Olivia Floyd's grandparents face MURDER CHARGES after pet Rottweiler kills 'sweet' 7-year-old
AUGUSTA COUNTY, VIRGINIA: The grandparents of Olivia Grace Floyd, 7, who was mauled to death by their four-year-old Rottweiler, are now facing murder charges. Olivia was rushed to Augusta Health in an ambulance after authorities responded to an emergency call reporting a dog attack on January 29.
In addition to the seven-year-old, another unidentified woman was also a victim of the dog attack. The woman was treated and released later. A joint news release from the Waynesboro County Police Department and Waynesboro Commonwealth's Attorney's Office stated that Stephen Christopher Kachmar and Penny Lee Bashlor of Waynesboro were indicted.
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The couple was indicted by a special grand jury on May 13, Friday on charges of non-capital murder, involuntary manslaughter, child abuse, serious injury, cruelty/injury to a child, and vicious dog causing serious injury to person. All these are categorized as felonies. Kachmar, 60, and Bashlor, 64, face up to 70 years in prison. Currently, they are being held at the Middle River Region Jail without any bond.
Olivia's parents Brooks Anthony Floyd and Alicia Rene Floyd are facing charges of cruelty/injury to a child and are potentially facing a sentence of up to five years. Her father Brooks, 39, is being held at the same jail as her grandparents. However, her mother, 37, was released on a personal recognizance bond on Friday. It is unclear if all parties have obtained legal representation.
Olivia was a second-grade student at Wilson Elementary. In her obituary, her school described her as a "spunky, sweet and caring little girl who got along with everyone and loved life." The obituary also spoke of her love for cheerleading, gymnastics, dance, unicorns, and animals. Her favorite colors were pink and purple. Olivia is survived by her parents, grandparents, and her sister Ava Floyd.
A GoFundMe has been set up for the little girl who passed away tragically. It reads, "It is with a heavy heart that Mike and I reach out on behalf of Brooks and Alicia Floyd. Yesterday, (January 29th) they tragically lost their sweet, 7 year old daughter Olivia Grace. We are asking that you keep this precious family in your thoughts and prayers over the next few weeks and months. As Brooks, Alicia and little Ava navigate these difficult days ahead we are hoping to alleviate the financial burden of the funeral arrangements through this fundraiser. We are thanking you in advance for every single prayer, message sent, out pouring of love shown and donation given to this family during this unfathomable time." Three days later on February 1, it was updated, "There are times when the words "thank you" can seem so inadequate when trying to convey the full depths of gratitude." The GoFundMe has received over $29k at the time of publication.
Several social media users expressed outrage at the apparent injustice meted out to the family who lost a precious child. On Facebook, one user said, "This is ridiculous!! This family has been through enough. Leave them alone and let them grieve."
Another fumed, "Weren’t the parents out of town? How could they be charged?" Another added, "Wow. This is so sad. They’ve already lost their daughter and now this."