State and local officials are investigating the death of a small child in Hartwell Tuesday.
"I can confirm that the Hartwell Police Department requested that the GBI investigate the death of a 20-month-old," Georgia Bureau of Investigation Public Affairs Director Nelly Miles told AccessWDUN Tuesday night. "A child died as a result of injuries sustained from a dog attack."
While Miles did not release further details on the attack, the Associated Press said in a report Wednesday morning that the boy was mauled by two pit bulls.
Hart County Deputy Coroner Scott Boleman said the child was attacked in the backyard of a Hartwell home Tuesday. Boleman said the child's parents took him to Reddy Urgent Care, where he was pronounced dead.
Hart County Sheriff Mike Cleveland said the child lived at the home with the dogs. He said the dogs will be observed for the next 24 to 48 hours before being euthanized.
Authorities did not release the name of the child.
