A United States court has sentenced the father of a week-old baby killed by the family dog to 16 years in prison, while five other family members remain facing charges over the child’s death.
Austin Kinsey was sentenced on Monday by the Huntington Circuit Court after pleading guilty to two felony counts of neglect of a dependent in connection with the death of his son, Jason Anthony Weaver.
Jason, who was seven days old, died on September 4, 2025, after he was attacked by the family dog, Chomp, a five-year-old husky and pit bull mix, at the family’s home in Markle, Indiana.
Court documents said the baby suffered more than 180 bite wounds, as well as brain haemorrhages, fractured ribs and injuries to his lungs.
According to police reports, Kinsey told investigators that he had been playing video games in the same room as the baby before briefly leaving to speak with other family members.
The baby’s grandfather, Timothy Kinsey, later heard noises and found the dog dragging the infant around the room.
Police officers who arrived at the house attempted to revive the baby through CPR, but he could not be saved.
Investigators also found the home in poor condition, with court records describing trash, dirty dishes, dirty clothes and insects inside the property. Bugs were also reportedly found on the baby’s car seat.
An officer said there was “so much trash and debris” that it was difficult to move around the house.
The court cited Kinsey’s criminal history, previous violations of court orders and the age of the baby as aggravating factors in imposing the 16-year sentence.
Five other family members are still facing charges. They include Jason’s mother, Violet Weaver; his uncle, Tony Kinsey; his grandfather, Timothy Kinsey; and grandparents Rita Wickey and Michael Wickey.
Weaver is scheduled to appear in court on September 29 for a change-of-plea hearing, while the other four defendants have pretrial conferences scheduled.
Authorities had ordered the family to leave the property after it was declared unfit for habitation.
The dog was later euthanised.
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