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A seven-year-old Louisiana girl was mauled to death by a free-roaming pit bull while playing outside a relative’s home.
Sadie Davila, of East Baton Rouge, was rushed to the hospital after the dog attacked her Friday night and the girl died of her serious injuries. wafb reports.
The dog’s owner, Erick Chinchilla Lopez, 20, a neighbor of Sadie’s relative, was arrested and charged with negligent homicide for failing to confine or restrain the dog.
Sadie’s parents were devastated by their daughter’s death, and mother Haley Anselmo demanded justice for her shattered family.
‘My little me. The light in my heart,’ Anselmo wrote on Facebook when describing his daughter. ‘There are no words for what this feeling is.
‘My family is devastated. Please pray for us. Pray that they bring charges against the dog’s owners and hold them accountable.
Sadie Davila (left), 7, of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was mauled to death by a roaming pit bull Friday night. Her mother, Haley Anselmo (right), said her family is devastated and is demanding that the dog’s owner, Erick Chinchilla López, 20, hold her accountable.
Sadie, pictured with her father Mikey Davila, was playing outside a relative’s house when the pit bull attacked her. Police found that Lopez did not restrain the dog in any way.
Anselmo confirmed Sadie’s death after the girl was taken to hospital
Police investigate the scene along Kendalwood Road Friday night.
The attack happened around 6:30pm on Kendalwood Road, near Hoo Shoo Too Road.
According to the arrest report, Lopez’s home didn’t even have a fence or other barrier to keep the dog from wandering the streets.
The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office said a relative of Sadie’s tried to rescue her from the dog, but was unable to stop the vicious attack.
Animal Control was notified of the attack and has the dog in custody.
His father, Mikey Dávila, said he was left speechless by the tragedy that befell his family.
In an Instagram post sharing the news, Dávila wrote: “RIP my sweet 7 year old Sadie Elizabeth who was taken from us in the most violent way.” The world is a cruel place. You were the light in my heart.
EBR Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux joined the community in mourning the death of the first grader.
“This is a horrible and heartbreaking tragedy,” he told WAFB. “My heart goes out to this family, and they will remain in my prayers.”
EBR Parish School District staff described Sadie, who attended Woodlawn Elementary School, as a child who brought joy to her class.
In a heartbreaking post on social media, Mikey mourned the death of his daughter while posting photos of her playing at a local park.
Police said a relative tried to save Sadie, but was unable to stop the attacking dog. In the photo: Sadie with his father.
Teachers described Sadie as a kind-hearted girl who loved to sing for her classmates.
Her teacher, Grace Feucht, said in a statement: “Sadie was fierce and brave, but she was also tender and kind.”
‘She was fearless and sang her heart out in front of her classmates. She was a gift to me and she made me smile and laugh many times.
“Sadly, I expect our classroom to feel considerably emptier on Monday without your precious presence. I am very grateful to have had the honor of teaching him.’
District Superintendent Sito Narcisse added: ‘This news is devastating for our entire school community as young Sadie was blossoming at the dawn of her life and education with so much promise awaiting her.
“It is difficult to comprehend the enormous pain and remorse his family and friends are experiencing in the wake of this tragedy.”
Pictured: Police search for the pit bull that killed Sadie
López was arrested and charged with manslaughter for failing to confine or restrain the dog that attacked the seven-year-old girl.
“This is a horrible and heartbreaking tragedy,” Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said.
The dog that attacked Sadie is now in the custody of Animal Control