Three people have been arrested after a 2-year-old girl in Arkansas was killed when her neighbor’s dog dragged her into the woods and attacked her.
The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office announced in a Tuesday, August 4, press release that Earnest Jackson, Christina Hart and MaKayla Jackson were all arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a minor after Celeste Jackson was killed in March.
Deputies reported to the scene on March 28 after they received a report of an “animal attack involving a 2-year-old girl.”
Authorities added in the statement that the dog believed to have been involved in the attack is now in the custody of the Pulaski County Animal Control Division.
According to an arrest report obtained by the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette, a loose dog that lived near the victim’s family’s home attacked Celeste and dragged her into the woods before it mauled her to death.
Celeste had allegedly been left unattended for an extended period and she was eventually discovered alone by an Amazon driver. Police officers wrote in the affidavit that the area where Celeste was found is known to have multiple stray dogs, as well as wandering drug users.
While Earnest and MaKayla share a last name with Celeste, it’s not currently known how all three defendants are related to the victims or how they’re connected to the crime.
It’s not currently clear if Earnest, 54, Hart, 41, and MaKayla, 21, have entered a plea or retained legal counsel following their arrests.
The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Us’ request for comment regarding the case.
Following Celeste’s death, her grandmother, Shawnda Jackson, set up a GoFundMe to help the family with funeral expenses.
“My family is facing an unimaginable loss. My precious granddaughter, Celeste Jackson, was only 2 years old when her life was tragically taken in a dog attack. My daughter Angel is struggling to cope with this heartbreak, so my son and I are taking care of all the funeral arrangements to spare her any additional stress,” Shawnda wrote. “The expenses have been overwhelming and completely unexpected, and we are reaching out for help during this difficult time.”
Shawnda went on to call Celeste “a very smart baby who brought so much joy to our lives.”
“She loved watching Ms. Rachel, Bluey, and Stitch, and her bright spirit touched everyone who knew her. Our family is having a hard time processing this loss, and we are doing our best to support each other as we grieve,” she wrote. “Any support you can give—whether it’s a donation or keeping us in your prayers—means the world to us. Thank you for helping us honor Celeste’s memory and give her the farewell she deserves.”
