2009 Dog Bite Fatality: 19-Month Old Boy Killed by Pit Bull-Mix at Babysitter's Home

Colten Smith, 17-months old, was killed by a pit bull-mix while under the care of a babysitter.

Future In-Law's Dog
UPDATE 10/27/09: Sheriff's Deputies confirmed that the 65-pound pit bull named Max did not belong to the babysitter, rather she had been "watching it" for a week for her future in-law's. This is despite the fact that a KMPH video shows a "Warning Security Dog" sign hanging on the babysitter's fence with rusted screws. A preliminary autopsy released Tuesday confirmed that Smith's death was a result of loss of blood due to a puncture wound to the subclavian artery.

Sheriff's Deputies say there are "no plans" to arrest the babysitter at this time. The case though will be sent to the District Attorney's office.

Related video 1 | Related video 2

10/26/09: Mauling Victim Named: Colten Smith
Authorities have identified the latest pit bull fatality victim as 19-month old Colten Smith1. On Friday, while under the care of a babysitter, the toddler was bitten in the throat and dragged around the yard by a pit bull-mix living at the babysitter's home. The boy was airlifted to Valley Children's Hospital in Madera, where he died shortly after arrival. The boy's body was returned to Merced for further investigation by the county coroner on Friday as well.

The identity of the babysitter will not be released until the Merced County District Attorney's office decides if criminal charges will be filed.

10/23/09: Babysitter's Pit Bull Fatally Attacks
Delhi, CA - In a developing story, authorities report that a 19-month old boy in Merced County has died after being mauled by a pit bull-mix. Authorities say the little boy wandered into the backyard while his babysitter was in another room. By the time she noticed he was missing, the dog had already attacked. The news video shows a "Warning Security Dog" sign posted on the fence of the babysitter's home where the boy was attacked by the 65-pound pit bull.

Sheriff Pazin states in the video, "These are rugged vicious animals that can just that quickly snap." According to Pazin, the babysitter tried to stop the attack by beating (or stabbing) the pit bull with a two prong barbecue fork. The dog eventually let go, and that's when the sheriff's office received a 9-1-1 call from the hysterical babysitter. She dropped the phone and tried driving the little boy to the hospital, but was pulled over by a deputy for driving erratically.

She literally handed the blood soaked toddler to Deputy Cardenas, who performed first aid until the ambulance arrived to take the toddler to a hospital. The boy was later flown to Children's Hospital Central California where he was pronounced dead. The pit bull, who reportedly belongs to the "babysitter's fiance's parents," is now under quarantine at the Merced County's Animal Shelter. Police are investigating whether any criminal charges will be filed.

In the 3-year period of 2006 to 2008, 14% (12) of the fatal attacks involved a "watcher," a person such as a grandparent or babysitter watching a child between the ages of 0-4.

1Colten Smith's age was initially reported as 17-months old and the spelling of his name as "Colton."

21 thoughts on “2009 Dog Bite Fatality: 19-Month Old Boy Killed by Pit Bull-Mix at Babysitter's Home”

This is the second vicious pit bull attack in Delhi this month.

On Oct. 1, a 28-year-old Delhi woman was attacked by a 60-pound pit bull at Shanks Road and Letteau Avenue, less than a mile away from this attack. The woman was treated for several lacerations at Emanuel and her dog recovered from a bite to its neck.
—
http://www.mercedsunstar.com/108/story/1130169.html?storylink=omni_popular

HOW MANY TIMES WILL THIS BE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN???? HOW MANY INNOCENT CHILDREN ARE EXPENDABLE???

I think the term "Freak Accident" is NOT GOING TO WORK this time around! Negligence, negligence, negligence!

MANSLAUGHTER.

Here is another good link, especially for those "it's probably not a pit bull" naysayers.
http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=7080079

"I spoke to the babysitter's fiancé. He says the pit-bull actually belongs to his parents who just recently moved into this home with the young couple. He says he had never noticed it acting aggressively in the past."

And of course the obligatory, "Not my dog" and "never showed aggression before" line of B.S.

Of course they did not know the dog was dangerous. This is why they have a WARNING SECURITY DOG! sign on their fence!

Tomorrow is apparently "pit bull awareness day" where all the nutters gather to praise pit bulls. I kinda doubt pit bulls will be getting "good media" tomorrow.

Not very Nanny-like….

Human DBRF number 77 since Jan 1, 2005.

Disgusting!! When is this going to end? When is this going to get NATIONAL attention? Why aren't we seeing more new stories on the Today show and other morning national news shoes? The Nightly News???!!

I wonder what the Pit Bull Community DBRF total would be if the breed wasn't regulated in 500 US Cities and Towns?!?

I want to know why it is that the pit bull apologists are often these young, caucasian, women, idiots who say through their bug eyed ignorance that the dogs can't be blamed? Of course they are to be blamed they are a breed that was created to fight and kill other dogs. They have unique traits that can kill on an impulse. I wish someone would take that little broad who is speaking to the camera in this film clip and turn her loose in the backyard with this same dog.

Add Barbeque Fork to list of devices used to stop Pit attack…Also, in the recent Level 5 attack on the A/C Officer, he doused the dog with gasoline to make it release.

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=7083990

sheriff says this is just an "unfortunate accident".

A podunk county that FAILS to grasp the larger picture of the State of California which has prosecuted LANDMARK dog mauling cases (the deaths of Diane Whipple and Nicholas Faibish). 6 months from now and every year forward, the parents of this child will WISH prosecutors locked this babysitter in a cell and threw away the key. A "Security" pit bull dog that lives outside with a WARNING sign posted on the fence is NOT AN "UNFORTUNATE ACCIDENT."

"The dog belongs to Gustavo Garcia and Martha Carrera, the future in-laws of the sitter, Deputy Tom MacKenzie said in a news release. The owners were in the process of moving from their home in Stanislaus County and left the dog at the sitter's house for a little more than a week before the attack occurred, MacKenzie said."
—
http://www.ksbw.com/news/21442269/detail.html

Letter: Pit bull attack

"Editor: I was astounded to hear about the toddler who was killed Friday morning by the pit bull near Shanks Road. I don't know why it is so difficult to reason that vicious dogs and tiny bodies don't mix. Are these dog owners so insecure that they can't rely on their own strength to protect themselves? I was working outside in the Shanks Road area on a night shift last year. I was saved only by a canal. I'm sure I would have lost my life if the pit bulls had been able to catch me.

These attacks have been going on for years now. These dogs are not necessary if people have a little self-confidence."
—
http://www.mercedsunstar.com/opinon/story/1137938.html

Loosing Colten was far more than unfortunate! It is devasting and horrific. It has rocked our family to the core. The only unfortunate thing in that news report was that pitbulls and that woman were given time to try and make people love and understand pit bulls. It is the dog's fault. They are a breed that can kill and will kill. Not every one will, but why take the chance?? Is it ever really worth the life that just one can take? They need to do something about these dogs. RIP Colten James we love you and miss you!

peedro 123, we are so VERY sorry for your loss. Please be aware that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Amazingly ( or maybe not) it just happened again today in Prescott, Arkansas…2 yr old toddler Matthew Hurt killed by a pit bull.

Terrible Pit Bull apologist piece here:

http://www.mercedsunstar.com/local/story/1137920.html

I wonder if Delise gets paid by the word or the mauling?!? No mention of who bred and sold this mauler and whether they are still producing pups.

Peedro113, I am so so very sorry for your loss of little Colton. Please know that so many of us are praying for your family, and are in 100% agreement with you on your position. God be with you in your healing.

I am a family friend of Breann (Colten's mother) and I used to own a pit bull. After this horrific event I have been educating people of the dangers of owning such a dangerous animal. How dare anybody suggest that we should risk any child/adult's life because "it isn't the breed it's the owner" shame on any one who believes that Colten's life was unimportant and that owning this type of dog holds more importance than the safety of your loved ones and strangers (as in this case) for that matter!!!

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Trigger on October 24, 2009 at 2:17 am said:

This is the second vicious pit bull attack in Delhi this month.

On Oct. 1, a 28-year-old Delhi woman was attacked by a 60-pound pit bull at Shanks Road and Letteau Avenue, less than a mile away from this attack. The woman was treated for several lacerations at Emanuel and her dog recovered from a bite to its neck.
—
http://www.mercedsunstar.com/108/story/1130169.html?storylink=omni_popular
bluesmom on October 24, 2009 at 2:24 am said:

HOW MANY TIMES WILL THIS BE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN???? HOW MANY INNOCENT CHILDREN ARE EXPENDABLE???
Anonymous on October 24, 2009 at 2:39 am said:

I think the term "Freak Accident" is NOT GOING TO WORK this time around! Negligence, negligence, negligence!

MANSLAUGHTER.
Felony on October 24, 2009 at 2:52 am said:

Here is another good link, especially for those "it's probably not a pit bull" naysayers.
http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=7080079

"I spoke to the babysitter's fiancé. He says the pit-bull actually belongs to his parents who just recently moved into this home with the young couple. He says he had never noticed it acting aggressively in the past."

And of course the obligatory, "Not my dog" and "never showed aggression before" line of B.S.
Trigger on October 24, 2009 at 3:00 am said:

Of course they did not know the dog was dangerous. This is why they have a WARNING SECURITY DOG! sign on their fence!
Anonymous on October 24, 2009 at 4:00 am said:

Tomorrow is apparently "pit bull awareness day" where all the nutters gather to praise pit bulls. I kinda doubt pit bulls will be getting "good media" tomorrow.
Anonymous on October 24, 2009 at 9:22 am said:

Not very Nanny-like….

Human DBRF number 77 since Jan 1, 2005.
Anonymous on October 25, 2009 at 2:52 am said:

Disgusting!! When is this going to end? When is this going to get NATIONAL attention? Why aren't we seeing more new stories on the Today show and other morning national news shoes? The Nightly News???!!
Anonymous on October 25, 2009 at 10:05 am said:

I wonder what the Pit Bull Community DBRF total would be if the breed wasn't regulated in 500 US Cities and Towns?!?
Anonymous on October 26, 2009 at 12:50 am said:

I want to know why it is that the pit bull apologists are often these young, caucasian, women, idiots who say through their bug eyed ignorance that the dogs can't be blamed? Of course they are to be blamed they are a breed that was created to fight and kill other dogs. They have unique traits that can kill on an impulse. I wish someone would take that little broad who is speaking to the camera in this film clip and turn her loose in the backyard with this same dog.
Anonymous on October 26, 2009 at 10:46 am said:

Add Barbeque Fork to list of devices used to stop Pit attack…Also, in the recent Level 5 attack on the A/C Officer, he doused the dog with gasoline to make it release.
cravendesires on October 27, 2009 at 6:16 am said:

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=7083990

sheriff says this is just an "unfortunate accident".
Anonymous on October 27, 2009 at 4:08 pm said:

A podunk county that FAILS to grasp the larger picture of the State of California which has prosecuted LANDMARK dog mauling cases (the deaths of Diane Whipple and Nicholas Faibish). 6 months from now and every year forward, the parents of this child will WISH prosecutors locked this babysitter in a cell and threw away the key. A "Security" pit bull dog that lives outside with a WARNING sign posted on the fence is NOT AN "UNFORTUNATE ACCIDENT."
Trigger on October 28, 2009 at 12:12 am said:

"The dog belongs to Gustavo Garcia and Martha Carrera, the future in-laws of the sitter, Deputy Tom MacKenzie said in a news release. The owners were in the process of moving from their home in Stanislaus County and left the dog at the sitter's house for a little more than a week before the attack occurred, MacKenzie said."
—
http://www.ksbw.com/news/21442269/detail.html
Trigger on October 28, 2009 at 4:45 pm said:

Letter: Pit bull attack

"Editor: I was astounded to hear about the toddler who was killed Friday morning by the pit bull near Shanks Road. I don't know why it is so difficult to reason that vicious dogs and tiny bodies don't mix. Are these dog owners so insecure that they can't rely on their own strength to protect themselves? I was working outside in the Shanks Road area on a night shift last year. I was saved only by a canal. I'm sure I would have lost my life if the pit bulls had been able to catch me.

These attacks have been going on for years now. These dogs are not necessary if people have a little self-confidence."
—
http://www.mercedsunstar.com/opinon/story/1137938.html
peedro123 on October 28, 2009 at 3:48 pm said:

Loosing Colten was far more than unfortunate! It is devasting and horrific. It has rocked our family to the core. The only unfortunate thing in that news report was that pitbulls and that woman were given time to try and make people love and understand pit bulls. It is the dog's fault. They are a breed that can kill and will kill. Not every one will, but why take the chance?? Is it ever really worth the life that just one can take? They need to do something about these dogs. RIP Colten James we love you and miss you!
bluesmom on October 28, 2009 at 9:06 pm said:

peedro 123, we are so VERY sorry for your loss. Please be aware that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Anonymous on October 29, 2009 at 1:19 am said:

Amazingly ( or maybe not) it just happened again today in Prescott, Arkansas…2 yr old toddler Matthew Hurt killed by a pit bull.
Anonymous on October 29, 2009 at 6:53 am said:

Terrible Pit Bull apologist piece here:

http://www.mercedsunstar.com/local/story/1137920.html

I wonder if Delise gets paid by the word or the mauling?!? No mention of who bred and sold this mauler and whether they are still producing pups.
FoolMeOnce on October 29, 2009 at 4:04 pm said:

Peedro113, I am so so very sorry for your loss of little Colton. Please know that so many of us are praying for your family, and are in 100% agreement with you on your position. God be with you in your healing.
Anonymous on January 12, 2010 at 12:25 am said:

I am a family friend of Breann (Colten's mother) and I used to own a pit bull. After this horrific event I have been educating people of the dangers of owning such a dangerous animal. How dare anybody suggest that we should risk any child/adult's life because "it isn't the breed it's the owner" shame on any one who believes that Colten's life was unimportant and that owning this type of dog holds more importance than the safety of your loved ones and strangers (as in this case) for that matter!!!