Marion County Grand Jury Indicts Parents in Infant’s Death from Dog Attack

Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan, recently announced an indictment against parents involved in the fatal dog attack of their infant child last year.

The Marion County Grand Jury has brought felony charges against Blake Bates and Alyssa Smith, the parents involved in the death of their 6-month-old infant due to a vicious dog attack.

The incident occurred on April 28, 2024, at the couple’s home on Miami Street in Marion.

The Marion County Grand Jury charged Blake Bates and Alyssa Smith with Involuntary Manslaughter, Child Endangering, and Reckless Homicide.

Both Defendants were arraigned yesterday on the charges. Smith is being held on a $50,000 bond and Bates is being held on a $100,000 bond.

Grogan and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mark R. Weaver will prosecute these two defendants.

The case will be heard by Common Pleas Court Judge Todd Anderson. Each of the defendants faces up to 11 to 16 ½ years in prison if convicted on all counts.

Anyone who lives in the Miami Street area and has information about previous aggressive behavior of the family’s pit bull “Kilo” should contact Marion Police Lt. Dylan Reese.