HE WAS ONLY 7 DAYS OLD — NEWBORN JASON WEAVER’S TRAGIC DEATH LEADS TO 16-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE FOR HIS FATHER

A FAMILY PET NAMED CHOMP ATTACKED THE NEWBORN — NOW THE BABY’S FATHER HAS BEEN SENTENCED

Seven-day-old Jason Anthony Weaver was at his family home in Markle, Indiana, when he was attacked by the family dog, a husky-pit bull mix named Chomp.

The tragedy happened on September 4, 2025, but the case has continued to unfold through court proceedings.

Now, nearly a year later, Jason’s father, Austin Kinsey, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after accepting a plea agreement connected to the infant’s death.

THE MOMENT EVERYTHING CHANGED

According to court records reported by 21Alive, Austin had been playing video games in the same room as his newborn son.

He briefly left the room to speak with his mother and Jason’s mother.

Soon afterward, Jason’s grandfather, Timothy Kinsey, heard noises coming from the room.

Police records state that he entered and found Chomp with the infant and immediately called for help.

Officers who arrived at the home reported extremely poor conditions inside the property, including trash, dirty dishes, dirty clothing and insects. The Huntington County Health Department later determined that the house was not suitable for people to live in.

THE FAMILY DOG HAD BEEN DESCRIBED AS “GENTLE” WITH JASON

Family members reportedly described Chomp as affectionate toward the baby.

But court documents also described the dog as jealous and aggressive around other animals, with previous incidents involving biting.

After the attack, Chomp was taken to an animal shelter. Records said the dog showed no signs of rabies or aggression while there.

Chomp was later euthanized.

AUSTIN KINSEY RECEIVES 16-YEAR SENTENCE

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

Under the plea agreement, the highest-level neglect charge was dismissed in exchange for a 16-year prison sentence tied to a lesser offense. He was sentenced on September 14, 2026.

Jason’s mother, Violet Weaver, has a change-of-plea hearing scheduled later this month.

Cases involving Jason’s grandparents Timothy Kinsey, Rita Wickey and Michael Wickey, as well as his uncle Tony Kinsey, remain active.

A CASE THAT CONTINUES TO UNFOLD

The tragedy has raised questions about supervision, living conditions and the risks surrounding an animal that family members reportedly knew could behave aggressively.

For Jason’s family, the legal proceedings continue nearly a year after the seven-day-old baby’s life came to a devastating end.