Multnomah County judge set to rule in Portland dog-mauling death of 6-year-old Loyalty Scott

Bench trial centers on whether the 2023 attack was foreseeable and preventable under Oregon law

A Multnomah County Circuit Court judge is expected to issue a ruling by Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2026, in the criminal case stemming from the fatal mauling of a 6-year-old boy in northeast Portland. The case is being tried without a jury, placing the decision on guilt or innocence solely with the judge.

The defendant, Koko Moe Miller, is charged with criminally negligent homicide, maintaining a dangerous dog, and two counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment. The charges arise from an attack that occurred on Dec. 5, 2023, at a home near Northeast 112th Avenue and Schuyler Street in the Parkrose Heights area.

What the court has heard about the morning of the attack

Trial testimony has described a routine morning arrangement in which the child, Loyalty Scott, was dropped off by his grandmother at Miller’s home before school. Evidence presented in court included video showing the child and Miller outside the home earlier that morning, shortly before the fatal incident.

Investigators and witnesses testified that the attack happened in or near the home’s garage area, where Miller kept dogs described in court as Great Dane–mastiff mixes. Police testimony described Miller as injured while attempting to stop the dogs. The child died at the scene.

The two dogs involved in the mauling were seized by animal control and euthanized the same day, testimony indicated.

Disputed question: warning signs and responsibility

Prosecutors have argued that the child’s death was avoidable and that risks were apparent before the attack. The defense has argued that there were no clear warning signs indicating the attack was inevitable and has emphasized Miller’s efforts to intervene during the incident.

Several trial witnesses addressed the dogs’ prior behavior and Miller’s past experiences with animals. Testimony included accounts of an earlier bite injury to Miller’s forearm attributed to one of the dogs, as well as a former neighbor’s account of a separate incident involving a dog previously owned by Miller that attacked and fatally injured a smaller dog years earlier.

Key issues the judge must decide

• Whether Miller acted with criminal negligence as defined by Oregon law, including whether the risk to the child should have been recognized and addressed.

• Whether the evidence supports the allegation that Miller maintained a dangerous dog under applicable standards.

• Whether the facts meet the elements for first-degree criminal mistreatment, which can involve failing to provide minimum care in circumstances that create a serious risk.

The ruling will determine whether the fatal attack results in a felony conviction, an acquittal, or a combination of outcomes across the charged counts.

The judge’s decision is expected to conclude the bench trial phase and clarify any next steps, including sentencing proceedings if convictions are entered.