PORTLAND, Ore. — A Multnomah County judge has found a Portland-area woman guilty in connection with the fatal dog attack that killed a 6-year-old boy in 2023, concluding a case that prosecutors say was preventable.
On January 23, 2026, Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Celia Howes convicted Koko Moe Miller on all charges, including criminally negligent homicide, maintaining a dangerous dog, and two counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment in the death of Loyalty Scott.
Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Charles Mickley, who prosecuted the case, described the loss as devastating.
“By all accounts, Loyalty Scott was a precious, loving, and beloved child,” Mickley said following the verdict. “This case is tragic in so many distinct ways, even more so because his unimaginably horrifying death could have been so easily prevented.”
According to court records, Miller had agreed in late November 2023 to care for Loyalty, the son of a longtime family friend, and take him to school the following morning. On December 5, 2023, while under her supervision, two of her dogs attacked and killed the child.
Investigators said the dogs—both Great Dane and Mastiff mixes—were significantly larger than the boy. Miller told a 9-1-1 dispatcher that Loyalty had opened the wrong door before the attack and had previously been warned not to do so.
However, a subsequent investigation by the Portland Police Bureau and Multnomah County Animal Control revealed a history of concerning behavior. Authorities found that Miller had previously owned large dogs involved in attacks on people and other animals. Evidence also showed she intentionally sought out dogs suited for personal protection rather than companionship.
Both dogs involved in the fatal attack had displayed prior aggression toward children, including Loyalty, investigators said. Despite those warning signs, prosecutors argued Miller failed to properly secure the animals while caring for the child.
The medical examiner determined Loyalty died from multiple bite wounds to the head, neck, and torso.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office credited investigators and support staff for their work on the case, noting the emotional toll it took on those involved. Officials specifically recognized lead detective Jennifer Musser for her thorough and compassionate investigation, as well as victim advocate Alie Aguilera for supporting the child’s family.
Portland, OR- Multnomah Circuit Court Judge Celia Howes sentenced Koko Miller to 26 months behind bars on April 24, 2026.
Miller was found guilty of Criminally Negligent Homicide, Maintaining a Dangerous Dog, and two counts of Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree.
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