MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Alyssa Smith was sentenced to the maximum of three years in prison today for third-degree felony child endangering following the fatal mauling of her six-month-old son, Royal.
The sentencing was announced by Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan after a court hearing that revealed the harrowing details surrounding the incident that occurred in April 2024.
Judge Todd Anderson of the Marion Common Pleas Court delivered the sentence after prosecutors detailed the reckless actions of Smith, who left her infant unsupervised with a young child and a pit bull that had a known history of aggression. The prosecution described how this negligence ultimately led to the infant’s tragic death.
Prosecutor Grogan, along with Assistant Prosecutor Mark R. Weaver, presented evidence during the hearing. They called upon Lt. Dylan Reese, the lead detective with the Marion Police Department, to testify.
Heartfelt statements were also made by Royal’s aunt, who implored the court for justice on behalf of the grieving family. Grogan emphasized the importance of accountability in preventing such a tragedy, illustrating that Smith’s actions transformed a recognized danger into a deadly incident.
The pit bull involved in the attack was seized and euthanized by the Marion County Dog Warden the day after the incident. Grogan expressed that Smith’s failure to heed the dog’s aggressive history constituted a severe lapse in parental responsibility. “This sentence holds a mother accountable for failing her infant in the most tragic way,” Grogan stated. “Smith’s actions in ignoring the dog’s history showed a pattern of irresponsibility that cost baby Royal his life.”
While this sentencing brings some closure for the family, Grogan noted it serves as a critical reminder to all parents about the necessity of child safety, particularly concerning aggressive animals.
Smith’s co-defendant, Blake Bates, who has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter related to the same incident, is pending sentencing. Grogan plans to advocate for a substantial sentence for Bates, who also faces additional charges, including fourth-degree felony strangulation of a prior partner and third-degree felony escape while in custody.