Dumperton Jones - As someone who has been attacked twice by a large pit bull (two different occasions, two different dogs) the only way to stop the attack is to fight...fight with everything you have. That's my experience. First time took OC and a baton, second time took a baton. Both times the owner was there and could so nothing to stop their dog.

LOUISIANA -- Meredith Lois Kolb shared KTVE 10 KARD 14 myarklamiss's post — feeling disgusted. January 10, 2018 at 5:06pm ·

I hate that the news blasted “PIT BULL ATTACK.” A tragedy happened and it’s focused more on the breed of dog than the tragedy at hand. I wish the people commenting horrible things on the thread would realize animals are animals no matter what kind and some times animals are temperamental, especially in a foreign place. No excuse, it should have been prevented. But, everyone should be more focused on prayers for her family and what the establishment could do to prevent terrible things like this happening.

Sorry. I’m being a pit mom and human being who is getting worked up over everyone arguing about how awful a certain breed of dog is when a woman lost her life. Prayers for her family and friends and the dogs family who will most likely lose their pet.
  

Louisiana: Pit Bull mauls woman to death at boarding facility

LOUISIANA -- A West Monroe woman died after being attacked by a pit bull Tuesday night.

Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of an injured person at the boarding facility The Happy Hound Hotel, 517 Smith St.,West Monroe at approximately 11 p.m.

Deputies found a female victim who appeared to have been severely injured, apparently by a pit bull housed at the location. The injuries proved fatal.

The victim has been identified as Laura Williams Ray (different news outlets report Ray as having 3, maybe 4 children).

Glenn Springfield, a spokesperson for the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, said he didn’t know whether Ray worked at the pet boarding facility or if she was visiting an animal being housed there at the time of attack which occurred circa 11pm.

Her niece posted on Facebook that her aunt Laura was at work. My guess is that Laura was maybe doing some last-minute cleaning before going home for the night. 

Leanne Stuckey, owner of the Happy Hound Hotel, confirmed that an incident happened at the facility and that the kennel was told the dog had never been aggressive toward people.

 

 

"Our hearts go out to the family," Stuckey said Wednesday. "I'm just grieving for them."

According to signage posted at the building, the Happy Hound Hotel is closed on Tuesdays.

The dog was released to the custody of Ouachita Parish Animal Control, and the investigation is continuing.

 

 

 

District Attorney Steve Tew said his office is reviewing the case and will be looking at all options.

The DA's office can initiate an action to have the dog euthanized.

(The News Star - January 10, 2018)