INDIANA -- Investigators look for answers after a man is mauled to death by his own dog.
It's believed to be the first of its kind in the Lafayette district of Indiana State Police.
The body of 58-year-old Joseph Hines was discovered late Monday night by a family member.
Authorities have not determined when Hines died inside his home on the 8000 block of North County Road 1400 east, about 9 miles northeast of Monticello in White County. Investigators said his body was mauled, but believe a bite to the neck is what killed him.
The family member found the dog next to the body but told detectives he didn't have any trouble getting the dog into his crate before troopers arrived.
Neighbor Brad Holcomb said Joey Hines was an all-around friendly guy who waved and smiled to his neighbors driving by. Holcomb remembers the dog was friendly too.
"It's terrible news," said Holcomb. "But I'd always see him walking his dog. He's Joey, always waving, smiling, laughing, all the time. He's a real nice guy. It's terrible to hear that."
Indiana State Police Sgt. Kim Riley said investigators aren't sure what triggered the attack.
"We don't know if there was some type of animal abuse, or if something went wrong," said Riley.
"We just don't know at this time."
Detectives said the dog appeared to be healthy and in good shape, with plenty of food and water in the home.
The dog was being held Wednesday night by the White County Animal Warden. His fate has not been determined yet.
Hines lived alone. Investigators are still trying to piece together the last person to see Hines alive and determine when the attack took place.
Although the discovery was made Monday, Indiana State Police waited to release information on Hines' death until Wednesday when the coroner determined Hines was not killed by other causes, like a medical problem, and the dog mauling took place afterwards. The autopsy demonstrated the dog killed Hines.
(WLFI - Dec 7, 2011)
