In a tragic case from Marion, Ohio, Blake Bates has changed his plea to guilty in connection with the death of his six-month-old son, Royal, who was fatally attacked by the family pit bull mix, Kilo. The incident, which occurred on April 28, 2024, has drawn significant public attention and raised questions about dog ownership responsibilities and child safety.
The police were called to Bates’s home after Kilo attacked Royal when the infant rolled off the couch. Royal’s seven-year-old sister was watching him as their mother, Alyssa Smith, was occupied in another room. The attack resulted in severe injuries, with reports indicating that Kilo had ripped open the baby’s skull. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, Royal was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Blake Bates faced multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, and various child endangerment offenses. In a previous development, Smith had pleaded guilty to child endangerment and agreed to testify against Bates. This cooperation appears to have influenced Bates’s decision to shift his plea to guilty, as prosecutors noted the strength of the evidence against him and the potential for a harsh jury reaction.
The case has a troubling history, as both Bates and Smith were warned about Kilo’s aggressive behavior a year prior to Royal’s death. Video footage revealed a prior incident where Kilo had attacked another child but without leaving significant injuries. Despite this warning, the couple reportedly failed to take adequate precautions, raising serious concerns about their responsibility as pet owners.
Further complicating the situation, family members testified that Bates had been engaging in practices that may have increased Kilo’s aggression, such as withholding food. These allegations highlight a broader issue of accountability in pet ownership, especially when children are involved.
Following the deadly attack, Kilo was euthanized by the Marion County dog warden. The warden, who had previously warned Bates and Smith about the dog, was dispatched to the home to remove Kilo after the incident. Eyewitness accounts from that day describe a chaotic scene with Bates expressing concern over losing his dog rather than the gravity of the situation involving his son.
Prosecutor Mark Weaver stated that Bates had limited defenses available, especially given the evidence of prior warnings about Kilo’s behavior. He emphasized that while Bates did not intend for the tragedy to occur, his reckless actions warranted accountability.
As the case moves forward, Bates faces significant prison time as a result of his guilty plea. He had been in and out of jail previously, primarily due to unrelated domestic violence charges. The court’s decision to accept his plea is seen as a fair resolution, considering the circumstances surrounding the case.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership, particularly for breeds known for aggressive tendencies. Experts reiterate the importance of ensuring that dogs, especially those with known behavioral issues, are kept away from young children.
The death of baby Royal Kilo is a tragic loss that underscores the need for vigilance and responsibility among pet owners, especially in homes with young children. As the community mourns the loss, it is hoped that this case will serve as a cautionary tale for others.
