FAULKNER COUNTY, Ark. — According to the Faulkner County Sheriff's Office, a 9-year-old boy was reportedly killed by dogs owned by his family's neighbor in Mt. Vernon.
Deputies say they received a call Thursday, May 28 at 9:15 a.m. in reference to a boy who was missing from Mt. Vernon.
According to a press release from FCSO, the boy's mother advised deputies that her son Robby went outside to check the mail, but never returned. She looked for him and could not find him.
His mother also stated that she noticed several dogs running from a field near her home, according to the release.
Deputies say the boy was found in the field dead from an apparent dog attack.
After an investigation was conducted, 25-year-old Trey Wyatt, of Vilonia, was arrested for tampering with evidence and taken into custody for the dog attack.
He has been charged with negligent homicide after "failing to adequately supervise, control and confine the dogs" after past incidences with his dogs being violent and police getting involved, according to court documents.
Wyatt was also charged with multiple county animal ordinances, as well as four felonies for possession of illegal drugs and weapons.
Robby's family released the following statement:
“The Taylor Family is shocked and heartbroken over the loss of their son, Robby. They are outraged because this loss was entirely preventable, and especially because Robby’s sister had the grisly misfortune to find her brother’s body.
At this time, the family requests space to grieve the loss of a beloved son and brother, as well as prayers while they navigate this devastating time.”
Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Conway Animal Shelter, who took custody of two dogs.