Pit Bull Attacks: Tragedy & Grief After Fatal Baby Attacks

Could a family's beloved pet become an instrument of unimaginable tragedy? The tragic death of baby Elizah Turner, the latest victim in a series of devastating pit bull attacks, raises urgent questions about animal control, responsible pet ownership, and the inherent dangers some breeds may pose.

The horrifying incident unfolded at the family home, where Elizah, just an infant, was attacked by one of the family's three pit bulls. The scene quickly escalated into chaos as the baby was rushed to a nearby fire station. From there, she was transported to Nationwide Children's Hospital, but tragically, at approximately 11:43 AM, she was pronounced dead. The grief-stricken mother, Mackenzie Copley, of Columbus, Ohio, shared her raw emotions in a poignant Facebook post, her words echoing the pain of countless others: "I will never understand why!!!"

The investigation into this heartbreaking event is ongoing. Authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack, including the ownership of the dogs. The male pit bull involved, known as Ace, was approximately three years old. Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, the dog belonged to Makayla Stringer of Columbia, the sister of the baby's mother, Wendi Oxner of Foxworth. In February 2020, Stringer had attempted to rehome Ace, but that effort apparently proved unsuccessful. The dog had been previously caged near Tremont Avenue, details that investigators are likely scrutinizing.

This tragedy is not an isolated incident. The case of Elizah Turner is a stark reminder of a disturbing trend. According to reports, this incident marks the 50th known fatality in 2024 attributed to pit bulls, and the 20th in Ohio since the repeal of pit bull control laws. Columbus police and Franklin County Animal Control responded to the scene, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

In another instance, the case of Balbuena, who was only 93 days old when he was killed on Saturday, March 9, in the Avenel section of Middlesex County, serves as a painful reminder of the vulnerability of infants. He was mauled by the family pit bull, a tragedy that underscores the urgency of the situation. The Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office is investigating, hoping to determine the exact circumstances.

Adding to this, Mark Alan Partain's death was the fourth toddler fatality in a two-week span linked to dangerous dogs. Prior to this, Duke Miller Whittington, a victim of a Great Dane attack, died in Monroe Center, Illinois, on February 29, 2024.

The prosecutor's office, despite already possessing evidence, is calling on the public for help in identifying any other aggressive behaviors displayed by "Kilo," a male pit bull owned by a couple. Anyone living in the Miami Street area is urged to come forward with information.

The attack on Elizah is a heartbreaking example, in which body camera footage shows officers arriving at the scene at around 11:30 a.m., with the fatal pronouncement made minutes later at 11:43 a.m. Mackenzie Copley, the child's mother, and Kameron Turner, the heartbroken parents, shared their grief online, and are calling the tragedy "unfathomable." Chris Spargo, a senior reporter at People, who joined the crime team in 2025, has been covering this story.

The events are stark. The death toll paints a grim picture: more pit bull fatalities in 93 days than the total dog attack fatalities in any year before 2009. The dog attack death toll for the year has reached 21, with 19 attributed to pit bulls, one to two Cane Corsos, and one unwitnessed attack by unknown dogs. These statistics present a shocking reality, the kind of tragedy that makes one wonder how such a thing can happen.

The legal landscape and community response are significant. The repeal of pit bull control laws and the subsequent rise in attacks have prompted renewed debate. The focus is on animal control protocols, breed-specific legislation, and responsible pet ownership. The emotional fallout includes grief, anger, and a profound search for answers. Families are left grappling with the sudden and brutal loss of loved ones, while communities wrestle with how to prevent future tragedies.

The issue of rehoming aggressive dogs, as seen in Makayla Stringer's attempt, is a serious concern. The apparent failure in finding a new home for Ace, the pit bull involved in Elizah's death, underscores the challenges. When an animal shows signs of aggression, the options for responsible owners are limited. It highlights the importance of thorough behavioral assessments, and responsible placement.

The investigation into the attack on Elizah and others is ongoing. Investigators are piecing together the events leading up to the tragedy, including the dog's history, the home environment, and any prior incidents. The aim is to determine accountability and to identify potential contributing factors. The focus is on determining if there were any prior warnings or signs that could have prevented the attack.

The legal ramifications are complex. There may be criminal charges related to negligence, endangerment, or even homicide, depending on the circumstances and jurisdiction. The investigation into Kilos past aggression, further complicates matters. The actions taken, and the consequences, will shape the legal landscape.

The stories of these victims, like Elizah Turner, Balbuena, Duke Miller Whittington, and Mark Alan Partain, are a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safeguarding our communities, and the importance of responsible pet ownership.

The emotional impact on families cannot be overstated. Mackenzie Copley, like countless others, is left grappling with the unimaginable loss of a child. The grief shared on social media is a testament to the depth of human connection and the pain of bereavement. The community is working to provide support.

For further information and in-depth reporting, you can refer to the following reputable news source:

People.com

Note: The provided information is based on the text supplied and may be subject to updates as the investigations continue.