MARKLE — Six family members are in custody at the Huntington County Jail after being charged in connection with the horrific September 2025 dog mauling death of a 7-day-old infant.
Court documents filed last week reveal that investigators uncovered not only a hidden history of animal aggression but also “unsanitary and deplorable” living conditions inside the Markle home.
The victim was identified by the Huntington County Coroner as newborn Jason A. Weaver. According to investigators, the child was killed by a five-year-old Husky-Pitbull mix named Chomp.
Prosecutors have leveled varying degrees of felony neglect and misdemeanor charges against the child’s parents, grandparents, and an uncle:
- Austin Kinsey (26, Father): Level 1 felony neglect of a dependent resulting in death; Level 6 felony neglect of a dependent; and a misdemeanor count of harboring a non-immunized dog resulting in injury.
- Violet Weaver (24, Mother): Level 6 felony neglect of a dependent.
- Tony Kinsey (Uncle): Level 6 felony neglect of a dependent.
- Timothy Kinsey (Grandfather): Level 6 felony neglect of a dependent.
- Rita Wickey (Grandmother): Level 6 felony neglect of a dependent; infraction for harboring a non-immunized dog.
- Michael Wickey (Grandmother’s Husband): Level 6 felony neglect of a dependent; infraction for harboring a non-immunized dog.
On the evening of the attack, first responders arrived at the residence to find the 7-day-old infant in critical condition. Despite emergency efforts, the infant succumbed to his injuries. Family members at the scene initially told police that the newborn had been left alone in a living room car seat for “less than a minute” when the family dog attacked.
While authorities were initially told the dog had no prior history of aggression, the subsequent months-long investigation painted a far more negligent picture.
According to court documents, family members eventually admitted to police that they were aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies. The family had engaged in multiple group conversations about getting rid of the animal or having it put down before the baby’s birth. One family member explicitly noted to detectives that the father, Austin Kinsey, knew he should have removed the dog from the home, but “couldn’t bring himself to get rid of his best friend.”
Following the fatal attack, Chomp was surrendered to authorities and humanely euthanized.
The investigation into the newborn’s death exposed severe environmental neglect within the household. Authorities continually described the interior of the home as completely unfit for humans or animals, detailing rooms heavily accumulated with trash, debris, and widespread insect infestations.
Just days after the fatal mauling, local officials officially condemned the home, ordering all remaining residents to vacate the property immediately due to the hazardous environment.
All six suspects have been booked into the Huntington County Jail, awaiting their initial court appearances.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
