STORY SUMMARY>>>

The Honolulu Medical Examiner identified the victim of a dog mauling in Waianae late Saturday night as two month old Iokepa Liptak.

Honolulu Emergency Services spokesman Bryan Cheplic says the baby boy was taken to the hospital in critical condition where he was pronounced dead about a half hour later.

Cheplic says the infant’s 31 year old mother was also bitten by the animal, which police described as a family pet. She was taken to the hospital in serious condition and later upgraded to stable.

About 45 minutes later paramedics returned to the home at 86-137 Kakaiapola Street to treat a second woman who was bitten by the dog during the initial attack.

Police classified the case as an unattended death.

The Hawaii Humane Society took possession of the animal at around 4:30 Sunday morning after being contacted by police.

Society spokeswoman Kawehi Yim described the dog as a 40-pound female mixed breed. She says it will be kept at the Humane Society until police conclude an investigation. Yim said evidence gathered by HPD will help determine what happens to the animal, which could eventually be put to sleep.

Neighbors described the dog as a mixed breed pitbull, one of three or four dogs kept inside a kennel at the home.

A woman who lives next door says she heard Liptak’s mother scream for help at about 11:45 p.m.

“‘My baby, my baby's head was bit,’” - that's all I heard, said Jennifer Archer. “Then she goes, 'my baby, my baby got bit by a dog, call 911 - please help me somebody!’”

Parishioners at nearby Ark of Safety church on Farrington Highway say a family member of baby Iokepa attended services Sunday morning.

Associate Pastor Jadeen Meyers said the congregation has begun a prayer chain for victim and his family after hearing about the tragedy.

"All I can say is being a part of the Waianae community…we're praying for them and lifting them up," said Meyers.


Andrew may be reached at apereira@khon2.com or ph. 591-4263.