A pit bull owned by a family in New Jersey fatally attacked their three-month-old son, Daymon Jair Balbuena, at their residence.
The tragic incident occurred on the morning of Saturday, March 9, 2024, in the Avenel area of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. According to sources, the baby was alone in his room and began crying, which presumably attracted the pit bull.
By the time the family became aware of the situation, the pit bull was already in Daymon’s room, attacking him. Sierra Kelley, 21, Daymon’s mother, tried to intervene but was subsequently attacked by the dog. The father, 27-year-old Henrylee Balbuena, also sustained injuries while attempting to assist.
The Woodbridge Police responded to an emergency call around 6:17 a.m. Upon their arrival, they found that Daymon had succumbed to his injuries.
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, now leading the investigation, reported that the attack left Kelley with significant injuries, including cuts to her face, arms, and legs. The father was treated for unspecified injuries. Both parents received medical care at the hospital and were subsequently released. The pit bull was later euthanized by a veterinarian.
In response to this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was established to support the Balbuena family, which has so far raised over $15,000 to assist with funeral expenses. Kayla Gil, the organizer of the campaign, urged the community to support the family during this difficult time, adding that it’s an opportunity to show compassion and solidarity.
Daymon’s funeral was held on Friday, March 15. His obituary acknowledged the short, yet meaningful impact he had on his family, highlighting the lasting imprint he left during his brief time with them.
This incident marks the fifth publicized fatality involving a young child and a dog attack within four weeks in the US. Two-week-old Brayden Heery Burwell was killed by a family husky in Milford, Connecticut, on February 16, 2024. Following him, a four-year-old from Hartselle, Alabama, Beau Clark, fell victim to an Olde English Bulldogge pit bull mix on February 26, 2024. Duke Miller Whittington was fatally attacked by a Great Dane on February 29, 2024, in Monroe Center, Illinois. Lastly, two-year-old Mark Alan Partrain was killed by a neighbor’s husky and a German shepherd/golden retriever mix in New Hope, Alabama.
