Three people have been arrested months after a 2-year-old Arkansas girl was dragged into the woods and killed by a loose dog, authorities said.
Earnest Jackson, 54, Christina Hart, 41, and MaKayla Jackson, 21, were each charged with endangering the welfare of a minor in connection with the child’s death, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office announced on Aug. 4.
It was not immediately clear whether any of the suspects had entered a plea or hired attorneys to represent them.
Deputies were called to the scene on March 28 after receiving a report of an animal attack involving a 2-year-old girl.
Authorities told local station KATV that a neighbor’s loose dog grabbed the toddler and dragged her into a wooded area.
The little girl was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family members later identified the victim as Celeste Jackson in an online fundraiser created to help cover her memorial expenses.
“Celeste was a very smart baby who brought so much joy to our lives,” the family wrote.
“She loved watching Ms. Rachel, Bluey, and Stitch, and her bright spirit touched everyone who knew her.”
The family said they were struggling to comprehend the devastating loss while attempting to support one another through their grief.
“Our family is having a hard time processing this loss, and we are doing our best to support each other as we grieve,” the fundraiser stated.
As of Aug. 5, the fundraiser was approaching its $5,000 goal for Celeste’s memorial expenses.
Authorities have not released additional details about the dog, who owned it or the specific allegations against each of the three people charged.
