A Cincinnati father will serve at least five years in prison for the death of his daughter.
Warren Houston, who was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, and endangering minors, received a five- to 7.5-year sentence on Friday, according to a judge.
The judge also ordered Houston to be on probation for two to five years after he was freed from jail.
Houston’s sentencing stemmed from the death of his 3-year-old daughter, Kingsley Wright, who was mauled to death by her father’s dogs.
Judge Virginia Tallent determined that Houston ignored known, significant risks, including a damaged dog cage, evidence of a violent animal, and Kingsley being left on a couch with no barrier.
Houston closed his bedroom door and did not hear her screams. When he realized the dogs were loose, he didn’t go check on her.
“This was not a momentary lapse in judgment, sir,” Judge Tallent explained. “The reckless conditions identified by the court existed over a period of time and culminated in a death that cannot be reversed.”
3-year-old died of massive blood loss
The judge, rather than the jury, decided the verdict in Houston’s bench trial.
On December 27, 2024, Houston’s two pit bull terriers escaped from their cage and mauled Kingsley Wright, who was sleeping on the couch just feet away.
Houston and Colbert were sleeping in a bedroom down the hall, their door closed.
The attack lasted approximately 27 minutes. The coroner ruled that Kingsley died from a dislocated neck and blood loss.
‘Known risk’: Judge
Prosecutors claimed that Houston demonstrated reckless disregard for his daughter’s safety by allowing her to sleep in the same room as two dangerous canines confined in a single cage with a broken latch.
The judge concurred, stating in court that there was a “known risk” that the cage was inadequate.
Dogs had no violent history: Defense
His attorney described the attack as a tragic accident.
Houston argued that the dogs were nonviolent and that he was careful.
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