A woman from Portland has been sentenced to more than two years in prison after her dogs fatally attacked a 6-year-old boy she was caring for, in a case that has drawn widespread attention and outrage.
Maximum Sentence in Child Mauling Case
Koko Miller, 57, received the maximum sentence of just over two years behind bars following her conviction for criminally negligent homicide and first-degree criminal mistreatment.
The ruling was delivered by Celia Howes, who emphasized that even the harshest penalty available did not feel sufficient given the circumstances of the case.
Details of the 2023 Fatal Attack
The victim, 6-year-old Loyalty Scott, was under Miller’s care on December 5, 2023. The boy, a first-grade student, had been left with Miller early in the morning while his grandmother went to work.
According to prosecutors, Miller’s two Great Dane mastiffs—Carlos and Lola—had a documented history of aggressive behavior, including prior fights and incidents involving the child.
On the day of the attack, Miller reportedly went to secure one of the dogs in the garage and instructed the child to remain inside. However, the boy opened a door and approached, at which point one dog attacked and the other quickly joined.
Authorities said the mauling lasted several minutes, with Miller attempting unsuccessfully to intervene and stop the animals.
Prosecution Highlights Negligence
Prosecutor Chuck Mickley argued that the tragedy was the result of clear negligence, pointing to the dogs’ history and the lack of proper precautions.
Court records indicate that Miller failed to adequately train or manage the animals despite being aware of their aggressive tendencies. Evidence also showed that one of the dogs had bitten Miller weeks before the fatal incident.
Controversial Statements and Lack of Accountability
During court proceedings, Miller’s statements drew criticism. Prosecutors said she repeatedly deflected blame and suggested the child was responsible for opening the door.
In recorded jail calls presented in court, Miller appeared dismissive of the charges and the seriousness of the situation.
Despite this, Miller told the court she lives with regret and wishes she could have prevented the tragedy.
Family’s Emotional Testimony
The victim’s family delivered emotional statements during sentencing, describing the devastating impact of the loss.
Loyalty’s grandmother spoke about the profound grief the family continues to endure, remembering him as a joyful and loving child.
Relatives said the incident has left lasting trauma that words cannot fully express.
Aftermath and Ongoing Impact
Both dogs involved in the attack were euthanized following the incident. Authorities also revealed that Miller had obtained the animals from a breeder specializing in protection dogs.
Despite being warned not to own dogs after the incident, officials said Miller later acquired another animal before her court arraignment.
Case Raises Concerns Over Dangerous Dogs and Child Safety
The case has reignited concerns around responsible pet ownership, especially involving large or aggressive breeds, and the safety of children in caregiving environments.
As the legal process concludes, the tragedy continues to serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of negligence and the importance of strict safety measures around animals.
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