Indiana Father Sentenced to 16 Years After Newborn Son Mauled to Death by Family Dog

An Indiana father has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after his one-week-old son was fatally attacked by the family dog, a husky and pit bull mix named Chomp. The newborn, Jason Anthony Weaver, suffered at least 180 bites across his head and body, along with severe internal injuries including brain hemorrhages and lung tears.

The incident occurred in September at the family's home in rural Markle, Indiana, which authorities described as squalid and unfit for habitation. Responding officers noted a strong odor of animals, trash, and dirt throughout the residence, with bugs found on the baby's car seat.

The baby's father, Austin Kinsey, was present in the room where the newborn was attacked, according to a police report. He stated he had been playing video games and left the infant briefly to speak with other family members. The baby's grandfather discovered the attack in progress when he heard noises and found the dog dragging the infant.

Family members reportedly described Chomp as generally gentle with the infant but acknowledged the dog had a history of jealousy, aggression toward other animals, and previous bites on people. A gun was kept in the home in case the dog became aggressive.

Chomp was euthanized following the attack. The home was subsequently ordered vacated by authorities due to its unsanitary conditions.

Kinsey was initially charged with neglect and harboring a non-immunized dog that caused injury. He pleaded guilty to a neglect charge as part of a plea deal, which resulted in his 16-year prison sentence handed down on Monday.

The child's mother, Violet Weaver, has a change of plea hearing scheduled. Cases are still active for the baby's grandparents, Timothy Kinsey and Rita and Michael Wickey, as well as the baby's uncle, Tony Kinsey, who also face charges.