Ohio Mom Sentenced After Pit Bull Kills Baby: Alyssa Smith Gets 3 Years
An Ohio mother, Alyssa Smith, has been sentenced to the maximum three years in prison after her 6-month-old son, Royal Wayne-Jackson “Royal” Bates, was mauled to death by a pit bull. The fatal attack happened on April 28, 2024, at the family’s home in Marion, Ohio. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office announced the sentence following Smith’s conviction on a third-degree felony child-endangerment charge.
Prosecutor Ray Grogan said investigators concluded Smith left Royal unsupervised with another child while her boyfriend’s pit bull—reported as aggressive—was nearby. The infant was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The dog was seized and euthanized the next day, according to officials.
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Smith’s boyfriend and Royal’s father, Blake Bates, previously pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in connection with the case and is awaiting sentencing. Prosecutors have said Bates knew the dog’s history and failed to protect the child.
An obituary identified the victim as Royal Wayne-Jackson Bates, remembered by family for his bright smile and favorite mirror toy. Community members in Marion have shared condolences as court proceedings moved toward sentencing for both parents.
Officials emphasized that the prison term for Smith reflects the court’s view of her responsibility in leaving Royal in a high-risk situation. The case has renewed debate in Ohio over supervision around animals with known behavioral issues and the legal consequences when caregivers fail to mitigate clear dangers to children.
