6-year-old killed by dogs while visiting family friend, cops say. Now woman charged

A woman whose dogs killed a 6-year-old boy visiting her home has been indicted by a grand jury in the death, Oregon police reported.

The boy’s grandmother dropped him off at the home of a family friend who was going to take him to school Dec. 5, KPTV reported.

But when Koko M. Miller, 56, of Portland, entered her garage to tend to her two dogs, the boy followed her and was attacked, KOIN reported. He died and the dogs were euthanized.

Police said Miller tried to save the boy from the dogs.

“She did everything in her power to stop the attack, at one point even grabbing a gun,” PPB spokesperson Mike Benner told KGW in December, following the attack. “She did everything she could to save this boy’s life.”

Following an investigation by police, a grand jury indicted Miller on charges of criminally negligent homicide, maintaining a dangerous dog and two counts of criminal mistreatment, the Portland Police Bureau said in a July 24 news release.

What to know about dog attacks

“Dog bites can cause pain, injury, and spread germs that cause infection,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. “Nearly 1 in 5 people bitten by a dog requires medical attention.”

Any dog can bite if they feel scared or nervous, or if they want to be alone. You should never approach a dog that seems angry or scared, the CDC said.

If an unfamiliar dog comes up to you, officials say you should:

• Stay calm and be still.

• Avoid eye contact with the dog.

• Don’t panic or make loud noises. Don’t run.

• Say “no” or “go home” in a deep voice. Stand with the side of your body toward the dog.

• Slowly raise your hands to your neck and back away slowly.

This story was originally published July 25, 2024 at 12:05 PM with the headline "6-year-old killed by dogs while visiting family friend, cops say. Now woman charged."