An aggressive dog was killed near the child, but investigators have not determined whether it caused her fatal injuries.
GRAHAM, Wash. — A 5-year-old girl was found dead Thursday evening at a rural property in Graham after her grandmother reported her missing, and investigators are working to determine whether the child was killed by a dog or another large animal.
Pierce County sheriff’s deputies responded at about 6:11 p.m. Aug. 13 after the girl disappeared while she and her grandmother were visiting a family friend. Authorities said the child had injuries consistent with an attack by a large animal, but no one reported seeing or hearing an attack. The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office is responsible for determining the official cause and manner of death.
The girl was last seen outside at the property before her grandmother realized she was missing. Authorities said she had been gone for roughly 10 minutes before the grandmother called 911. Because the home was surrounded by a wooded rural area, family members initially feared the child might have wandered into the woods or possibly been taken.
Deputies began searching the property after arriving and found the girl within a short time. An aggressive dog was near the child and prevented deputies from approaching her, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies shot and killed the animal so they could reach the girl and try to provide aid. The child was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detective Josh Mills of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office said the girl’s wounds were consistent with an attack involving a large animal. Investigators emphasized, however, that finding the dog near the girl did not establish that it was responsible for her death. Authorities said there were no known witnesses to whatever happened to the child.
The dog belonged to the family friend whose property the girl and her grandmother were visiting, investigators said. Authorities also said the child had previously been around the dog without a reported incident and that the sheriff’s office found no documented history of aggressive behavior involving the animal. Neighbors identified the dog to local media as a cane corso, though investigators have focused on evidence rather than assuming the dog caused the injuries.
Investigators are considering whether the dog was responsible or whether another animal could have injured the girl. The rural setting includes wooded areas where wildlife may be present, and officials said they did not want to reach a conclusion before medical and forensic evidence could be examined. Authorities also were investigating the broader circumstances surrounding the child’s injuries.
The medical examiner took custody of the girl’s body for further examination. Investigators also were examining evidence connected to the scene and the dead dog as they sought to determine what happened during the short period when the girl was missing. Officials had not publicly released a final medical examiner finding establishing what animal, if any, inflicted the fatal injuries.
The child’s name had not been publicly released in the reports reviewed. Authorities said she was from Spanaway and was visiting the Graham property with her grandmother. The family had been preparing to go camping when the girl disappeared, according to local reports.
No arrests or criminal charges had been announced as of the latest public reports. The investigation remains open while authorities await medical and forensic findings that could determine the cause and manner of the girl’s death and clarify whether the dog found beside her was involved.
Author note: Last updated August 18, 2026.