A Mother Heard Her 3-Month-Old Daughter Crying and a Pit Bull Barking. Now She’s Charged in Infant’s Death

A tragic incident in Indiana has led to criminal charges against a mother following the death of her three-month-old daughter, Zaelynn Grove, who was fatally mauled by a pit bull. The attack occurred on April 3, 2025, in the family’s Brownstown home, located approximately 70 miles south of Indianapolis.

Paitlyn Grove, aged 25, is facing allegations of reckless homicide in connection with the tragic death of her infant daughter. The charges come shortly after a grand jury indicted Todd Banks, the owner of the pit bull involved in the attack, on similar grounds. Reports indicate that Zaelynn was sleeping in her parents’ bedroom when the incident took place.

At the time of the attack, Paitlyn Grove was reportedly preparing dinner while conversing with her grandmother over the phone. During this period, she heard her daughter crying and subsequently the barking of a dog. It was approximately three to five minutes after first hearing the cries that she went to check on Zaelynn and discovered her lifeless, prompting her to call emergency services.

According to the affidavit obtained by PEOPLE, Detective Clint Burcham from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office noted a scene of devastation when he arrived. There was a significant amount of blood visible on the bed where Zaelynn had been sleeping. Investigation revealed that the safety measures in place to prevent the dogs from accessing the bedroom were insufficient. A gate that was meant to secure the area was inadequately positioned and could not effectively block the doorway, which lacked a functioning doorknob for latching.

Witness interviews with the dog’s owner, Todd Banks, and his partner, Amanda, disclosed previous concerning behaviour by Simba, the dog involved in the attack. They noted that Simba had previously tried to interact with the infant, including an attempt to pick her up when she cried. In a chilling revelation, Banks reportedly stated during a 911 call that he had anticipated Simba would harm Zaelynn.

Following the attack, Simba was euthanised, while the second pit bull was returned to Banks at his request. Both Paitlyn Grove and Todd Banks have yet to be booked into custody but face serious repercussions if convicted. The charge of reckless homicide in Indiana is classified as a Level 5 felony, with Paitlyn potentially facing a maximum sentence of six years in prison.

Paitlyn’s circumstances are particularly heart-wrenching, as she is also a mother to three other children. The investigation and legal proceedings have drawn attention to the responsibilities of pet owners and caretakers in safeguarding vulnerable individuals, especially infants who may not be able to protect themselves.

The situation has raised broader concerns regarding the presence of pit bulls in domestic settings, as well as the adequacy of safety measures to protect children from such pets. The local community has expressed shock and sorrow over this incident, mourning the loss of a young life and hoping for appropriate actions to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

As the investigation continues, there are likely to be ongoing discussions about pet safety and the obligations of adults in environments where children interact with animals. The ramifications of this sad event highlight the critical need for vigilance and responsibility in safeguarding the wellbeing of children.

Further updates will be monitored as the case unfolds and as the involved parties face the legal processes ahead.