Tennessee grandfather, 3-month-old mauled to death by 7 pit bulls
06 Dec 2025

A tragic incident occurred in Tullahoma, Tennessee, the United States of America, where a 50-year-old grandfather and his three-month-old granddaughter were killed by their own pack of seven pit bulls, the New York Post reported.

The attack happened on Wednesday afternoon at their home on Warren Street. The victims were identified as James Alexander Smith and his infant granddaughter.

When Tullahoma Police arrived at the scene, they "observed the pitbulls actively mauling the infant."

Neighbor witnesses chaos, recalls previous dog attacks
Community response

Neighbor Brian Kirby witnessed the chaos upon his return home from work.

He saw the infant's mother screaming for help before she ran back into the house.

Kirby had previously seen these dogs attack other animals in the neighborhood, including his own pet cat, a week earlier.

"I don't believe that they thought this would ever happen," he said, adding that he wasn't blaming the family for what happened.

Investigation underway to determine cause of death
Ongoing investigation

The police had to shoot the dogs to stop the attack. The statement issued by Northcott's office described the scene of the incident as "brutal."

"The dogs were killed to stop the attack," the police said.

Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities are now investigating whether both victims were alive during the attack or if they were already deceased before being mauled by their own pets.

Dogs euthanized, investigation continues into family's history
Legal proceedings

The dogs involved in the attack have been euthanized. Other dogs in the home are now with Tullahoma Animal Control for further assessment.

The district attorney's office is investigating whether there was any past violent history with these or other dogs in the home.

No decision has been made yet on potential criminal charges related to this incident.

Community rallies to support victims' family amid tragedy
Community support

In light of this tragic incident, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover funeral and memorial expenses for the victims' family. The page asks people to pray for the family during this difficult time.

Attorney General Craig Northcott described the scene as "an especially difficult and brutal scene," urging prayers for both the victims' families and first responders who witnessed this horrific event.