In a heartbreaking incident in Tullahoma, Tennessee, a 50-year-old man and his infant granddaughter lost their lives following a brutal dog attack on Wednesday afternoon. This tragic event unfolded in the 900 block of E. Warren Street, prompting a swift response from emergency services.

Authorities received a distressing call around 3 p.m., as reported by 14th Judicial District Attorney General Craig Northcott. The call described an “apparent mauling by pit bulls,” setting off a chain of events that left the community in shock.

Brian Kirby, a neighbor who had just returned from work, witnessed the distressing scene. He described seeing a woman frantically screaming in the street. With concern, Kirby approached her to offer help, but she dashed toward the back of the house, leaving him with a sinking feeling that something was terribly amiss.

Shortly thereafter, the wail of sirens filled the air, confirming Kirby’s fears. When law enforcement officials arrived, they were confronted with a horrifying sight. The dogs were actively attacking the infant. In a desperate bid to save her, the animals were put down. Tragically, it was too late for 50-year-old James Alexander Smith and his 3-month-old granddaughter, who were pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials reported that when law enforcement arrived at the scene, they observed the dogs attacking the infant. The dogs were reportedly killed to stop the attack, but two people—identified as 50-year-old James Alexander Smith and his 3-month-old granddaughter—were already deceased.

While Kirby said this was the first time he’s seen the dogs be violent toward humans, he said it isn’t the first instance of violence he’s seen. 

He said he saw firsthand the dogs were violent toward other animals. Kirby intended to make a police report a week prior, claiming they killed his beloved pet cat.

“I don’t believe that they thought this would ever happen,” Kirby said. “I’m sure it was not done on purpose. I think that people just have animals, and they just need to put them on a leash better; that’s all. And I’m not blaming them for what happened at all. I know that they’re devastated more than we are because it’s their family. It’s just hard to understand and wrap your head around it.”

Kirby brought his pet cat home eight years ago, and she still holds a special place in his heart.

“She was just a wonderful cat,” he said. “She was just an ideal cat, never made a mess; she was just a beautiful animal that I loved very much.”

However, Kirby hopes pet owners know taking care of animals includes loving them and putting them on leashes for safety. In addition, he hopes this situation never happens again.

“The police are limited; they can’t do much about it,” Kirby said. “I don’t believe they thought the dogs were dangerous. I believe they just had too many.”

According to Northcott, an investigation is ongoing to determine if there was a violent history with the dogs and other potential issues that “may have contributed to this situation.” He added that the dogs involved in the deadly attack have been euthanized and other dogs in the home were taken by Tullahoma Animal Control.

No decisions have been made when it come to criminal charges, said Northcott.

“This was an especially difficult and brutal scene,” Northcott stated in a press release about the incident. “Please pray for the family of the victims in this difficult time as well as the first responders as they cope with the trauma from what they witnessed.”

An investigation into the deadly attack is being led by the Tullahoma Police Department. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Investigator Jessica Taylor at 931-455-0530, Investigator Jason Williams or Investigator James Sherill with the District Attorneys Office at 931-723-5055.