The bench trial has begun for 57-year-old Koko Miller, charged after two of her dogs fatally attacked her friend’s 6-year-old grandson on Dec. 3, 2023, in Portland. Prosecutors say the death was "avoidable" and that Miller maintained dangerous animals; her attorney says she fought to protect the child and attempted to stop the attack. A medical examiner reported 25–50 cuts, fractures to nearly all facial bones and neck injuries. Two dogs were euthanized; a third was not involved. The trial is ongoing.
Oregon Woman Koko Miller On Trial After Two Dogs Fatally Mauled 6-Year-Old
GoFundMe; KPTV FOX 12Loyalty Scott; Koko Miller
The bench trial opened this week in Portland, Oregon, for 57-year-old Koko Miller, who is accused in the December 3, 2023, mauling death of a 6-year-old boy. Prosecutors say Miller maintained dangerous dogs and that the child's death was preventable; the defense says Miller fought to protect the child and attempted to stop the attack.
Charges And Allegations
Miller faces multiple criminal charges, including criminally negligent homicide, maintaining a dangerous dog, and two counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment. According to court records and local reporting, the attack occurred in Miller's garage in the Parkrose Heights neighborhood when two dogs described as Great Dane–mastiff mixes attacked the child.
What Happened
Portland police and news reports say the child, identified as Loyalty Scott, was pronounced dead at the scene. Miller sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital. Authorities later euthanized the two dogs involved; a third dog in the home was reportedly not involved in the mauling.
"His death was avoidable, and at some level, predictable," a prosecutor told the court during opening statements.
Miller told police the child opened the garage door and "he knew he shouldn't have opened the door," according to court records cited by local outlets. Her attorney, Ryan Corbridge, said Miller fought one of the dogs "for what felt like an eternity," put herself between the animal and the child, and ran to retrieve a firearm to try to stop the attack; when she returned the boy was already fatally injured, the defense says.
Injuries And Aftermath
Local reporting cites a medical examiner's findings that the boy suffered between 25 and 50 cuts, fractures to nearly all the bones in his face, and injuries to his neck. Family members and the community have mourned the loss: a GoFundMe campaign described Loyalty as a child who "always had a smile on his face."
Family Testimony
Loyalty's grandmother, Rena Scott, testified that she and Miller had been longtime friends and that Miller regularly agreed to take the boy to school before going to work. Scott said she had never observed aggressive behavior from the dogs and believed they would be kept in kennels while the child was present.
The bench trial is ongoing. Court testimony and evidence will determine whether Miller's actions—or alleged failures to act—meet the elements of the charges she faces.
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