Toddler fatally mauled by pit bull identified

A 17-month-old Delhi toddler fatally attacked by his babysitter's pit bull on Friday has been identified as Colton Smith, according to Deputy Tom MacKenzie of the Merced Sheriff's Department.

On Friday morning the 65-pound dog attacked the boy while his babysitter was watching him.

When deputies finally caught up with the woman on her way to the hospital she told them the dog had bitten Colton's throat and dragged him around the yard. She rescued the baby after stabbing the dog repeatedly with a fork.

The boy was airlifted to Valley Children's Hospital in Madera, where he died soon after arrival.

The boy's body was returned to Merced for further investigation by the county coroner on Friday.

The identity of the babysitter will not be released until the Merced County District Attorney's office decides if criminal charges will be filed.