Location: Rochester, NY
Event: Fatal dog attack on infant
Suspects: Parents charged with manslaughter
Details: The parents of a 3-month-old infant who tragically died after being mauled by two dogs in Rochester are now facing legal consequences. The incident occurred on the Northwest Side of the city where 19-year-olds Sulamain Hawkins Sr. and Anastasia Weaver allegedly left their baby unattended in an attic while they went to consume drugs, as reported by Rochester police on August 3. Responding to a distress call about a dog attack at a residence on Bidwell Terrace around 1 p.m., authorities discovered the seriously injured infant, identified as Sulamin Hawkins Jr. The baby was rushed to Strong Memorial Hospital but succumbed to the injuries sustained in the attack.
Additional Context:
Investigations revealed that Hawkins Sr. and Weaver were not permanent residents of the house but had stayed the previous night in the unfinished attic. It is alleged that they left the sleeping infant alone on the attic floor to smoke marijuana downstairs. Upon returning, they found the baby in critical condition. The Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office classified the case as a homicide due to fatal injuries from the dog mauling incident. Hawkins and Weaver were apprehended and are facing charges of second-degree manslaughter, with their arraignment slated for August 22. Both dogs involved, initially identified as resembling pit bulls, were euthanized by authorities following the tragic incident.