Seven-Day-Old Baby Jason Anthony Weaver Dies After Dog Attack in Indiana Home
An Indiana father has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after his seven-day-old son died in a devastating attack by the family’s dog inside a home that authorities described as unsafe and severely neglected.

Baby Jason Anthony Weaver died on September 4, 2025, after suffering extensive injuries in the attack. His father, Austin Kinsey, was among six family members arrested following the infant’s death in Markle, Indiana.

Kinsey received his prison sentence on Monday as part of a plea agreement. Other family members continue to face charges connected to the case.

Grandfather Reportedly Discovers Infant Being Attacked
According to a police report obtained by WPTA, Austin Kinsey told investigators that he had been playing video games in the same room as his newborn son.

He reportedly left the baby briefly to speak with other family members. During that time, the child’s grandfather, Timothy Kinsey, heard unusual noises and entered the room.

The grandfather allegedly found the family dog, Chomp, dragging the infant. Police officers responded and attempted CPR, but the baby could not be saved.

Investigators reported that the newborn had suffered severe injuries, including trauma to his head and body, brain hemorrhages, fractured ribs, and lung injuries.

Family Dog Had Reportedly Shown Aggressive Behavior
Chomp was a five-year-old husky and pit bull mix. Family members reportedly described the dog as gentle around the baby, but court documents also indicated that it had displayed concerning behavior in the past.

According to investigators, relatives said the dog could become jealous, had acted aggressively toward other animals, and had bitten people previously.

One family member reportedly told authorities that a firearm was kept in the home in case the dog became dangerous.

Following the infant’s death, Chomp was euthanized.

Authorities Describe Severely Neglected Home
Investigators described the family’s home in rural Markle as being filled with trash, insects, dirty dishes, and clothing.

According to court documents, the conditions were so poor that authorities determined the property was unfit for habitation. Officials reportedly found insects on the baby’s car seat and said the amount of debris made it difficult to move through the house.

One responding officer described a strong smell of animals, trash, and dirt throughout the home.

The family was subsequently ordered to leave the property.

Father Receives 16-Year Prison Sentence
Austin Kinsey was initially charged with two counts of neglect and one count related to harboring a non-immunized dog that caused an injury.

The highest-level neglect charge was later dropped as part of a plea agreement. Under the deal, Kinsey received a 16-year prison sentence on Monday.

The sentencing followed the death of his infant son and the investigation into the conditions inside the family home.

Other Family Members Still Face Charges
The case involving the baby’s mother, Violet Weaver, remains active. She is scheduled for a change-of-plea hearing later this month.

The infant’s grandparents, Timothy Kinsey, Rita Wickey, and Michael Wickey, as well as his uncle, Tony Kinsey, also face charges, according to the report.

Their cases remain ongoing, and the allegations against them have not been resolved in court.

The death of Jason Anthony Weaver has raised questions about child safety, household conditions, and the responsibility of adults to protect vulnerable children from dangerous environments.

Course: NY Post