Pit bull attack case still open

By: Staff | Orange County Review
Published: October 16, 2009

An investigation into an Orange County toddler's death after a dog attack has been stalled until the child's family agrees to comply, according to authorities.
Orange County Commonwealth's Attorney Diana Wheeler said the investigation is on hold until the family of 23-month-old Jasmine Deane, who died after being attacked by the family's pit bull, agrees to cooperate with the investigation led by local child protective services and police. Deane was the daughter of Johnny Deane and Kristy Fincham of Beech Tree Road in Orange County.
"The investigation by child protective services and the sheriff's office is continuing and will continue until the family cooperates," Wheeler said. "They are not cooperating with the investigation into their child's death. Until they cooperate, we cannot finish the investigation."
According to Orange County Sheriff Mark Amos, Deane wandered out of the house Sept. 27. while her mother was preoccupied. Amos said family members searched for the child after noticing she was missing. She was discovered outside, with severe wounds, near the family's pet pit bull.
"[An officer] responded to the call and found that the child was unresponsive and had multiple trauma injuries covering the body," Amos said.
The girl was transported to UVa Medical Center but was pronounced dead later that night.
The dog, which had been with the family for 10 years, was surrendered to animal control officers the night of the attack, and later euthanized.