The parents of the three-month-old infant mauled to death by two pit bull-type dogs earlier this month in the city of Rochester have been arrested.
Anastasia Weaver and Sulamain Hawkins Sr., have been charged with second-degree manslaughter in connection with the death of their infant son, Sulamain Hawkins Jr. The two are scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday in Rochester City Court.
Sulamain Jr., who was severely injured on August 3rd at a Bidwell Terrace residence, was found by police and fire personnel who responded to an emergency call. Despite being rushed to Strong Memorial Hospital, the baby could not be saved.
Authorities reported that Weaver and Hawkins had been staying overnight in the unfinished attic of a multi-family home on Bidwell Terrace, where they were not residents but occasionally spent time as associates of the actual residents. On the day of the incident, they left Sulamain Jr. sleeping on the attic floor with two pit bull-type dogs while they went downstairs to smoke marijuana. Upon returning, they discovered the child unresponsive, having been attacked by the dogs.
The dogs were being held at the city animal shelter during the police investigation and have since been euthanized after a court order was granted.
The Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, Child Protective Services, and the Rochester Police Department have been conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death.
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