Dalton parents arrested after toddler dies in car seat at home
MGN
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) — Two Dalton parents have been arrested and charged after their 22-month-old son was found dead in a car seat inside their home earlier this summer.
On June 5, 2025, police were dispatched to an apartment at 2822 Gregory Place at 4:00 p.m.
Kirsten Schmitt and Anthony Pedigo called 911 to report that their toddler, Grayson Pedigo, was unresponsive.
The child was rushed to a hospital but was later pronounced dead.
According to the Dalton Police Department (DPD), the parents said it was normal for them to buckle Grayson into his car seat and place it on the living room floor so he could watch TV while they were home.
Schmitt told officers that she was watching TV with the child before going into the bedroom to wake Pedigo for work, leaving Grayson alone.
Both parents said they remained in the bedroom for about 30 to 40 minutes.
When they returned to the living room, they found the child unresponsive.
The DPD said the child’s injuries appear consistent with having the seat belt and buckle around his neck.
Following an investigation with the district attorney’s office, police obtained arrest warrants Friday, September 19.
Schmitt and Pedigo were taken into custody Monday, September 22, 2025 without incident at their residence on Gregory Place.
Both are being charged with second-degree murder and cruelty to children in the 2nd degree.
The case remains under investigation.
