Her Dog Fatally Mauled a Neighbor’s 6-Year-Old Grandson for 20 Minutes. Now She’s Going to Prison

**Former Babysitter Sentenced After Fatal Dog Attack of Young Boy**

Koko Miller, a 57-year-old resident of Portland, Oregon, has been sentenced to 26 months in prison following her conviction for criminally negligent homicide and other charges linked to the tragic death of six-year-old Loyalty Scott. The ruling, issued on April 24, 2026, marks the conclusion of a harrowing case that has drawn significant public attention and highlighted concerns regarding dangerous animal ownership.

The case centres around an unfortunate incident that occurred on December 5, 2023, when Miller was Babysitting Loyalty. At the time, she was caring for the child at the behest of his grandmother, Rena Scott, who had been friends with Miller for many years. Miller had agreed to watch over Loyalty before school while Rena went to work, continuing a routine that had taken place without incident in the days leading up to the tragedy.

On that fateful morning, shortly after Loyalty was dropped off at Miller’s home, a 20-minute attack by Miller’s two large dogs, a 160-pound Great Dane/Mastiff mix named Carlos and another dog named Lola, commenced. Prosecutors reported that during this period, Miller attempted to intervene but was ultimately unable to regain control of her dogs.

The horrifying events of that morning unfolded as Miller allegedly tried to kennel Carlos. It was during this time that Loyalty opened the garage door, a breach of instruction given by Miller to remain indoors. Carlos responded by escaping and attacking the boy, with Lola joining shortly thereafter. Witness accounts detail a chaotic scene as Miller attempted to retrieve the dogs, reportedly choking Carlos in a desperate bid to stop the mauling before even attempting to use a firearm, which she claimed she could not bring to bear.

Initial police investigations uncovered that both dogs had exhibited concerning behaviours around children prior to the incident, raising questions about Miller’s responsibility as a pet owner. In a subsequent probe, it was revealed that Miller had reached out to breeders in search of dogs for personal protection and had expressed dissatisfaction with her dogs’ training, which only further fueled concerns regarding her capability to manage potentially dangerous animals.

Following a rigorous investigation, Miller was charged with various offences, including maintaining a dangerous dog and two counts of criminal mistreatment in the first degree, alongside the more severe charge of criminally negligent homicide. On January 23, 2026, Miller was found guilty on all counts after a trial presided over by Judge Celia Howes of the Multnomah County Circuit Court.

The emotional implications of this case extend beyond the legal ramifications. District Attorney Charles Mickley remarked on the unbearable loss endured by Loyalty’s family. “By all accounts, Loyalty Scott was a precious, loving, and beloved child. He was and is a very bright light. This case is tragic in so many distinct ways, even more so because his unimaginably horrifying death could have been so easily prevented,” said Mickley in a poignant statement following the sentencing.

In the aftermath of the incident, both Carlos and Lola were euthanised, effectively closing the chapter on Miller’s management of these animals. The developments surrounding this case have sparked discussions regarding animal control laws and responsibilities of dog owners, particularly those with breeds characterised by size and strength.

The court’s decision has been received with mixed feelings within the community, balancing feelings of justice for Loyalty and the sorrow surrounding the circumstances of his untimely death. As the community mourns, many are left grappling with the broader implications of this tragedy and what measures can be put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Koko Miller will now serve her sentence, reflecting on the consequences of her actions and the irrevocable impact they have had on a family deprived of a cherished young boy. As scrutiny continues to fall on cases of dangerous dogs, it remains to be seen what changes, if any, may occur in policy to address these tragic incidents, and how communities can enhance safety for children around potentially dangerous animals.