Three arrested in Tennessee after fatal dog attack on man and infant

In Tullahoma, Tennessee, officers responding to a residence in December 2025 found James Smith and his three-month-old granddaughter deceased, while family dogs continued to assault the infant’s body. Authorities arrested Zaccahae Smith, Sylvia Smith and Tilesia Baugh, charging the former with second-degree murder and the latter two with several counts of child abuse and neglect, including aggravated abuse. The investigation is ongoing to determine if the dogs were the cause of death or if they attacked after the victims had already died.

The household was known to keep seven dogs, which neighbors said had a history of chasing cats and other pets but had never attacked humans. Community members expressed shock, noting the dogs had never displayed aggression toward people before the tragedy.