Two caretakers now face second-degree murder charges following the death of a 15-month-old girl who was attacked by a dog.Terra Lynn Connell and John Terry Underwood II were arrested in connection with the death of Payton Sawyers. The suspects are still being held without bond in the New River Valley Regional Jail.Payton was found injured around 9:30 p.m. Jan. 6 on Penn Ford Road, also known as Highway 706, near Independence. She was taken to Brenner Children's Hospital in Winston-Salem in critical condition, and she died two nights later.The suspects were originally arrested Jan. 7 on charges of felony child neglect and possessing a vicious dog. They appeared in court Monday, and the new charges were announced on Wednesday.Grayson County deputies allege the duo was babysitting the girl at their home when she was mauled by their pit bull mix. The dog also held the girl's head in its mouth, said Grayson County Sheriff Richard Vaughan.Underwood said he was awoken by the girl's screams, and he was bitten in the face while trying to intervene, Vaughan said.Animal Control officials seized the dog, which was later put down. There were no prior reports of the dog biting anyone, but there have been reports of the dog showing aggressive behavior, Vaughan said.A search warrant executed at the home uncovered illegal drugs and ammunition, Vaughan said. Deputies believe the suspects were under the influence of illegal drugs around the time of the incident.Watch Nicole Ducouer's interview with Payton's mother Friday evening on WXII 12 News.

Two caretakers now face second-degree murder charges following the death of a 15-month-old girl who was attacked by a dog.

Terra Lynn Connell and John Terry Underwood II were arrested in connection with the death of Payton Sawyers. The suspects are still being held without bond in the New River Valley Regional Jail.

Advertisement Related Content Infant dies after Grayson County dog attack; 2 caretakers arrested

Payton was found injured around 9:30 p.m. Jan. 6 on Penn Ford Road, also known as Highway 706, near Independence. She was taken to Brenner Children's Hospital in Winston-Salem in critical condition, and she died two nights later.

The suspects were originally arrested Jan. 7 on charges of felony child neglect and possessing a vicious dog. They appeared in court Monday, and the new charges were announced on Wednesday.

Grayson County deputies allege the duo was babysitting the girl at their home when she was mauled by their pit bull mix. The dog also held the girl's head in its mouth, said Grayson County Sheriff Richard Vaughan.

Underwood said he was awoken by the girl's screams, and he was bitten in the face while trying to intervene, Vaughan said.

Animal Control officials seized the dog, which was later put down. There were no prior reports of the dog biting anyone, but there have been reports of the dog showing aggressive behavior, Vaughan said.

A search warrant executed at the home uncovered illegal drugs and ammunition, Vaughan said. Deputies believe the suspects were under the influence of illegal drugs around the time of the incident.

Watch Nicole Ducouer's interview with Payton's mother Friday evening on WXII 12 News.