Local Man Charged in Toddler's Mauling Death

Graphic testimony heard in third day of trial for Cincinnati father accused in daughter's fatal dog attack

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:39pm

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A canine expert, forensic pathologist, and homicide detective took the stand on the third day of trial for a local man charged in his 3-year-old daughter Kingsley Wright's mauling death. Graphic testimony was heard, including details from the 911 call where the father, Warren Houston, expressed panic and remorse over the attack by his two dogs.

Why it matters

This tragic case has raised concerns about pet ownership responsibilities, especially when young children are involved, as well as questions around the mental state and actions of the parent charged in the incident.

The details

The forensic pathologist who conducted the autopsy on Kingsley said she suffered massive blood loss and significant trauma to her head, neck, and face from the dog attack. Detectives played the 911 call where Houston is heard saying 'Her mom is gonna kill me' and 'This has got to be a [expletive] nightmare. This has got to be a [expletive] nightmare. I can't. She trusted me with this girl baby.' A canine expert testified that the dogs were kept in a single cage, which could have created anxiety and competition between them, increasing the likelihood of aggressive behavior.

  • The attack occurred on April 12, 2026.
  • The third day of the trial was on April 15, 2026.

The players

Kingsley Wright

The 3-year-old victim who was fatally mauled by her father's two dogs.

Warren Houston

The father of Kingsley Wright who is charged in her mauling death.

Michael Pennington

A canine expert who testified about the conditions that may have contributed to the aggressive behavior of the dogs.

Jeff Smallwood

The homicide detective who testified and played the 911 call from Warren Houston.

Chris Lipps

The assistant prosecuting attorney questioning the witnesses.

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What they’re saying

“Her mom is gonna kill me”

— Warren Houston

“This has got to be a [expletive] nightmare. This has got to be a [expletive] nightmare. I can't. She trusted me with this girl baby”

— Warren Houston

“They were on the couch. Cookie was just kind of sitting there, almost kind of looking at Chevy of what that dog was doing to the victim”

— Michael Pennington, Canine Expert

What’s next

Prosecutors anticipate having two more witnesses testify before resting their case on Thursday.

The takeaway

This tragic case has raised serious concerns about pet ownership responsibilities, especially when young children are involved, as well as questions around the mental state and actions of the parent charged in the incident.