Pit Bull Kills Baby After Ohio Man Ignores Months Of Warnings

When taking care of a pet, it is important to keep an eye out for dangerous behaviors. This can even determine whether a pet can be rehabilitated or if it is even safe to keep them around. Recently, an Ohio man pleaded guilty to manslaughter after ignoring months of warnings that led to a tragedy in his own family.

Another Child Was With The Infant During The Dog’s Attack

Blake Bates’ pit bull, “Kilo,” sparked controversy after attacking a child in their Ohio neighborhood. Despite the attack, Blake reportedly ignored warnings about the dog’s aggressiveness.

Months later, on April 28, 2024, the dog would attack once again. This time, tragedy would strike within Blake’s own family.

This time, the child target was Blake’s own infant son, Royal. Blake and his partner, Alyssa Smith, reportedly allowed Kilo near Royal unsupervised with another young child.

The dog then attacked Royal and tore into his skull. In a statement with People, prosecutor Ray Grogan shared, “The dog essentially crushed the child’s skull. And as a result of that, the child’s brain was severely damaged.”

Royal was then taken to Marion General Hospital. Tragically, the boy was pronounced dead. He was six months old at the time of his passing. Kilo was also immediately seized and euthanized.

A Prosecutor Released A Statement, Calling On Dog Owners To Take Responsibility For Their Pets

On October 2, 2025, Blake pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter over his son’s death. He faces up to three years in prison.

In a press release, Grogan shared, “This guilty plea holds Bates accountable for a preventable horror that stole an innocent baby’s life. Bates knew his pit bull was dangerous, yet he gambled with this baby’s safety – recklessness that demands severe consequences.”

Reportedly, Smith has also pleaded guilty to endangering a child. However, prosecutors have said she has not yet been sentenced. According to ABC 6, the other child was identified as Smith’s child. A statement shared that they were “incapable of proper supervision.”

Bates could also face sentencing for other possible charges. These include “fourth-degree felony strangulation and third-degree felony.” He is set to be sentenced on October 27, 2025, within common pleas court.

In the press release, Grogan shared a message to pet owners, calling on them to take responsibility for the animals in their lives and prevent other similar tragedies. He shared, “Everyone is responsible for the dogs they own. And, for aggressive dogs, those owners must take extra precautions, especially around kids.”

What is your reaction to this story? What are some ways you think pet owners could take responsibility for their pets and prevent such tragedies from happening again? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest reality TV and celebrity news.