Woman Takes Plea Deal After Dogs Kill 1-Year-Old Boy in Her Care

Heather Rodriguez faces up to 20 years in prison for child endangerment charges.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:48pm

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A San Antonio woman has taken a plea deal after her dogs killed a 1-year-old boy who was in her care in October 2024. Heather Rodriguez was babysitting Jiryiah Johnson when she left him with her 13-year-old daughter, and the dogs forced their way into the room and mauled the child. Rodriguez is facing up to 20 years in prison on two counts of child endangerment.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the importance of proper supervision and safety precautions when caring for young children, especially around potentially dangerous animals. It also raises questions about liability and accountability when a caregiver's negligence leads to a child's death.

The details

According to the report, Rodriguez was supposed to be babysitting Jiryiah Johnson at her home in October 2024 when she left him in the care of her 13-year-old daughter. The dogs then forced their way into the room and mauled the 1-year-old boy. Rodriguez has now taken a plea deal and is facing up to 20 years in prison on two counts of child endangerment.

  • The incident occurred in October 2024.
  • Rodriguez is set to be sentenced in June 2026.

The players

Heather Rodriguez

A San Antonio woman who was babysitting a 1-year-old boy when her dogs killed him.

Jiryiah Johnson

The 1-year-old boy who was killed by Heather Rodriguez's dogs while in her care.

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What’s next

Rodriguez is set to be sentenced on the two counts of child endangerment in June 2026.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and proper supervision when caring for young children. It also raises questions about liability and accountability when a caregiver's negligence leads to a child's death.