MARION, OH – A Marion man pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter after his pit bull mix fatally attacked his 6-month-old son, despite prior warnings about the dog’s aggressive behavior.
Blake Bates faces up to three years in prison following the April 28, 2024 death of his son, Royal Bates. The infant was left unsupervised with another child when the dog, named Kilo, brutally attacked him.
According to prosecutors, the dog “essentially crushed the child’s skull” during the savage attack. The incident occurred just months after Kilo had attacked a neighborhood child, raising questions about why the dangerous animal remained in the home.
“This guilty plea holds Bates accountable for a preventable horror that stole an innocent baby’s life,” said Prosecutor Ray Grogan.
The case highlights a pattern of negligence that led to the tragedy. Neighbors had previously complained about Kilo’s aggressive behavior, and the earlier attack on another child should have served as a dire warning about the danger the animal posed.
Royal’s mother, Alyssa Smith, also pleaded guilty to child endangering charges in connection with the infant’s death. Prosecutors say both parents failed to protect their child from a known threat.
Following the fatal attack, Kilo was euthanized. Investigators discovered additional pit bulls in the home during their investigation.
Prosecutor Grogan emphasized the importance of owner responsibility when it comes to aggressive dogs, particularly in homes with small children. The case serves as a tragic reminder that dog owners must take immediate action when their animals display violent tendencies.
In addition to the involuntary manslaughter charge, Bates is also facing sentencing for unrelated charges of attempted escape and strangulation.
The Marion County court will determine Bates’ final sentence at an upcoming hearing, where he could receive the maximum three-year term for his role in his son’s preventable death.
