A DNA test confirmed a 5-year-old Graham girl was mauled to death by a dog Aug. 13, according to Pierce County sheriff's office.
Sheriff's deputies responded to the 30200 block of 92nd Avenue East after a woman reported her 5-year-old granddaughter was missing and may have wandered into the woods or been kidnapped.
The two had been staying at a family friend's home while preparing for a camping trip.
Deputies found the family friend's large dog standing over the girl, who had suffered severe injuries, in the yard. They shot the dog because it was acting aggressively and would not allow deputies to get close to the girl.
She was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators were initially uncertain whether the girl was attacked by a dog or another large animal that could have been roaming in the rural area.
The family knew the dog and did not have any concerns leading up to the incident.
The Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's Office will further review the incident.
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