Oregon woman receives prison sentence after fatal dog mauling

A Portland woman has been sentenced to 26 months in prison following the horrific death of a six-year-old boy entrusted to her care.

Koko Miller, 57, was convicted on charges of criminally negligent homicide, maintaining a dangerous dog, and two counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment.

The sentencing, which took place on Friday, follows a lengthy investigation into the events of 5 December 2023, when Loyalty Scott was killed by Miller's two Great Dane and Mastiff mixes.

The tragedy occurred shortly after Loyalty's grandmother, Rena Scott, dropped him off at Miller’s home before school.

Prosecutors revealed that as Miller was kennelling one of the animals, named Carlos, the boy opened a garage door.

Carlos, weighing 160 pounds, immediately attacked, soon followed by a second dog, Lola. Miller admitted to police that she was unable to stop Carlos and stood by as the animal mauled the child for 20 minutes.

Evidence presented in court included Facebook messages where Miller discussed seeking dogs for personal protection, alongside statements from her husband claiming Carlos viewed children as "toys that run."

Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Charles Mickley expressed the profound tragedy of the case, stating that the "unimaginably horrifying death could have been so easily prevented."

Loyalty was remembered as a "bright light" by his family and the community. Following the incident, both animals involved were euthanised.

Miller received the maximum possible sentence for her crimes under current guidelines. The grandmother had relied on the neighbour for childcare for several days before the fatal encounter occurred.