A father whose 16-month-old son was killed by a pit bull in Magnolia, is speaking out for the first time since the tragic incident.

Jeremy Valdez released a statement recently saying that he was, “deeply saddened from the tragic loss of his 16-month-old son, Jace Paul Valdez.”

Photo: Jace Valdez, shown with his father Jeremy, was killed by a pit bull at his grandparents’ home in Magnolia Jan. 14. His father has set up a memorial fund to raise awareness about the dangers of leaving children with large animals.

The statement, released by his attorney Nhan Nguyen, went on to say that the elder Valdez has created a fund at area Wells Fargo banks to support raising awareness of the risks of keeping small children around large animals.

“In the honor of the life of his son, Mr. Valdez, with the assistance of Wells Fargo Bank, has created a memorial fund to help with the costs associated with the burial and funeral of Baby Jace,” the statement said. “Proceeds from the fund will also go to help support the raising of awareness of the risks associated with leaving small children alone in the presence of large animals.”

Jace Valdez was left with his grandmother and the dog in Magnolia Jan. 14, while his mother went to visit friends in Spring. Sometime that evening the pit bull mauled the boy, who wasn’t found until the child’s grandfather arrived home later that night. The dog later lunged at a responding sheriff’s deputy who shot and killed it.

Detectives are still investigating the situation, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). Once the investigation is complete the case will be turned over to the district attorney’s office for review of possible charges.

“While Mr. Valdez has been informed that baby Jace was left alone and unsupervised in the presence of the pit bull, he is uncertain of many of the details surrounding the events,” Jeremy Valdez’s statement said. “Detectives are still investigating the facts of that night and whether or not criminal charges will be brought, if any, against any of the residents of the household where the fatality occurred.”

Jeremy Valdez had full custody of the boy for the past year, but allowed the mother to have visitation, according to Nguyen’s office.

Those who wish to donate to the memorial fund can do so at any Wells Fargo branch or online, using account number 1815588239 under the charitable contribution section at wellsfargo.com.

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