Tragic Death of Six-Year-Old Loyalty Scott: Trial Opens in Deadly Dog Attack Case

Multnomah County, Oregon – The community is mourning the loss of six-year-old Loyalty Scott, a joyful first grader whose life was tragically cut short in a deadly dog attack at a trusted babysitter’s home in December 2023. What began as an ordinary morning, when Loyalty was dropped off by his grandmother at the home of Koko Miller, instead became a heartbreaking tragedy.

According to court testimony, Miller kept two Great Danes, Carlos and Lola, confined to the garage. Moments after Loyalty arrived, a door was opened, allowing one dog inside, followed by the second. The attack happened in seconds, leaving Loyalty defenseless and unable to escape. Prosecutors allege Miller was aware the dogs posed a serious threat, citing prior incidents where one dog had chased a child and Miller’s husband described the animals as reacting to children “like predators to fast-moving objects.” The prosecution argued that Loyalty was placed in a clearly dangerous and preventable situation.

During the trial, the defense described the attack as a chaotic accident. Miller’s attorney said she rushed to pull the dogs away, attempting to stop them with her bare hands before retrieving a weapon. Investigators noted inconsistencies in Miller’s statements, including changing descriptions of the dogs’ temperament, and documented prior violent behavior, including attacks on Miller herself and previous nuisance dog convictions.

Loyalty’s grandmother testified that she believed the dogs were calm and securely contained, warning Loyalty not to open the garage door. She described him as kind and gentle around animals, never imagining such a horrifying outcome.