LITTLEROCK, Calif., May 31 (UPI) -- A Los Angeles County man has been charged with murder in a dog mauling that killed a jogger, the country district attorney's office said.
Authorities arrested Alex Jackson, 29, of Littlerock, Calif., Thursday and charged him with murder in a dog attack that killed jogger Pamela Devitt, the Los Angeles Times reported.
"We believe there was evidence that he was aware the dogs were vicious and they have attacked before and he knew of the danger they posed," Jane Robison, a spokeswoman for the district attorney's office, said.
Devitt, 63, of Antelope Valley, Calif., was attacked by four pit bulls while she was walking May 9, the Times said. A passerby spotted the attack and called police.
Related
A deputy said one dog was attacking the victim when he arrived, the Times said. Devitt died before reaching the hospital because of blood loss. Coroner's officials said they found 150-200 puncture wounds and sharp-force trauma on her body.
Eight dogs -- six pit bulls and two mixed breeds -- were recovered from Jackson's home, sheriff's officials said. Authorities said they believe four of the dogs were involved in the attack on Devitt and said what looked to be blood was found on their coats and muzzles.
The Los Angeles County district attorney's office said authorities have received at least three other reports of Jackson's pit bulls attacking people since January.
Donald Cleary of the National Canine Research Council told the Times about 30 dog-related deaths are reported each year.
"When it comes to murder charges, there are very, very few over decades. But increasingly dog owners whose animals attack are facing criminal prosecution," he said.
