A tragic incident unfolded in San Antonio, Texas, when a one-year-old boy was fatally attacked by pit bulls while under the care of a family friend. The babysitter, 36-year-old Heather Rodriguez, is now facing multiple felony charges in connection with the child’s death.
Rodriguez was entrusted with the care of one-year-old Jiryiah Johnson on a Monday morning. However, she was unexpectedly called into work and left the infant in the care of her 13-year-old daughter and three pit bulls at her residence. The dogs managed to break into the room where the baby and the teenager were, leading to the fatal incident.
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar commended the teenager’s efforts to protect the baby from the dogs. According to Salazar, the 13-year-old girl tried to keep the baby away from the dogs, even lifting him above her head. However, one of the dogs managed to snatch the baby from her grasp.
The teenager was chased by the dogs from room to room, sustaining injuries herself. She eventually managed to barricade herself and the baby in a room and call for help. Salazar hailed her as a hero, acknowledging the psychological trauma she is likely to endure following the incident.
Upon arrival, deputies from the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office were unable to immediately reach the children due to the aggressive dogs. It was only after Rodriguez arrived home and managed to get the dogs outside that the deputies could enter the house and administer first aid to the baby.
The infant suffered severe injuries to his head and throat and was rushed to the University Hospital. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead later that day. The house was reportedly stained with blood on the bed, door, and floors.
Salazar criticized Rodriguez for her negligence, questioning her decision to leave a baby in a house with known aggressive dogs. He also noted that Rodriguez had previously been cited for allowing her dogs to run unleashed, causing a man to fear for his safety.
Rodriguez was initially charged with causing serious bodily injury to a child with intent, a first-degree felony. She was later charged with two additional felonies: injury to a child — reckless bodily injury — and endangering a child, imminent danger — causing bodily injury. Despite the severity of the charges, Rodriguez’s bond was set at $100,000.
Salazar is advocating for the dogs involved in the attack to be euthanized, but the final decision rests with animal control. He stated that if the dogs are not voluntarily surrendered, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office would use the court process to seize the other two pit bulls.
The boy’s parents are devastated by the loss of their son. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help the family with medical bills and funeral costs.