A seven-day-old Indiana baby was brutally killed by the family dog after being bitten at least 180 times inside a home investigators described as overflowing with trash, bugs and debris.
Jason Anthony Weaver died on September 4 last year after Chomp, a five-year-old husky and pit bull mix, attacked him at the family’s rural home in Markle, Indiana. The newborn suffered extensive wounds to his head and body, along with devastating internal injuries including brain hemorrhages, fractured ribs and tears to his lungs.
Jason’s father, Austin Kinsey, has now been sentenced to 16 years in prison in connection with his son’s death.
Jason Anthony Weaver, a one-week-old baby, died last year after he was attacked by the family dog. Myers Funeral Home
Baby Found Being Dragged by the Dog
According to a police report obtained by WPTA, Kinsey told investigators he had been playing video games in the same room as his newborn son. He said he left the baby alone only briefly while speaking with other family members.
Jason’s grandfather, Timothy Kinsey, later heard noises coming from the room and discovered Chomp dragging the baby around.
Officers rushed to the home and attempted CPR, but Jason could not be saved.
Responding officers also described the conditions inside the property, noting a “strong odor of animal, trash, and dirt everywhere.”
Chomp, a five-year-old husky and pit bull mix, was later euthanized. Violet Weaver / Facebook
Investigators Found a Home Filled With Trash and Bugs
Court documents described the Markle property, located about 25 miles southwest of Fort Wayne, as being in extremely poor condition.
Investigators reported finding piles of trash, dirty dishes, dirty clothing and bugs throughout the home. Bugs were even found on the baby’s car seat.
One officer said there was so much trash and debris that officers could barely move through parts of the house.
Authorities ultimately determined that the property was unfit for habitation, and the family was ordered to leave.
Austin Kinsey was sentenced to 16 years in prison on Monday. Huntington County Jail
Chomp Had Previously Shown Aggression
Family members reportedly described Chomp as gentle around the newborn. However, court documents also stated that relatives acknowledged the dog could become jealous, had acted aggressively toward other animals and had bitten people in the past.
One family member said a gun was kept inside the home specifically in case the dog became uncontrollable.
Chomp was later euthanized.
Father Receives 16-Year Sentence
Kinsey was initially charged with two counts of neglect and one count of harboring a non-immunized dog that caused an injury.
As part of a plea agreement, the highest-level neglect charge was dropped in exchange for a 16-year prison sentence. The sentence was handed down Monday.
Jason’s mother, Violet Weaver, is scheduled for a change-of-plea hearing later this month.
The cases involving Jason’s grandparents Timothy Kinsey, Rita Wickey and Michael Wickey, along with his uncle Tony Kinsey, remain active. All four were also charged in connection with the baby’s death.
The case has left a devastating picture of a newborn’s final moments, while authorities have also documented the hazardous conditions inside the home where the tragedy occurred.
