7-Year-Old Mauled To Death By Pit Bull, Victim Suffered 'Substantial' Damage From Dog Bites

A 7-year-old Louisiana girl was mauled to death by a pit bull while she played outside of a relative's home.

Sadie Davila, a first-grader at Woodlawn Elementary in Baton Rouge, was attacked on Friday by an unleashed dog. A relative attempted to save her by hitting the pit bull with a cane during the attack but was unsuccessful.

Davila was rushed to the hospital where doctors revealed she suffered "numerous dog bites to her face and substantial damage to her skull," according to a police affidavit.

Hours later, Davila succumbed to her injuries and died at the hospital. In preliminary autopsy reports, the medical examiner's office ruled Davila's death accidental.

She is believed to have died from a combination of blunt and sharp force injuries as a result of the dog attack.

"My sincere condolences are extended to Sadie's family and friends," the coroner said in the statement.

Erick Chinchilla Lopez, 20, was arrested on a count of negligent homicide in Davila's death.

"I think everybody recognizes that this is just a terrible situation," Assistant Public Defender Margaret Lagattuta, Lopez's rep, said.

Lopez appeared in court on Monday where a judge acknowledged the defendant had no previous criminal record and has a full-time job. The judge set a $7,500 bond.

"It's a tragedy for everybody and just very sad," Lagattuta said. "Everybody's devastated. That poor little girl. I don't know what caused it. I don't think anyone knows why this happened yet."

Lopez, who lived in a mobile home approximately 150 yards from where Davila was attacked, told investigators he allowed the dog to roam around the neighborhood unleashed.

If released on bond, Lopez must move out of the Kendalwood Road trailer park and reside at a different address. He must also adhere to a curfew, cannot own any pets, and refrain from contacting Davila's immediate family.