Honk News (Wichita Falls, TX) – A couple from Texas is confronting serious charges after their pit bull reportedly attacked and fatally injured the 2-year-old girl they were meant to care for, leaving an 11-year-old in charge instead.
Deidre Wheeler and Lacharles Ramsey are confronting multiple allegations related to child endangerment and causing harm to a child. Authorities in Wichita Falls, North Texas, were alerted via a 911 call at approximately 5 p.m. on December 29 regarding an incident involving a pit bull and a child.
The young girl was found in a critical condition, suffering from severe bleeding and unresponsive, as detailed in a police affidavit for probable cause regarding the arrest. Emergency responders quickly transported the girl to the hospital, but medical staff later confirmed her passing.
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After a month of diligent investigation, the heartbreaking details of the situation have come to light. The affidavit reveals that Wheeler is a mother of six and, together with Ramsey, took on the responsibility of caring for two additional children, aged 2 years and 8 months.
She left the two children she was caring for at her house, where her older kids, aged 19 and 16, took on the babysitting duties from around noon until 4 p.m. Upon Wheeler’s return, she gathered the 16-year-old and 19-year-old to attend an event, while the 11-year-old was left in charge, according to the affidavit.
While the couple was away for 45 minutes, the pit bull managed to break free from the kennel and approached the 8-month-old. The other children successfully saved the 8-month-old from the dog. However, the pit bull subsequently turned on the 2-year-old. Wheeler and Ramsey arrived back home amidst the chaos, only to find that the child had sustained severe injuries. They jumped into their vehicle to rush the girl to the hospital and encountered emergency responders en route.
An 11-year-old informed authorities that she was preparing dinner for her siblings when she reached out to her mother, requesting her to return home due to the children being “out of control.” That’s when the dog escaped, according to the statement.
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Authorities discovered that the dog had previously escaped and had bitten another child approximately a year ago. Authorities reported that Ramsey and Wheeler left the children unattended and did not ensure proper supervision, even with a known aggressive pit bull in the home. Wheeler currently resides in the Wichita County jail with a bond set at $450,000, whereas Ramsey’s bond is established at $300,000.
The Wichita Falls Times Record News has reported that the dog has been put down. The identity of the victim remains undisclosed by officials.