2-year-old killed when family’s dogs suddenly turn vicious, NC police say

Two dogs turned vicious without warning and killed a toddler in eastern North Carolina, according to police.

It happened around 1:30 p.m. Monday at a home on Star Street in Rocky Mount, about a 60-mile drive northeast from downtown Raleigh.

“Upon arrival, officers learned that a 2-year-old juvenile had been attacked by two family dogs, both described as pit bull mix breeds,” police said in a June 15 news release.

“First responders performed life-saving measures at the scene before transporting the juvenile to UNC Nash Hospital. Unfortunately, the juvenile was later pronounced dead at the hospital.”

The identity of the child has not been released. However, a fundraiser for funeral expenses reports the girl was named Raelynn Whitaker.

The dogs were surrendered to the Rocky Mount Animal Services Unit as part of an ongoing investigation. The Criminal Investigations Division and N.C. Department of Social Services are assisting with the investigation, police said.

Details of what prompted the attack have not been released.

This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 5:25 AM with the headline "2-year-old killed when family’s dogs suddenly turn vicious, NC police say."