A tragic child death case out of Ohio has ended with a father being sentenced to prison after his 3-year-old daughter was mauled to death by his dogs inside his apartment.

Warren Houston was sentenced on May 22 after being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide and child endangerment in connection with the death of his daughter, Kingsley Wright.

According to prosecutors, the fatal attack happened on December 27, 2024, while Kingsley was visiting her father at his Cincinnati apartment. Authorities said Houston and his girlfriend were asleep while two pit bull terriers attacked the toddler for nearly 30 minutes.

Investigators revealed the dogs were being kept in a cage with a broken latch, despite concerns that at least one of the animals was dangerous. Prosecutors argued that allowing Kingsley to sleep in the same room as the dogs showed a reckless disregard for her safety.

The child died from severe injuries, including a dislocated neck and massive blood loss.

During sentencing, Judge Virginia Tallent said the tragedy was not a simple accident or a “momentary lapse in judgment.” Instead, she described the unsafe conditions in the apartment as ongoing and preventable.

“You failed to take reasonable steps to ensure her safety,” the judge told Houston in court.

Houston was sentenced to five to seven and a half years in prison, followed by probation after his release.

The emotional hearing also included a heartbreaking statement from Kingsley’s mother, Gina Smith, who said her life has felt empty ever since losing her daughter.

“Every morning is the beginning of a new nightmare for me,” her statement read. “All I see now is a meaningless existence, without purpose, where there once was purpose — Kingsley.”

Family members remembered Kingsley as a joyful little girl who loved singing, dancing and making people smile.