Ohio Mom Sentenced to 3 Years for Baby's Death by Pit Bull

Tragic Death of Baby Royal

• 💔 A six-month-old baby, Royal Bates, was fatally attacked by a pit bull mix named Kilo in April 2024 in Marion County, Ohio.
• 👶 Royal's older sister was present when he rolled off the couch and was attacked by the dog.
• 🚨 EMTs attempted to save Royal, but he succumbed to his injuries.

History of Dog's Aggression

• ⚠️ A year prior to the fatal attack, in April 2023, the dog warden had warned the parents, Alyssa Smith and Blake Bates, about Kilo's aggressive behavior.
• 🐶 The dog had previously growled at and chased a child, leaving a scratch mark, which was captured on video.
• 📢 Neighbors and the landlord had also reported incidents of the dogs running loose and exhibiting aggressive behavior, including an instance where a dog entered a house.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

• ⚖️ Alyssa Smith and Blake Bates were indicted on charges including involuntary manslaughter and child endangering.
• 🤝 Smith initially agreed to plead guilty to child endangering for a recommended 90-day sentence, contingent on testifying against Bates.
• 🚫 However, Bates pleaded guilty first, negating Smith's need to testify, leading to a different sentencing outcome.

Lack of Remorse and Bail Violations

• 📞 Detectives monitored jail calls and found Smith and Bates communicating in code, violating a protection order.
• 😔 Smith's own sister testified that during the hospital visit after Royal's death, Smith was more concerned about getting high than her son's passing.
• 📈 The judge noted Smith's lack of remorse, her violation of bond conditions, and her continued communication with Bates as factors in the sentencing.

Sister's Testimony and Judge's Decision

• 🗣️ Smith's sister pleaded with the judge, stating that Smith was selfish and did not prioritize her children's safety, urging for a sentence longer than 90 days.
• ⚖️ The judge rejected the joint sentencing recommendation, citing Smith's lack of remorse, bail violations, and the severity of the avoidable death.
• ⛓️ Alyssa Smith was sentenced to 36 months (3 years) in prison, followed by 2 years of post-release control, with conditions including no drug use and a fine.
• 👨‍⚖️ Blake Bates is awaiting his sentencing later this month.