Parents charged in Rochester dog attack that killed baby

Rochester, NY — The parents of a three-month-old baby who was mauled to death by two dogs in the city's northwest side are now facing charges. Rochester police said 19-year-old parents Sulamain Hawkins Sr. and Anastasia Weaver left their baby alone on the floor of an attic on Aug. 3 while they went to do drugs.

At around 1 p.m., police were called to the home on Bidwell Terrace because a dog had been attacked. Emergency responders found three-month-old Sulamin Hawkins Jr. seriously injured. The baby was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital, where he died.

BACKGROUND: Rochester Police: 3-month-old boy dies from injuries after pit bull attack

Investigators say Hawkins Sr. and Weaver did not live in the home, but knew the residents and spent the night before in the unfinished attic. Hawkins Sr. and Weaver allegedly left the sleeping baby on the floor and went downstairs to smoke marijuana. When they returned, they found the baby unconscious.

The Monroe County Coroner's Office classified the case as a homicide due to injuries caused by a dog bite.

Hawkins and Weaver were arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter. Arraignment is scheduled for August 22.

According to police, both dogs, previously described as “pit bull-type dogs,” were euthanized.