Ohio Father Pleads Guilty After Family Pit Bull Killed His Infant Son
Prosecutors in Marion, Ohio, say the death of six-month-old Royal Wayne-Jackson Bates was a tragedy that could have been avoided.
The infant was fatally mauled inside his family’s home by their pit bull mix, Kilo—a dog that had already shown signs of aggression a year earlier when it allegedly lunged at a neighborhood child.
Despite prior warnings, the animal remained in the household until the April 28, 2024 attack that claimed the baby’s life.
The Fatal Attack
According to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, Kilo, a pit bull mix owned by Blake Bates and Alyssa Smith, attacked the baby while the parents allowed the dog to remain near two small children without supervision.
Prosecutor Ray Grogan said that “the dog essentially crushed the child’s skull,” leaving the infant with severe brain injuries.
Emergency responders rushed Royal Bates to Marion General Hospital, but he was pronounced dead soon after arrival.
Authorities seized the dog immediately, and Kilo was later euthanized.
Prior Warnings and Charges
Court records show that Bates had been previously charged and warned in 2023 after Kilo allegedly tried to bite a neighborhood child. Despite that documented aggression, the dog remained in the home with small children.
On the day of the fatal mauling, prosecutors said Bates and Smith allowed the animal to roam freely near the baby, a decision that ended in tragedy.
“This guilty plea holds Bates accountable for a preventable horror that stole an innocent baby’s life,” Prosecutor Grogan said in a statement.
“Everyone is responsible for the dogs they own, and for aggressive dogs those owners must take extra precautions, especially around kids.”
Guilty Pleas and Sentencing
On October 2, 2025, Blake Bates stood before a Marion County judge and entered a guilty plea to involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of his infant son, Royal Wayne-Jackson Bates.
The plea marked the culmination of a year-long investigation that prosecutors say revealed a clear pattern of negligence and disregard for prior warnings about the dog’s aggression.
According to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, Bates admitted that he failed to take necessary precautions after being formally warned about the pit bull’s earlier attack on a neighborhood child.
By pleading guilty, he avoided a full jury trial and accepted responsibility for the child’s death though sentencing will determine the extent of his punishment.
Prosecutors confirmed that the charge carries a potential sentence of up to three years in state prison.
Bates also awaits sentencing on additional felony charges, including strangulation and attempted escape, which stem from unrelated incidents.
His partner, Alyssa Smith, pleaded guilty to child endangering, a charge that acknowledges her failure to protect the infant from foreseeable harm. She is also awaiting sentencing.
Bates is scheduled to return to Marion County Common Pleas Court for sentencing on October 27, 2025.
Legal analysts note that the court will likely consider factors such as prior warnings, parental responsibility, and post-incident cooperation when determining his sentence.
Legal Context: Ohio’s Dangerous-Dog Laws
Ohio has one of the nation’s stricter frameworks for dog-owner liability.
Under Ohio Revised Code §955.22, owners of “vicious or dangerous dogs” must take concrete safety measures to protect the public. These include:
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Keeping the dog securely confined in a locked or fenced area.
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Using a sturdy leash and muzzle whenever the animal is taken outside the property.
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Maintaining liability insurance—typically at least $100,000—to cover injury or death caused by the dog.
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Registering the dog as dangerous or vicious with local authorities and keeping all identification tags current.
Failure to comply can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges.
When a previously identified dangerous dog kills or seriously injures a person, prosecutors may pursue criminal negligence or involuntary manslaughter, as they did in this case.
Legal analysts emphasize that Ohio’s dog laws are breed-neutral, focusing on owner behavior rather than the type of animal.
“The law doesn’t blame genetics it targets negligence,” said Columbus-based attorney Maria Velasquez, who noted that these statutes reflect the belief that pet ownership is a matter of public safety, not personal preference.
For comparison, states such as California apply a strict liability model, meaning owners are held responsible for most dog bites regardless of prior aggression, see our guide to California’s dog bite laws for how that system differs from Ohio’s.
In addition to criminal prosecution, owners may face civil lawsuits for wrongful death and emotional distress, as well as permanent forfeiture of animal ownership rights.
The law’s intent is clear: once a dog shows dangerous behavior, the responsibility to prevent tragedy lies entirely with the owner.
The death of Royal Bates left Marion deeply shaken. Vigils were held outside the family’s home, where mourners placed flowers and toys to honor the infant’s short life.
Neighbors expressed anger and disbelief that prior warnings about Kilo hadn’t prompted stronger action.
Local officials have since urged residents to report any signs of aggressive behavior in neighborhood pets, stressing that early intervention can save lives.
People Also Ask (PAA)
What was Blake Bates charged with?
Bates pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter after his six-month-old son was killed by a pit bull mix. He also faces unrelated felony charges for strangulation and attempted escape.
What happened to the dog involved in the attack?
The pit bull mix, named Kilo, was seized by animal control and euthanized following the fatal incident, according to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.
Has the child’s mother been charged?
Yes. Alyssa Smith pleaded guilty to child endangering and is awaiting sentencing, prosecutors confirmed.
When will Bates be sentenced?
He is scheduled for sentencing on October 27, 2025, in Marion County Common Pleas Court.
What does Ohio law say about dangerous dogs?
Ohio’s Revised Code §955.22 requires owners of known-aggressive dogs to secure, leash, and insure the animal. Failure to comply can result in criminal charges—including involuntary manslaughter if a death occurs.
