TULLAHOMA, Tenn. — A 50-year-old grandfather and his 3-month-old granddaughter were found dead in their Tullahoma home Wednesday, apparently mauled by the family’s pack of pit bulls, which neighbors say had a history of aggressive behavior.
James Alexander Smith was discovered inside the home while the infant was still being attacked by the seven dogs, according to the 14th Judicial District Attorney General. Police were forced to fatally shoot all seven dogs to reach the victims. By the time authorities reached her, the baby had already died. Investigators are working to determine whether the victims were killed directly by the dogs or if they were already deceased when the attack occurred.
“This was an especially difficult and brutal scene,” said Attorney General Craig Northcott. “Please keep the victims’ family and our first responders in your thoughts as they cope with the trauma of what they witnessed.”
Neighbors described the scene as horrifying. Brian Kirby, who said the same dogs had killed his cat just a week earlier, arrived home to find the baby’s mother screaming in the street before she ran back into the house. Kirby told FOX 8 that the dogs had attacked other animals in the neighborhood, including his own pets, but he never imagined they would harm humans.
“I’m sure it was not done on purpose,” Kirby said. “People just need to be more careful with their animals. It’s hard to understand and wrap your head around, but I know the family is devastated.”
Rebecca Adams, who lives across the street, said the infant’s mother was crying out “my baby” as emergency responders swarmed the home. She added that the pit bulls had frequently broken free from the yard to chase neighborhood pets. “I could see them being aggressive toward animals, but never did I think they would do that to the kids,” she said.
Tullahoma Animal Control has taken custody of the surviving dogs. Authorities are reviewing the dogs’ history of aggression and any prior involvement from the Department of Children’s Services.
The family’s home has been condemned due to its condition, and a GoFundMe has been set up to support them. Officials have not yet said whether criminal charges will be filed.