SAN ANTONIO, TX – In a harrowing incident that unfolded on Monday, a dog attack in a San Antonio home led to the death of a 1-year-old boy, identified as Jiryiah Johnson. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office released disturbing images from the scene, showing a residence in disarray, with signs of a violent encounter between the dogs and occupants.
Sheriff Javier Salazar expressed outrage, revealing that the dogs had shown aggressive behavior before. He criticized the homeowner, Heather Rodriguez, for exposing her child and another to known threats in the form of these animals. Rodriguez, 36, is facing multiple felony charges, including causing serious bodily harm to a child with intent. Her actions in leaving her 13-year-old daughter to supervise the infant have led to additional charges.
Despite the severity of the attack, the sheriff indicated that the charges remain as filed rather than being upgraded to murder, given the similar penalty ranges. In the tragic sequence of events, the teenager made a courageous attempt to save Jiryiah, struggling with the dogs to protect him. Despite her efforts, the animals overpowered her.
Efforts are underway to take control of the dogs involved in the attack. Authorities said one dog has been fully surrendered, while two others are in the custody of animal control.
The medical examiner’s office is currently conducting an autopsy on Jiryiah, while support services are being provided to his family. Sheriff Salazar noted that deputies initially couldn’t reach the children due to the dogs’ aggression. When Rodriguez returned, she reportedly obstructed efforts to seize the dogs and became protective of them.
Rodriguez’s prior warnings regarding the dogs, cited for escaping and causing public distress, highlight ongoing issues. Despite this, Sheriff Salazar argued that attributing blame solely to the breed is not appropriate, emphasizing the responsibility of dog owners in raising them properly.
Jiryiah’s parents, Julian Johnson and Erika Castro, devastated by their loss, shared their grief publicly. They recounted how Rodriguez, a trusted family friend, was left in charge while they were at work. The couple is leaning on their faith and community support to manage their sorrow, and a fundraiser has been established to aid with funeral expenses.