Ohio Pit Bull Death: New Videos Show Parents Warned About Dog a Year Before Baby Royal's Death

Tragic Death of Baby Royal

• 👶 Baby Royal, a six-month-old boy, was fatally attacked by his family's pit bull mix, Kilo, in April 2024.
• 💔 The incident occurred when Royal rolled off the couch, and Kilo attacked him, causing a life-ending injury.
• 🚨 Police and medics responded to the scene, but Royal could not be saved.

Prior Warnings About Kilo

• ⚠️ Newly released bodycam footage from April 2023 shows a dog warden warning Blake Bates and Alyssa Smith about Kilo.
• 🐕 Kilo had previously bitten a child, leaving a scratch, and had reportedly been seen running loose.
• 🗣️ Bates and Smith were warned about the dog's behavior, with Kilo being protective due to recent puppies.

Legal Proceedings and Plea Changes

• ⚖️ Alyssa Smith pleaded guilty to child endangering and agreed to testify against Blake Bates.
• 🤝 Blake Bates has now changed his plea from not guilty to guilty in the death of his son.
• 👨‍⚖️ Prosecutors believe Bates's decision was influenced by the evidence and Smith's cooperation, noting he had limited defense.

Aggression and Negligence

• 📈 Prosecutors allege that Bates took steps to make Kilo more aggressive, such as withholding food, and family members had warned them about the dog around children.
• 🚫 Despite warnings, the dog was not properly confined, leading to the fatal attack.
• 🐾 The dog, Kilo, was euthanized after the attack on Royal and had previously bitten another child.

Sentencing and Cautionary Tale

• ⏳ Blake Bates is expected to serve several years in prison for his reckless actions.
• ⚠️ The case serves as a cautionary tale about the responsibility of dog owners, especially with breeds known for aggression, and the critical importance of never leaving a dog unattended with a baby or young child.
• 😔 The prosecutor emphasized that while Bates may not have intended to kill his son, his recklessness warrants significant accountability.