By Associated Press - Monday, July 6, 2020

JOLIET, Ill. (AP) - An Illinois toddler was attacked and killed by at least one pit bull while in a playpen during a holiday party, police said Monday.

The 17-month-old girl had bite marks “throughout her body,” Joliet police said.

The child’s parents were attending a July Fourth party Saturday and had placed her in a playpen in a bedroom.



Two pit bull mix dogs were locked in the basement but eventually got out, police said.

“The homeowner went upstairs to investigate a noise and located one of the dogs actively biting the toddler,” police said.

Officers were called around 1:30 a.m. Sunday. The child died at AMITA Health Saint Joseph Medical Center.

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