In Rochester, New York, what began as an ordinary evening for a young couple ended in unthinkable tragedy. Sulamain Hawkins Sr. and Anastasia Weaver, both 19, are facing manslaughter charges after their three-month-old son, Sulamain Hawkins Jr., was fatally mauled by two dogs while left alone in an attic on August 3, 2024.
The couple was staying at a home on Bidwell Terrace in Rochester, where they had lodging in the attic of a multi-family residence. According to Rochester police, the parents left their infant son sleeping on the floor in the attic while they went downstairs to smoke marijuana. The two dogs, described as “pit bull type,” were left in the attic with the sleeping baby.
When Hawkins and Weaver returned to check on their son, they discovered a horrifying scene: the baby had been attacked by one or both of the dogs. The infant sustained severe injuries and was immediately rushed to Strong Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the case a homicide, citing the fatal injuries sustained from the dog attack. Hawkins and Weaver were subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter. The two appeared in Rochester City Court, where they pleaded not guilty.
The dogs involved in the attack were euthanized by Rochester Animal Services, a decision that authorities stated was necessary given the severity of the incident. A six-week-old puppy was also found in the home but was not involved in the attack.
The incident has shocked the local community, with many questioning how such a tragedy could occur. “This is a heartbreaking situation,” Rochester Police said in a statement. “The parents’ decision to leave a defenseless infant alone with two large dogs, while they engaged in recreational drug use, was reckless and ultimately led to this tragic outcome.”
The conditions in the attic where the family was staying were described by prosecutors as “deplorable.” The lack of proper care and concern for the child’s safety has been a focal point of the investigation. “They were aware of the risk posed by the dogs but chose to ignore it,” prosecutors alleged during the arraignment.
The case has garnered widespread media attention, with many outlets highlighting the dangers of leaving young children unattended with animals, especially breeds known for their strength. However, some defense attorneys have suggested that the incident was a tragic accident, with no malicious intent on the part of the parents.
Investigators say Hawkins Sr. and Weaver, who have been dating for several years, didn’t live at the house but knew the residents and spent the previous night in their unfinished attic.
The residents of the home have since been evicted, according to local reports. This eviction follows the grim discovery and the subsequent investigation by child protective services, the Rochester Police Department, and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.