An Indiana man, Austin Kinsey, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after his one-week-old son was mauled to death by the family dog at their home in Markle, Indiana.

The baby, Jason Anthony Weaver, died on September 4, 2025, after being attacked by Chomp, a five-year-old husky-pit bull mix.

According to police reports, the infant suffered more than 180 bite wounds, along with severe internal injuries including brain haemorrhages, fractured ribs and tears to his lungs. 

Kinsey told investigators that he had been playing video games in the same room as his son before briefly leaving to speak with other family members.

The baby’s grandfather, Timothy Kinsey, later heard noises from the room and found the dog dragging the infant. Police and emergency responders attempted to revive Jason with CPR, but he was pronounced dead.

Investigators also documented poor conditions at the family home, including accumulated rubbish, dirty clothes, unwashed dishes and insects. Authorities later declared the property unfit for habitation. 

Although relatives had reportedly described Chomp as gentle around the baby, court documents indicated that the dog had previously displayed aggression towards other animals and had bitten people.

The dog was subsequently euthanised.

Kinsey initially faced two counts of neglect and a separate charge relating to keeping a non-immunised dog that caused an injury. Under a plea agreement, the highest-level neglect charge was dropped.

He was sentenced to 16 years in prison on Monday.

Jason’s mother, Violet Weaver, is scheduled to appear in court later this month for a change-of-plea hearing, while cases involving the baby’s grandparents and uncle remain pending.