2-year-old boy attacked, killed by dogs in Valdosta, police say

VALDOSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – On Saturday, Valdosta Police Officers, Valdosta Firefighters, and South Georgia Medical Center Emergency Medical Services responded to a residence for a 2-year-old child who had been attacked by dogs.

When first responders arrived at the house, they found that the child dead.

Valdosta Police Department Detectives and Crime Scene personnel arrived and began the investigation.

Through investigation, detectives determined that 48-year-old Stacy Wheeler Cobb, was running an unlicensed daycare at her residence.

Earlier in the day, the victim’s mother had taken him to Cobb’s residence for her to watch him for the day.

For over two hours, the child was not attended to, as Cobb stated that she was taking a nap and thought the child was as well.

During the time span that the child was left unattended, authorities say it appeared that he was able to get outside into the backyard.

Once outside, the toddler reportedly opened the kennel that housed two large Rottweiler dogs, which allowed the dogs to get out and attack the child.

Cobb was arrested and taken to Lowndes County Jail. She has been charged with murder in the 2nd degree (felony) and cruelty to children in the 2nd degree (felony).

The victim was the only child at Cobb’s house when this incident occurred, but on most days, she has around ten children at her home.

Lowndes County Animal Control Officers took custody of the two Rottweilers, as well as a third dog that was at the residence.

This investigation is ongoing so no further information will be released. Detectives are continuing to process evidence, so more charges will be forthcoming.

“This is a horrible and tragic event that should have never occurred, but because of negligence on this offender’s behalf, a mother has tragically lost a child. I want to express our department’s deepest sympathy to the family. No words will ever ease their pain, but our hearts go out to them during this unimaginably difficult time. I also keep our first responders in my prayers, as they continue processing their response to this tragic scene.” Said Chief Leslie Manahan, Valdosta Police Department.