An Ohio man pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter Tuesday, following the 2024 death of his infant son.
According to Marion County prosecutor’s office, on April 28, 2024, 6-month-old Royal Bates passed away after a pit bull mix named Kilo, who belonged to Blake Bates, mauled him to death at their home in Marion.
The prosecutor’s office announced in a statement Thursday that Bates pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and related charges, ABC 6 reports.
Prosecutors said the incident happened after the dog previously attacked a child in their neighborhood, but Bates ignored warnings about Kilo after being charged.
Royal had been in the home, unsupervised with another child, when the attack happened.
“The dog essentially crushed the child’s skull,” prosecutor Ray Grogan told People Magazine. “And as a result of that, the child’s brain was severely damaged.”
Kilo was subsequently euthanized. Additional pit bulls were found inside the home, Local 12 News reports.
“This guilty plea holds Bates accountable for a preventable horror that stole an innocent baby’s life,” Grogan said in a news release. “Bates knew his pit bull was dangerous, yet he gambled with this baby’s safety – recklessness that demands severe consequences.”
Royal’s mother, Alyssa Smith, has pleaded guilty to child endangering. She’s currently awaiting sentencing.
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Bates faces up to three years behind bars for the manslaughter conviction. He’s also facing sentencing for previous convictions on attempted escape and strangulation.
“Everyone is responsible for the dogs they own, and – for aggressive dogs – those owners must take extra precautions, especially around kids,” Grogan added.
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[Feature Photo: Royal Bates/Edwards Funeral Service, Hughes-Allen Chapel]
