An Indiana father has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after his one-week-old baby was fatally attacked by the family dog, according to court documents and reports.
The incident occurred on September 4, 2025, at a home in Markle, Indiana. The newborn, Jason Anthony Weaver, suffered more than 180 bite wounds and severe internal injuries, including brain hemorrhages, fractured ribs, and torn lungs, inflicted by a five-year-old husky and pit bull mix named Chomp.
According to a police report obtained by local station WPTA, the baby’s father, Austin Kinsey, admitted to playing video games in the same room before briefly leaving the infant unattended to speak with relatives. The baby’s grandfather later discovered the dog dragging the infant across the room and alerted authorities, but responding officers were unable to revive the child.
Investigators searching the residence also noted deplorable living conditions, describing the home as filled with trash, dirty clothes, and insects, with bugs discovered directly on the baby’s car seat. Court documents stated the clutter was severe enough to obstruct movement through the house, leading authorities to condemn the property as unfit for habitation.
Although relatives previously maintained the dog was gentle around the newborn, court records revealed the animal had a history of aggression toward other animals and prior biting incidents. The dog was subsequently euthanized.
Under a plea agreement, Kinsey pleaded guilty to reduced charges and received a 16-year prison sentence on Monday. Legal proceedings remain ongoing for the infant’s mother, Violet Weaver, as well as three grandparents and an uncle involved in the case.