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Wilmington Today
By the People, for the People
Dogs that killed 3-year-old kept in broken cage near her
Prosecutors say father failed to secure dangerous pitbulls that mauled his daughter to death
Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:05pm
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A broken cage latch exposes the tragic consequences of irresponsible pet ownership.Wilmington TodayA 46-year-old Ohio man is on trial for involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment after his two pitbull terriers escaped from a broken cage and fatally mauled his 3-year-old daughter in December 2024. Prosecutors say the dogs were kept in a cage with a defective latch near where the girl was sleeping, and the father failed to properly secure the dangerous animals.
Why it matters
This tragic case highlights the risks of keeping powerful, aggressive dog breeds in close proximity to young children, as well as the responsibility of pet owners to ensure the safety of their animals and those around them. It also raises questions about the adequacy of Ohio's laws governing dangerous dogs and child welfare.
The details
According to prosecutors, Warren Houston's two pitbull terriers, weighing 37 and 52 pounds, were kept in a cage with a broken latch near where his 3-year-old daughter Kingsley Wright was sleeping. On the night of the attack, the dogs escaped the cage and mauled Kingsley, who suffered fatal injuries. Prosecutors said one of the dogs, named 'Chewy', was more aggressive and had likely been used as a 'bait dog' in the past. Houston's girlfriend kept her own dog in a separate room, away from the caged pitbulls.
- On December 26, 2024, Kingsley went to sleep on a couch in Houston's Roselawn apartment.
- In the early morning hours of December 27, 2024, the dogs escaped the cage and attacked Kingsley.
The players
Warren Houston
A 46-year-old Ohio man charged with involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment in the death of his 3-year-old daughter.
Kingsley Wright
Houston's 3-year-old daughter who was fatally mauled by his two pitbull terriers in December 2024.
Chewy
One of the pitbull terriers owned by Houston, described as more aggressive and likely used as a 'bait dog' in the past.
What they’re saying
“'He failed to secure those pitbulls and the inevitable happened.'”
— Elyse Deters, Hamilton County Assistant Prosecutor
“'This was a tragic accident – just that, an accident.'”
— Tad Brittingham, Houston's attorney
“'I didn't know she was a human. I thought she was a Christmas toy.'”
— Officer Bobby Kidd, 27-year veteran of the police department
What’s next
The bench trial before Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Virginia Tallent is ongoing, and a verdict is expected in the coming weeks.
The takeaway
This tragic case highlights the critical importance of responsible pet ownership, especially when it comes to keeping dangerous dog breeds secure and away from vulnerable children. It also raises questions about whether Ohio's laws around dangerous dogs and child welfare are sufficient to prevent such devastating incidents.
