BEXAR AREA, Texas — The parents of a 1 -year-old young boy who was struck and killed by 3 pet dogs last year have filed a $ 1 million claim against the dogs’ proprietor and a rental firm.
Erika Castro filed the suit as a representative for her child, Jiryiah Johnson, and his dad, Julian Johnson, on May 13 in the Bexar Region Area Court, documents show.
On Oct. 7, 2024, Heather Rodriquez was “handed over” to enjoy and take care of the child at her house, the suit states.
At some time, Rodriquez got called into job while watching the child and asked her 13 -year-old child to not go to school and look after Jiryiah Johnson by herself, the lawsuit says.
Throughout the mid-day, Jiryiah Johnson was upstairs with the teen where three “savage” pet dogs stayed, according to the lawsuit.
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said the dogs, that previously damaged the door, required their way into the area.
Authorities claimed the teenager tried to secure the 1 -year-old young boy, however it was a “tug of war” in between her and the 3 pet dogs.
The pets mauled Johnson. Authorities said the young adult was likewise attacked at the same time.
“After not successful surgery and life-saving efforts, Jiryiah ultimately caught his death that exact same evening,” the lawsuit states.
Blackstone Inc., the company that possesses and manages the home, is likewise listed as a defendant in the suit. TheTXLoop has actually reached out to the firm and has not heard back since Tuesday evening.
The legal action says the company “understood or need to have recognized of the dangerous dogs staying on their property that had eaten through the doors which postured a danger to the minor kids.”
“Accuseds understood or must have understood that the vicious pets developed an unreasonably unsafe problem in the home yet fell short to do anything out of anxiety of losing earnings,” the legal action states.
Castro is seeking a trial and temporary alleviation over $ 1 million for the wrongful death of her son, damages including medical bills and discomfort and suffering.
Steve Dummitt, Castro’s attorney, sent out TheTXLoop the following statement on Wednesday mid-day.
“My customers filed this legal action due to the fact that they are searching for solution to try to find some tranquility and closure after losing their child. This is a horrific misfortune and scenario not simply for my clients yet also for the little lady that did the best she might to attempt and conserve Jiryiah.
San Antonio has actually recently experienced an epidemic of deadly canine attacks and my customers hope that this legal action can not just bring awareness to the general public however stop the following strike from happening. With any luck, the City, the DA, and other enforcement authorities can take special focus to this concern and hold negligent dog owners and property managers responsible.”
Steve Dummitt
Rodriquez is encountering charges of child abandonment/endangerment, recklessly causing physical injury to a child and attack by dog causing death.
On Oct. 17, 2024, a court ordered the 3 dogs to be euthanized.
Rodriquez is awaiting test.
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