According to a press statement from Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney Connie Pillich, the father of a 3-year-old Ohio child who was mauled to death by his dogs in late December is now being charged.
Two days after Christmas, Kingsley Wright was visiting her father’s apartment in Cincinnati when she was fatally attacked. A grand jury has now indicted her father, 45-year-old Warren Houston, on one count each of reckless homicide, endangering minors, and involuntary manslaughter.
According to the statement, “This is a heartbreaking and devastating case,” Connie Pillich stated. It is unacceptable for any family to experience such an unfathomable tragedy. Even though this tragedy cannot be reversed, we are dedicated to obtaining justice and accountability.”
According to recordings that WXIX was able to get, Houston informed authorities, “I just woke up and my daughter is dead,” when he contacted 911 on December 27, 2024, at approximately 7:50 a.m. Blood is all over the place; I’m not sure what happened. I have no idea what happened. Additionally, he told dispatchers that the young girl was “tore apart.”
When he woke up, he discovered his child had been mauled, despite telling officers that his dogs—whom he claimed to be terriers—had been in cages.
In video that WLWT5 was able to obtain, an officer can be heard saying, “I think we’re going to need animal care to respond here to secure two dogs.”
Prior to this, Cincinnati Animal CARE told PEOPLE that they were summoned to the house on December 27 in order to take three canines out of the area. The fate of the animals is unknown.
According to WCPO, Houston is currently being detained at the Hamilton County Justice Center.
Kingsley was described in her obituary as “a happy girl with a beautiful laugh and smile.” Additionally, she “loved to sing and dance for her family, and always saw the positive and bright side of everything around her,” according to the notice.
