Tia Torres Son Died? Cast deaths. Meet Tia’s Kids and Grandkids.
If you’ve ever watched Pit Bulls and Parolees, then you already know Tia Maria Torres is at the heart of it all. She’s the founder of Villalobos Rescue Center, where she’s been working for decades to rescue pit bulls and help parolees find their footing again. Her mission is all about second chances—both for the dogs and the people who care for them.
The show has brought her work into the spotlight, and over the years, we’ve seen not just the ups and downs of animal rescue, but also how her kids have stepped up to play important roles in the center. Tia, now in her mid sixties, is still very much hands-on and deeply involved in everything that happens at Villalobos.
She has four children—Kanani Chock, Keli’i Chock, Tania Torres, and Mariah Torres. Each of them has found their own way to contribute to the rescue mission, and all have become familiar faces. On top of being a dedicated rescuer and mom, Tia’s also a proud grandmother.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at her children, how they’ve grown into their roles, and remember the cast members who’ve sadly passed away during or after their time on Pit Bulls and Parolees.
Table of Contents
Cast Members Death
Pit Bulls and Parolees first premiered on October 30, 2009, and over the course of nineteen seasons, it chronicled the work of Tia Torres and her team at Villalobos Rescue Center. The series officially concluded in 2022, marking the end of a long-running show that not only highlighted pit bull rescue efforts but also brought awareness to the challenges faced by parolees re-entering society.
While the Torres family remained at the core of the show, many others were involved throughout its run. With such a large and evolving cast, it’s understandable that viewers often lose track of former participants. Over time, questions have surfaced about what happened to some of them—especially those who seemed to vanish from the public eye.
This section explores the cast members who sadly passed away after their time on the show, while also addressing persistent rumors—such as speculation about the death of one of Tia’s sons.
Anthony Allen:
Anthony Allen a promising young man passed following the battle with cancer. Allen was born and raised in Springfield, he died at the age of 23 on June 28, 2015. He battled cancer for three long years, although amidst battle, Allen was quick to show his big heart, he adopted a Pit Bull named Anna from Villalobos Rescue Center. The part was documented on Pit Bulls and Parolees. He appeared in season 6, episode 1 “Last Chance.”
Anthony is survived by his parents Denise Ann Miller and Lawrence Anthony Allen. The reality television personality was born on February 3, 1986.
Colin Samway
Other than Allen, the other known tragedy is of Collin Samway. Collin, also known by his nickname, Cliff, was a big part of Villalobos Rescue Center. He was with the center from the time they were just small & operated in Agua Dulce, California. As the center was forced to move, Cliff followed the Torres family to New Orleans and saw the growth of Villalobos Rescue first-hand. Cliff passed away on May 25, 2018, he was 34 years old. He sustained a serious injury in a motorcycle accident that occurred a month prior.
Tia Torres Children
Kanani Chock:
Kanani Chock, born on April 20, 1987, is the eldest son of the Torres household. Originally from Hawaii, Kanani was adopted along with his twin brother, Keli’i. He plays an active role in the rescue center and is known for his cheerful personality and talent with dogs. He is also a stunt rider and motorcycle enthusiast. In August 2020, Kanani was involved in a serious motorcycle accident that caused him to miss filming for the show. The incident sparked false rumors of his death, likely fueled by memories of Collin Samway’s fatal accident in 2018. Kanani is married to Mariah Chock, and they share a son. Beyond his family life, Kanani has grown immensely through the years both on and off camera.
Over the years, viewers have witnessed Kanani’s transformation from a light-hearted young man into a dependable leader at the rescue. In a reflective segment from the show, Tia recalled how Kanani and his brother Mo immediately became part of the family when they joined. One of the most memorable moments came in Season 3, when Kanani and Mariah responded to a rescue call involving a mother dog and her puppies trapped inside an abandoned house. The situation was dangerous, with the mother dog initially appearing aggressive and the interior of the house filled with filth and feces. Despite the risks, Kanani carefully approached the dog with calm and patience, ultimately helping secure the animal and locate her puppies in deplorable conditions. Tia later expressed her pride, saying that watching her children navigate such intense rescues made her appreciate how far they had come since Season 1.
Keli’i Chock:
Both Kanani and Keli’i were adopted by Tia Torres when they were relatively young. The brothers from Hawaii are now an integral part of the family and aid their mother in the rescue center. In complete contrast with his twin brother, Keli’i is shy and prefers to keep to himself. He is married to Lizzy and the pair share a a son named Nakoa.
Tania Torres:
Tania Torres is the first biological child of Tia Maria Torres. Her father who was in a gang back then died of paralysis. Ever since then, Tania has aided her mother in the rescue center. Born on the 6th of May 1985, Tania wanted to make a name for herself in Hollywood. Before her active engagement in the rescue center, Tania worked as an assistant before making it out as an actress. She got a chance to star in films such as Candid Conversations and Face to Face.
Tania is currently married to Perry Sanchez. Sanchez, born in Westwego, Louisiana, now works alongside his wife and in-laws in the rescue center. The pair tied the knot in 2014 and share a lovely daughter, Saleem Wolf.
Mariah Torres:
Tia has spoken about Mariah’s journey, noting that when the show first started filming, Mariah was just 17 and still in high school. At the time, she was also nearing the end of her beauty pageant career. Despite her interest in fashion and pageantry, Mariah grew into the rugged life of animal rescue. Her growth has been documented on-screen, from early rescues to tackling some of the toughest field calls with professionalism. Tia credits the show for capturing her children growing up and becoming central pillars of the Villalobos mission.
In a 2021 interview, Tia described Mariah as her “little doppelganger” and praised her for being an old soul with a gentle heart. She noted that Mariah has always been passionate about rescue work and is deeply driven by a desire to help both animals and people. Tia remarked, “She’s actually better with people than I am. She’s super into wanting to help.. humanity in general… she’s the type that would want to solve world peace and world hunger all on her own.” Despite their differences, Tia acknowledged Mariah’s warmth and trusting nature, calling her a “very, very gentle old soul.”
Tia Maria Torres Grandchildren:
Tia Maria Torres is a proud grandmother of three grandchildren. While both Kanani and Keli’l are proud fathers of baby boys, Tania has a lovely baby girl.
The Rumored Death of a Son:
Over the years, there have been occasional rumors suggesting that Tia Torres may have lost a son earlier in life. However, there is no official confirmation or public record of such an event. Tia has not addressed this topic in any interviews or on her social media channels, and no credible sources have verified the claim. While the speculation continues to circulate in fan discussions, it remains unsubstantiated.
A quick bio on Tia Torres
Tia Torres is the founder of Villalobos Rescue Center, the largest pit bull rescue facility in the U.S. Tia was born on June 11, 1960, in California, U.S. During her early years she was fond of horses. It was later in life she began to rescue Pitbulls. The generous lady even has a paw Tattoo of a pit bull named “Duke” to cover for her ex-husband’s image.
Among many interesting facts about her, Tia served in the U.S. Army for six years as a truck driver. After her service, she worked as a youth gang counselor in the City of Los Angeles. During the time she had to deal with parolees, these days she even hires parolees to work in her Pitbull Rescue center. Torres is currently married to Aren Marcus Jackson.
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Tia has been divorced from Aren Jackson for some time now…she talks about it only to state that she is no longer married and has not been for awhile…without the Torres family working so hard with pit bulls both on and off their program, these dogs would suffer a horrid fate of being killed in shelters across the US…thank God for the Torres family and for Tia’s huge heart!
A person’s success does not depend on his wisdom, but perseverance
A person’s success does not depend on his wisdom, but perseverance
You + u family do a great job in your rescue! Your lawyer contacted me cause want 2 give shelter $ in will. I also want 2 send $ now. He said he’d email me but hasn’t. I see lawyer Tom 2 make will. Please have lawyer email me info @ artist7493@gmail.com
My name is Diana Valle phone # 347-485-0403. He informed me to send ck 2 HIS office but can’t cause don’t have info. Look forward 2 hearing from you. I’m 69yrs use rollator walker w service dog named Scarlotte. I feel dogs treat u better than people!
Scarlotte is a yellow lab Bella is a black + white lab mix rescue from Oklahoma. I’ve also had another yellow lab named Randy who was great + I miss him so much. I had a German shepherd named Daisy long time ago. I’ve seen u show including marriages. U rescue does great work. Please tell lawyer 2 CONTACT me today w tax info, etc. You do great work. Wish u + family the Best. God bless Diana Valle
We have a better life with you and your family, doing what you do. They call animals , animals but really they are the humans in this world, and humans are the animals………. you family is first on my list if I ever hit the lotto…..
You have heard from me before. I am trying to find out how you get people to sponsor you. I am 67 always told myself if something happened to my husband I would do all I can to help animals. But would also like to help with home less. They go through a lot to. Have a friend who wants me to Sthelens Oregon. Hoping I might be able to find acreage and a half way decent place to live. Right n in Ontario Oregon and find myself staring at walls not for me iplease give ideas what I could do my heart goes out for both.
Dear tia first I want to say how sorry I was to hear about your yes your son it’s not always the one who had the child that gets the label of parent it’s the one who loved them and nurtured them and u did that my name is Michael Gonzalez I’m 58years old from San Diego California I was seeing your show while I was still in the prison I saw how you loved took care of these dogs who like the parolees needed one more chance in life and maybe just maybe thirty lives could be something of light to a soul who needs a loving face looking back at them you folks have done alot not only for the dogs but for the men who come to you broken I too come from a broken up life I now am free and free from all the chains of addiction that had me bound for 29 years of prison gangs heroin addiction I just had to live for something other that that I did I would love to give back now my sis has a beautiful older dog pitbull named sotel he is a gem I see so much of me in him and I would love to give back where I took so much thank you tia
Tia,
My family and I watch your show all the time and my dad and I were wondering how we would go about sponsoring Villalobos? We love everything you and your family does not just for the dogs but for the parolees and really want to help in anyway possible with kennels, food, bedding, toys……etc. Please email me with an estimate on at least a years worth of help.
What’s up colleagues, its enormous piece of writing concerning
cultureand completely defined, keep it up all the time.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL I AM A PITBUL PAROLEE BINGER…I CANT STOP WATCHING …YOUR DEVOTION MOVES ME DEEPLY TO THOSE WHOM SOCIETY REJECTS ….AND TO SEE THEM TRANSFORM INTO THE MOST LOVING DELIGHTFUL HUMANE BEINGS…THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO….
I am a dog owner and lover (many rescues through the years), but neither a parolee or owner of a pit bull. Nevertheless I have loved your show and your staff and your dogs and your lives for a number of years now and have referred many people to your show. I bought your book, donated to you, etc. But mostly, in the names of all those you have rescued (animal and human), I admire and thank you. Tia, this world needs more like you.
Hi Tia and family.
I have watched your programme from the start, I would just like to say thank you for all that you do.
You have taken life by the horns .to show the world what these dogs are really like.
You have never wavered from your love of animals especially the pit bulls.
I wish you all the best and hope you carry on your good works for another 20 years.
I hope you all know that what you do has such a huge positive impact on the veiwers as well as the dogs and parolees. I have watched your show for years and will continue as long as the show goes on. Watching what you do has brought me to tears and makes me want to be a better person and be part of doing something for the animals. I do support my local rescue center with donations of blankets,food, toys, etc.
I know you all have been saddened by losses and I hope you all, family, friends, workers and volunteers always feel real proud of all that you do. Happy, Healthy 2022!
A few years ago, while watching Pit Bulls & Parolees, the Torres family were looking at mold photos. A picture of Tia as a beautiful young woman was flashed up on the screen, and for a long moment I thought I was looking at Mariah. Ever since then I have found it pleasurable to see in Tia the source of Mariah’s beauty, and to find something of Tia in Maria’s looks and mannerisms.
American TV is full of sitcoms and dramas about families, both functional and funny. But none of them can hold a candle to the generous, hard working Torres family of this TV series. I am so pleased that neither of the handsome twins was the dead son in the title of this article.
For all the love, care and hope you give to your rescues canine and human you are truly blessed. May you continue. Long life, peace, prosperity and may the Blessed Mother protect you always.
Blessed Be.
Loving what you guys do for all dogs not just Pit Bulls. I lived in LA for years and followed the show very often, when you moved to Louisiana I was surprised, but you fitted right in. I Love it. Only problem I have is that I live in Alabama and saw Mariah at a Chevron gas station, OMG, she was Soo rude!! I was just asking how many dogs they were transporting and were they were going. To me she said Canada, I don’t know, maybe it was a hot day , and the dogs wasn’t cooperating, who knows.. it’s just that my family and I love the show and followed you guys forever made me think she could have been a whole lot friendlier…was wanting to order a couple of shirts but don’t know where to go…keep doing the great job you guys are doing!! Love you
Great Family, amazing work – wish there were more people like this – world would be a better place. Please keep it up and let’s hope for many more years worth of this excellent program. We need hope and this program delivers it. Well done! Purchased the book, wonderful job!
I’ve been completely hooked on your show since you were in California. I love your loyalty, compassion and dedication for what ALL of you do. Your jobs are daily , actually 24 hours a day!! Your team work is undeniably awesome. Bless each and every one of you.
Love,love,love you all! You have hearts of gold. You are a guardian angel to all these beautiful dogs. God bless you. Thank you! For just being who you are. I have alot of towles and blankets and sheets. Want to donate them to you or a close rescue. Let me know I will send them to you. You are truly special. Thank you and God bless! Jane boynton Beach Florida
I am a huge fan of Pitbulls and Parolees from the very beginning. I haven’t seen the show this year at all and I’d like to know if and when it will return to TV. Please, can someone inform me??? Thank youl
Please let me know when Pitbulls and Parolees will return to TV. I’m a huge fan!!!!
I wish you guys would help the Kentucky shelter, because they are flooding. The dogs are standing in 2-3 inches of water, and many are Pit Bulls.
tia this is john do you need help at villalobos rescue
I would like to donate but , wondering how safe it was to use my credit card. I love watching your show. what a beautiful family.I laugh with you and cried with you when i watch the show’s .Thank all of you for having such good Heart’.