Dalton Parents Arrested in Connection with Toddler’s Death

DALTON, GA – Dalton police have arrested a local couple in connection with the summer death of their 22-month-old son.

Kirsten Schmitt, 26, and Anthony Pedigo, 30, residents of 2822 Gregory Place, were taken into custody Monday on charges of second-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to children.

Their son, Grayson Pedigo, died on June 5, 2025, after being left unattended in a car seat inside their apartment.

Police responded to the apartment at approximately 4:00 p.m. on June 5 after Schmitt and Pedigo called 911, reporting that their toddler was unresponsive. Grayson was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

According to investigators, Schmitt and Pedigo told police that it was common for them to seat their son in a car seat on the living room floor while he watched TV.

On the day of the incident, Schmitt said she left Grayson alone for 30 to 40 minutes while she went into the bedroom to wake Pedigo for work.

When they returned, they found the child unresponsive.

Authorities report that the child’s injuries were consistent with having the seat belt and buckle around his neck.

The investigation into Grayson’s death has been ongoing since June.

Last Friday, after consultation with the district attorney’s office, police obtained warrants for the arrests of Schmitt and Pedigo, which were served Monday morning without incident.

The Dalton Police Department has not released further details, and the investigation remains active.