By: Odeh Favour Adiya
A 16-year prison sentence has been handed to an Indiana father in the United States, Austin Kinsey, following the tragic death of his one-week-old son, Jason Anthony Weaver, who was mauled by the family’s dog.
The tragic incident occurred on September 4, 2025, at the family’s home in Markle, Indiana, when the infant was attacked by Chomp, a five-year-old husky and pit bull mix. The infant sustained severe injuries from over 180 bite wounds, as well as brain hemorrhages, fractured ribs, and torn lungs.
According to a police report obtained by WPTA, Kinsey told investigating officers that he had been playing video games in the same room with the newborn before briefly stepping out to talk to other family members.
It was the baby’s grandfather, Timothy Kinsey, who later heard strange noises and walked in to find Chomp dragging the infant across the room. Police officers who rushed to the scene attempted CPR on the baby, but he could not be revived.
Subsequent investigations revealed severe unsanitary conditions inside the residence.
Court documents described the home as being cluttered with trash, unwashed dishes, dirty clothes, and insects, with bugs even discovered on the infant’s car seat.
Highlighting the state of the home, an officer noted that there was “so much trash and debris” that moving through the house proved difficult. Following the inspection, authorities ordered the family to vacate the property after declaring it unfit for human habitation.
While the family had previously described the dog as gentle around the baby, court filings indicated that Chomp had a history of aggression toward other animals and had bitten people in the past. The animal was subsequently euthanized.
Kinsey originally faced two counts of neglect and a charge related to keeping an unimmunized dog that caused injury. Following a plea agreement, the primary neglect charge was dropped, resulting in his 16-year sentence.
Meanwhile, the baby’s mother, Violet Weaver, is set to appear for a change-of-plea hearing later this month. Legal proceedings also remain pending for the child’s grandparents, Timothy Kinsey, Rita Wickey, and Michael Wickey, as well as his uncle, Tony Kinsey.
