A Louisiana man is facing charges for the death of a seven-year-old girl following a pit bull attack.
The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office says Erick Lopez, 20, has been charged with negligent homicide for failing to confine the dog.
"This is an awful, heart-breaking tragedy," Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said in a statement. "My heart goes out to this family, and they will remain in my prayers."
The attack happened Friday when Sadie Davila was playing outside of a relative's home. The dog "viciously attacked her," according to the probable cause documents obtained by CBS News.
The relative attempted to intervene, but the dog continued to attack. Davila was rushed to the hospital where she later died.
A medical examiner ruled Davila's death an accident, saying it was caused by the combined effects of blunt force and sharp force injuries from the attack, WAFB reported.
There was no fence or other barrier keeping the dog confined to the owner's home, police said. Lopez, who was not home at the time, admitted that the dog was "unrestrained" and "would often roam the neighboring property" where the attack occurred, CBS reported.
Responding law enforcement and animal control officers located the dog, which had blood around its face and mouth, and captured the animal, USA Today reported.
Davila was a first-grade student at Woodlawn Elementary, where her teacher Grace Feucht remains heartbroken.
"Sadie was fierce and spunky, but she was also tender hearted and kind," Feucht said in a statement to WAFB. "She brought energy and joy into my class every single time she stepped in the door. She was fearless and would sing her heart out in front of her classmates. She was a gift to me and made me smile and laugh many times. I sadly expect our classroom to feel considerably emptier Monday without her precious presence. I am so grateful to have had the honor of teaching her."
East Baton Rouge Parish Schools Superintendent Sito Narcisse said counselors would be made available to provide support for students and staff.
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