NEWBORN JASON WEAVER WAS ONLY 7 DAYS OLD — FATHER SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS AFTER FAMILY DOG ATTACK

Jason Anthony Weaver had been in the world for just seven days when a family tragedy changed everything.

The newborn boy was at his family’s home in Markle, Indiana, on September 4, 2025, when he was attacked by the family’s dog, a five-year-old husky and pit bull mix named Chomp.

Now, one year later, the case has returned to the headlines after Jason’s father was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

A TRAGEDY INSIDE THE FAMILY HOME

According to court records, Jason’s father, Austin Kinsey, had been in the same room as his newborn son before briefly leaving to speak with relatives.

Soon afterward, Jason’s grandfather heard noises and discovered Chomp with the infant.

Emergency responders were called to the home. An officer attempted CPR until paramedics arrived, but Jason could not be saved.

An autopsy later documented extensive injuries, including serious internal trauma.

The details were devastating for a family mourning a baby who had only just begun his life.

QUESTIONS ABOUT CHOMP

Family members told investigators that Chomp had appeared gentle around Jason and would sometimes sit near the baby.

But court records also described a different side of the dog.

Relatives said Chomp could become aggressive toward other animals and had bitten people before. One family member had reportedly expressed concern about what might happen if the dog became aggressive again.

After Jason’s death, Chomp and other dogs were removed from the property.

The dog was later euthanized after being held at the Huntington County Animal Shelter. Officials said he showed no signs of rabies or aggression while at the shelter.

THE HOME WAS ALSO UNDER INVESTIGATION

Police records described extremely poor living conditions inside the home.

Investigators reported finding significant amounts of trash, dirty dishes, dirty clothing and insects.

The Huntington County Health Department subsequently determined that the property was not fit for people to live in and ordered the occupants to leave.

Those conditions became part of the wider investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jason’s death.

FATHER SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS

Austin Kinsey initially faced two counts of neglect of a dependent and a charge related to harboring a non-immunized dog that injured someone.

Under a plea agreement, the highest-level neglect charge was dismissed.

He pleaded guilty to lesser charges and was sentenced to 16 years in prison on September 14, 2026.

The sentence represents the first completed prosecution among several family members charged in connection with Jason’s death.

Jason’s mother, Violet Weaver, is scheduled for a change-of-plea hearing later in September.

Cases involving other relatives, including grandparents and Jason’s uncle, remain active.

A BABY WHO NEVER GOT THE CHANCE TO GROW UP

For all the legal proceedings and investigation details, Jason’s story ultimately comes back to one heartbreaking fact:

He was only seven days old.

His life had barely begun.

He never got the chance to take his first steps, start school, make childhood memories or grow up surrounded by the people who loved him.

Instead, his name became part of a case that has continued through courtrooms more than a year after his death.

And while the legal process continues for other members of the family, Jason’s loved ones are left remembering a tiny boy whose entire life lasted only one week.

Jason Anthony Weaver was here for just seven days — but his story continues to be remembered.