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Ohio Mother Gets Maximum 3-Year Sentence in Infant Mauling as Father Awaits Oct. 27 Sentencing After Manslaughter Plea

Prosecutors plan to seek a lengthy term for the father, citing prior warnings about the dog's aggression.

Overview

  • Alyssa Smith, 33, was convicted of third-degree felony child endangerment and received a three-year sentence in Marion County.
  • Prosecutors say she left 6-month-old Royal Bates unsupervised in April 2024 with an aggressive pit bull nearby in the Marion, Ohio home.
  • The dog, identified as Kilo, had a documented history including a prior attack on a neighborhood child and was euthanized after the mauling.
  • Blake Bates pleaded guilty to third-degree felony involuntary manslaughter and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 27.
  • Prosecutor Ray Grogan says he will seek additional charges against Bates, including alleged strangulation and escape, and a lengthy prison term.