Overview
- Officers in Tullahoma arrived Wednesday afternoon to find pit bulls actively attacking the victims and shot the dogs to halt the mauling.
- Both victims, identified as James Alexander Smith, 50, and his 3-month-old granddaughter, were pronounced dead at the scene.
- The district attorney’s office says it remains unclear whether criminal charges will be filed as the investigation reviews medical findings and household circumstances.
- Other dogs from the residence were seized by the local animal control agency, and officials are assessing the animals’ history and ownership.
- Neighbors reported prior escapes and incidents involving pets, and a family GoFundMe says relatives lost their home and are caring for six surviving children.