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)

Florida: Four-year-old girl seriously mauled by babysitter's Pit Bull mix at Melbourne mobile home park

FLORIDA -- A 4-year-old girl mauled by a dog Thursday in Melbourne was initially thought to have died but was airlifted to Orlando for treatment.

The girl was injured in the attack on Rolling Rock Drive in Eau Gallie Estates mobile home park shortly after 1 p.m. She was being watched by a neighbor while her father was at work.

The neighbor has four dogs. The sheriff's office said a mixed-breed dog attack the child. The neighbor was able to get between the girl and the dog.

“The dog went ahead and grabbed her by the boot and the grandmother (babysitter) said ‘no, Max’, that’s the dog, ‘don’t do that, no, no’, and the little girl started screaming and kicking the dog,” said Tracie Barrett, a neighbor.

"The grandmother grabs the little girl, throws herself on top of the child to protect the child."

When officers arrived to the home, they initially thought she had died, but she regained consciousness. She has lacerations and bites on her arms and legs. The owner also suffered injuries, but was treated at the home.

She was airlifted to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando for treatment and is expected to be okay.

Melbourne Police say they do not have any reason to believe a person is to blame for the attack, and there is no criminal investigation.

Brevard County Animal Services took three mixed-breed dogs from the home. The sheriff's office says the owner of the dogs is cooperating. Animal Services records show there have been no prior complaints about the residence or the dogs.

(NEWS13 - January 18, 2018)

Florida: Dianita wants us to stop posting about Pit Bull attacks.

FLORIDA -- Dianita Faison posted on Facebook December 11, 2017 at 1:31am ·

Listen y’all need to stop posting about just pit bulls when y’all know for a fucking fact there is more dogs attacking then just pit bulls stop the fucking of pit bulls cuz that is why they abuse y’all understand if u can’t go to hell

This is how Apologists think:

Michigan: Toddler in critical condition after being attacked by babysitter's dog

MICHIGAN -- A toddler is seriously injured after being attacked by a dog early Saturday morning.

The Kalamazoo Public Safety says they were called to the 1100 block of Lay Boulevard around 3:30 a.m.

When police arrived on scene the toddler was suffering from life threatening injuries and was taken to Bronson Hospital.

We’re told the child is in critical condition.

Police say the toddler was dropped off to be watched by a friend of the family.

The events leading up to the dog’s attack were not immediately available.

We’re told the dog was taken from the residence by animal control.

Police are asking anyone with information on the attack to call the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 269.337.8994 or Silent Observer at 269.343.2100

(WOODTV - Dec 23, 2017)

Washington: Toddler gets 70+ stitches in the face after being attacked by her babysitter's Pit Bull.

WASHINGTON -- Yesterday evening while her mother was a work this beautiful baby Dahlia Avery was [attacked] in the face by the babysitter's dog.

Samantha (Sam) a dear friend of mine and coworker was just leaving her shift as I arrived, Sam was anxious to get out the door to pick up her daughters. Little did she know ten minutes prior, her little love Dahlia was bitten in the face by a pit bull.

When Sam arrived the ambulance was already there waiting for her and caring for Dahlia. Together they drove 120 mph to Seattle's Harborview where Dahlia received more then 70 stitches to repair her face. 

Many of you already know and love Sam the way I do, for those of you who don't let me tell you.....this women is amazing. I'm not just saying that either, she is a single mom of two beautiful daughters who has experienced many hardships with much grace over the years. Yet everyday she comes to work and brightens our days with her great big hugs, and loving smile. Her heart is so strong and her faith in God will not allow it to harden. She carries no anger.

She needs to have anger. A popular song's lyrics says, "Your anger is a gift". How many other children, pets, adults has this dog attacked? Did she report it with the police, animal control? Was the dog euthanized? Was the dog previously declared vicious in which the owner had to maintain liability insurance? 

If you feel it in your heart to donate towards Baby Dahlia's fund it would be much appreciated. These funds will help cover costly medical expenses. Sam is also a home owner who's budget is very tight and can't afford to take this unexpected time off while Dahlia heals. My hope is that we can come together as a family of friends and send some much needed relief and support to this loving family.

Thank you!

Update:
Thank you so much for all the support and kind words. Dahlia is doing well. Mama is currently focusing on managing Dahlia's pain and making sure she eating well.

GoFundMe: Baby Dahlia
Created July 22, 2017 by Michelle Sprague Pue
on behalf of Samantha Melvin
  Medical
  BOTHELL, WA

Georgia: Seven-year-old boy mauled by babysitter's pit bull, police say

GEORGIA -- A 7-year-old boy police said was mauled by a pit bull Monday afternoon in Glynn County has been upgraded to good condition at Wolfson Children's Hospital, News4Jax has learned.

Police Chief Matt Doering said the boy, Zaquan Armstrong, was at a babysitter’s house on Ogg Avenue, in the front yard, and the dog was tied up in the backyard.

Toi Porter, a family friend who was babysitting the boy, said after she walked Zaquan to the home from his bus stop, she told him not to go into the backyard while she went into the house to get the dog.

If the pit bull was in the backyard and she told the boy not to go into the backyard, why did she go "into the house to get the dog"? Why wouldn't she just walk into the backyard to get the dog and presumably lock it inside the house? 

But she told police the boy went around to the backyard, and that’s when the dog, who was secured by a chain leash, attacked Zaquan. The dog bit the boy several times in the face and head, inflicting severe lacerations, police said.

The dog's owner, Jacob McMillan, told police he was inside the home when Porter, his girlfriend's daughter, came in and the two of them heard the dog growling in the backyard and what sounded like the dog attacking something.

McMillan said when he ran out back, he saw the dog's mouth wrapped around the top of the boy's head. He forcibly pulled the dog off the boy while a witness called 911 to report the attack.

Zaquan was taken to Wolfson Children's Hospital with life-threatening injuries. 

Julie Holmes-Taylor with Animal Services said the dog is being held at her facility. It is being quarantined for the next 10 days as Georgia state law requires.

She said McMillan has signed paperwork allowing the dog to be euthanized once that time is up.

She called it a "no-win situation."

"It’s very traumatic on our officers, you know, because all of our officers here have pets and all of us have family members and kids and you think this is, unfortunately, this is one of those things that could happen to any of us," Holmes-Taylor said.

Holmes-Taylor said this should be a warning to all dog owners.

"If you have any type of dog that you know has a propensity to bite or to be aggressive, be a proactive owner and be a responsible owner," she said. "It’s not just about making sure that your dog can’t get off the property, but making sure that people can’t get to your dog, as well."

(News4Jax - April 27, 2017)

Ohio: Little girl and babysitter in serious condition after pit bull attack; neighbor saved them by running over and shooting the dog

OHIO -- A local girl is in serious condition after she was mauled by a dog.
The six year old is recovering at the University of Michigan Medical Center.

The attack happened at a home in the three thousand block of Woodhurst. It's an emotional time for the parents of the little girl.

Her father says the babysitter is like a member of the family. She was also seriously injured while trying to stop the dog.

6-year year old Aria Walz and her babysitter Allison Parsons are very close. They are recovering from serious dog bite injuries.

Wednesday they planned to go to Imagination Station. They stopped by Parsons' home to let out her boyfriend's roommate's dog.

It attacked the little girl.

A neighbor heard screams and ran over to try to fend off the pit bull mix.

According to a police report the dog bit the little girl on the coat. The babysitter thought the dog was playing, but then it grabbed the little girl by the face and began shaking his head violently. 

Aria's father says Allison tried to open the dogs mouth, but he bit her fingers. She suffered severe wounds to hand.

Aria's father says he tries not to think about what could have happened to his daughter if the neighbor didn't shoot the dog. Shaun Soleau tried to stop the attack with a broom, but the dog wouldn't let go.

Soleau pulled his handgun and fired it four times. One of the bullets hit the dog in the hip.

Aria had surgery at the University of Michigan medical center. Her left arm is broken. She has puncture wounds everywhere. Doctors will have to wait to see whether there's any nerve damage to her face.

(13abc - April 6, 2017)

Washington: After Stephanie Birchette's 3 pit bulls mauled 7 year-old boy she was watching, the dogs "somehow" disappeared and she told police she didn't know where they were. Imagine her surprise when all 3 pit bulls showed up in the nearby town of Sedro-Woolley. Judge orders all 3 to be euthanized.

WASHINGTON -- Three pit bull terriers that mauled a 7-year-old Mount Vernon boy Jan. 12 will be euthanized Friday.

The mauling happened while the boy was at a babysitter’s home in the 1300 block of Harrison Street, according to Mount Vernon police Lt. Greg Booth.

The boy was taken first to Skagit Valley Hospital, then transported to Children’s Hospital in Seattle for treatment of “extensive wounds” to his head and face, Booth said.

The dogs’ owner, Stephanie Birchette, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Mount Vernon Municipal Court to one count of failure to report a dog attack, Skagit County public defender Corbin Volluz said.

Birchette will be able to see the dogs, which were seized after the attack, before they are euthanized.

Police were initially informed of the incident when a Child Protective Services agent requested police assistance the day following the incident, Booth said.

Police contacted Birchette, who claimed she did not know where the animals were [even though they were there, in her house, when they attacked the little boy right in front of her], Booth said. 

police went to impound the three dogs on Friday but the dogs were not found and the owners told officers the dogs involved have "disappeared and they don’t know where they are at". - from earlier article

The three pit bulls were later located in Sedro-Woolley, [where they had been hidden away] which is about a 20-minute drive away from her house.

BIRCHETTE IN COURT BEFORE ON A VICIOUS DOG COMPLAINT

In 2011, Birchette was allegedly involved in another dangerous dog case, according to Booth. No details as to what happened with the case or that particular dog.

(Go Skagit.com - March 29, 2017)

Earlier:

• Washington: 7-Year old mauled by babysitter's three pit bulls. Police believe babysitter has hidden all three dogs.
• Washington: Babysitter's three pit bulls, which attacked 7-year-old boy, have been located

Maryland: Eight-month-old baby killed by babysitter's pit bull

MARYLAND -- Leaders in Calvert County, Maryland, say their community is heartbroken after a baby boy was killed by the family's dog.

A family friend was watching the 8-month-old baby at a home on Prancer Court in Lusby about 1 p.m. Thursday when the family's pit bull attacked the baby, police said.

Two sheriff's deputies who arrived to the house saw the pit bull attacking the baby and quickly decided the only way to stop the attack was to shoot the dog, killing it.

The baby was already dead.

Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans said the deputies who responded are distraught.

"You could see the emotion -- how they were upset. They felt kind of helpless that they couldn't do more. That was the result of frustration that they couldn't do anything more to help save this child," Evans said.

The sheriff's office has not released the name of the baby boy, to protect the family's privacy.

"This is one of the worst tragedies that our community has suffered in such a long time. It's almost unspeakable. It's a very, very close, tight-knit community," said Calvert County Commissioner Tom Hejl said.

Nine-hundred cities in the country have regulations on pit bulls.

According to dogsbite.org, there were 31 dog-related deaths nationwide in 2016. Twenty-two of those deaths were from pit bull attacks.

The Calvert County Animal Control Chief Craig Dichter said he doesn't think this attack indicates the law needs to be changed in the county.

"The majority of the pit bull breeds or type breeds that we deal with are very friendly and no problems. There are some that are sometimes a problem in a way, but do I think we need a ban on it? I don't think we need to go that far," Dichter said.

Evans said the sheriff's office has completed its investigation and there will be no criminal charges filed.

(NBC Washington - March 24, 2017)

Washington: Babysitter's three pit bulls, which attacked 7-year-old boy, have been located

Update: After Stephanie Birchette's 3 pit bulls mauled 7 year-old boy she was watching, the dogs "somehow" disappeared and she told police she didn't know where they were. Imagine her surprise when all 3 pit bulls showed up in the nearby town of Sedro-Woolley. Judge orders all 3 to be euthanized.


WASHINGTON -- Police were called a day after the attack, and said the 32-year-old woman who owned the dogs told them she didn’t have them and "didn’t know" where they were.

Five days later, police were able to track the dogs down at another home in Sedro Wooley. The dogs were seized and are being held under quarantine while the animal control office decides whether to declare them “dangerous dogs.”

Detectives said they are reviewing the case to determine if there is a basis for criminal charges.

She needs to be charged with hiding the dogs from police.

(Q13Fox - Jan 18, 2017)

Earlier:

• Washington: 7-Year old mauled by babysitter's three pit bulls. Babysitter has hidden all three dogs from police

Washington: 7-Year old mauled by babysitter's three pit bulls. Police believe babysitter has hidden all three dogs.

Update: After Stephanie Birchette's 3 pit bulls mauled 7 year-old boy she was watching, the dogs "somehow" disappeared and she told police she didn't know where they were. Imagine her surprise when all 3 pit bulls showed up in the nearby town of Sedro-Woolley. Judge orders all 3 to be euthanized.


WASHINGTON -- 7-year old Reilly of Sedro-Woolley sustained serious head and facial  injuries after being attacked by three pit bull dogs on Thursday, January 12th, 2017 inside his babysitters Mount Vernon home.

Reilly’s dad, Carlos Chavez told Skagitbreaking.com that Reilly has over 70 stitches in his face, and 8 staples in the back of his head from the dog attack. He is recovering at Children’s Hospital in Seattle.

 

"It was just really shocking,” said Carlos Chavez who is the boy’s father. “You hear about these things, but actually being part of it is another thing.”

“It’s kind of shocking the main gashes were so close to severing an artery or worse,” said Chavez.

Mr. Chavez said “My little guy is strong and a trooper and is doing better now.”

“Instead of actually receiving prayers and thoughts and knowing my son is healthy I could be planning a funeral,” said Chavez. “It was three against one. And he’s only 7 years old. The dogs were about an inch away from taking his life.”

Mount Vernon Police confirmed they are investigating the incident  but don’t have additional information on the case to release at this time.

Mr. Chavez told Skagitbreaking.com that police went to impound the three dogs on Friday but the dogs were not found and the owners told Officers the dogs involved have "disappeared and they don’t know where they are at".

Mount Vernon Police  say the Case remains under investigation.

Statistical information gathered by DogsBite.org shows that 34 U.S. Dog bite-related fatalities occurred in 2015.

Jennifer Lynn posted on Facebook:
"Many many prayers for the pain this young man is enduring I'm so sorry ....however I really wish skagit breaking news would get there facts straight.. Posting statistics from 2015 about pitbulls, seriously get it straight, I am truly sorry this young man was attacked but please people know your facts...where's the rest of this story??? Some dogs just randomly attacked this child for no reason???OK!!"

(Skagit Breaking News - Jan 17, 2017)

Missouri: Little boy, 2, attacked by his babysitter's German Shepherd

MISSOURI -- Baby Bentley was mauled by a German Shepherd tonight.

The parents have no health insurance. He is going to require surgery, and plastic surgery.

 

 

 

Not for sure how long he will be in the hospital he is at st. Johns mercy. Anything is appreciated, and prayers for this baby he is only 2 years old.

UPDATE
I would like to thank everyone that has donated too little 2 year old Bentley from the bottom of our hearts God bless everyone of you

GoFundMe link: Baby Bentley attacked by a dog
Created April 4, 2016 by Roger James on behalf of Katie Kirkland
HOUSE SPRINGS, MO

COMMENTS:

Ashley Hall - Why doesn't the family have insurance? Seeing as children can have free healthcare coverage from the state. We are also required by the state to have health insurance. Plus, everyone knows to watch carefully around dogs, especially ones known for aggression. I'm sorry but this is ridiculous. You are lucky the child survived! I hope next time you watch the child better.

Ashley Hall is a horrible person. 

Riley Kaye - Ashley Hall, do you not think that the parents feel horribly? Take your two cents some where else, coldhearted brat. With that being said, prayers to the family. This is a terrible tragedy and i'm praying for that sweet baby!

Shelley James - Ashley Hall u need ro re read the post it was the first time these kids were at a new babysitters house so no it wasn't the parents fault. And dont know if u live poor or not but i do, and the so called obama care for my family me and my husband is over 600.00 a month so im sorry for being rude but here it comes this is my nephew and u must he a coldhearted bitch! U dont have to donate u also dont have to leave a comment and ur lucky i don't know u .. So grow up n move on and i pray nothing ever happens to one of ur children!!!!

Melinda Day Durfy - It's not just about needing money to pay the medical bills either. The parents are taking extra time from work, they may not be getting paid for it. If they're driving, more gas. More eating out because of being away from home. More of everything including worries and guilt about what could they have done to prevent it even if they weren't around. So instead of finger pointing and placing blame which does nothing but show your stupidity and immaturity, let's all raise them up to God in the power of prayer and ask for him to work a miracle that we all know he's capable of. Amen.