A tragic case in Wichita Falls has led to serious charges against a local couple after a toddler was fatally attacked by a dog. Following an investigation, a Wichita County grand jury has indicted Deidre Jo Wheeler and Lacharles Demaio Ramsey in connection with the child’s death, according to court records.
The heartbreaking incident took place on December 29, 2024, at the couple’s home in the 1000 block of Wesley Drive.
What Are the Charges?
According to the indictments returned on April 16, 2025:
- Deidre Jo Wheeler, 35, was indicted on one count of injury to a child and seven counts of abandon/endanger a child.
- Lacharles Demaio Ramsey, 36, was indicted on six counts of abandon/endanger a child.
Both are currently being held in the Wichita County Jail. Wheeler’s bail was set at $450,000, while Ramsey’s bail totals $300,000. Ramsey is also being held without bail on a separate forgery charge.
Injury to a child is classified as a second-degree felony in Texas and carries a possible punishment of two to twenty years in prison. Abandoning or endangering a child is a state jail felony, punishable by 180 days to two years in a state jail facility.
It’s important to remember that anyone charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Details About the Incident
Court documents state that Wheeler was caring for a 2-year-old girl, her 8-month-old sibling, and her own six children when the attack occurred. She told investigators that the family’s pit bull broke free from its kennel and attacked the toddler.
Wheeler and Ramsey claimed they pulled the dog off the child and tried to drive her to the hospital but were intercepted by police before reaching it.
However, troubling details surfaced during the investigation. According to forensic interviews with the children in the home, neither Wheeler nor Ramsey was at the residence when the attack happened. They allegedly returned later and intervened once the attack was underway.
Adding to the concerns, investigators learned that the same dog had previously attacked a 5-year-old sibling about a year earlier. The animal was euthanized after this recent deadly attack.
Surveillance footage and witness testimony further confirmed that both adults were away from the home for roughly 45 minutes, during which time the fatal attack occurred.
Wheeler and Ramsey were arrested on January 27, 2025, following a deeper investigation into the case.
Moving Forward
This case has deeply shaken the Wichita Falls community, reminding everyone of the heavy responsibilities involved in childcare and pet ownership. As the legal process continues, many are hoping for justice for the young life lost.
The names of the toddler and her sibling have not been released publicly out of respect for the families involved.