Heather Rodriguez awaits sentencing after pleading guilty in the death of a toddler killed in a dog attack while in her care.
SAN ANTONIO — A woman who accepted a plea deal in connection with the death of a 1-year-old child is scheduled to appear in court Monday morning for a pre-sentencing hearing, according to court proceedings.
Heather Rodriguez pleaded guilty in a case tied to the October 2024 death of 1-year-old Jiryiah Johnson, who was fatally injured in a dog attack while in her care, according to court records.
Authorities said Rodriguez was babysitting the child at the time of the incident and left him in the home with her 13-year-old daughter and three dogs. Investigators said the child and teen were in a separate room when the dogs were able to get inside and attack them.
The teenager attempted to protect herself and the child during the attack, including trying to barricade themselves, but the child later died from his injuries. The teen was also injured in the incident.
Rodriguez was arrested two months after the attack and charged with attack by dog resulting in death, reckless injury to a child, and child abandonment and endangerment, according to authorities.
Prosecutors said she could face up to 14 years in prison under the plea agreement. Without the deal, she could have faced up to 20 years on the most serious charge alone.
During Monday’s hearing, the court is expected to review additional facts before a judge determines her final sentence.