A one-week-old baby has died after being viciously attacked by a family dog at his home in Markle, Indiana, United States, with the child’s father subsequently sentenced to 16 years in prison over the incident.
The infant, identified as Jason Anthony Weaver, died on September 4, 2025, after being attacked by Chomp, a five-year-old husky and pit bull mix.
According to court and police records cited by Umedia, the baby sustained more than 180 bite wounds during the attack, alongside severe internal injuries, including brain haemorrhages, fractured ribs and damage to his lungs.
Police said Jason’s father, Austin Kinsey, told investigators that he had been in the same room with the infant while playing video games before briefly leaving to speak with other members of the family.
The baby’s grandfather, Timothy Kinsey, later heard noises coming from the room and discovered the dog dragging the infant.
Officers who arrived at the residence attempted to revive the baby through CPR, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Investigators also reported finding disturbing living conditions inside the property. Court documents reportedly described the house as containing large amounts of rubbish, dirty dishes, unwashed clothes and insects, while bugs were also found on the baby’s car seat.
One officer reportedly described the property as containing so much rubbish and debris that moving around the house was difficult.
Authorities said the family had previously regarded Chomp as gentle around the baby. However, court documents indicated that the dog had a history of aggressive behaviour towards other animals and had previously bitten people.
The animal was subsequently euthanised.
Kinsey initially faced two neglect charges as well as an offence relating to keeping a non-immunised dog that caused an injury. Under a plea agreement, the most serious neglect charge was dropped.
He was sentenced to 16 years in prison on Monday.
Meanwhile, the baby’s mother, Violet Weaver, is expected to appear for a change-of-plea hearing later this month.
Separate cases involving the child’s grandparents, Timothy Kinsey, Rita Wickey and Michael Wickey, as well as his uncle, Tony Kinsey, are still pending.
Following the tragedy, authorities ordered the family to vacate the property after it was declared unfit for habitation.
