Deputy Chris Curtice, spokesman for the sheriff’s office, said the department was called at 7:10 p.m. A woman had just turned into the driveway of her home in the 12000 block of South Highland Avenue when she saw the body of a man lying on her property.
Curtice said she got out of her car, and it was obvious that the man had suffered “traumatic injuries.” She ran to the next home, where it’s believed family relatives live. Homicide detectives reported to the scene on Highland, between Saginaw and Mountain View avenues southwest of Selma.
Detectives determined quickly what had happened. Evidence included paw prints all around the body, Curtice said.
Authorities were able to track down four pit bulls at a nearby residence, where they found evidence of blood on the dogs, Curtice said. The dogs were taken to Liberty Animal Control.
Meanwhile, the Fresno County Coroner’s Office will determine the exact cause of death. Once the investigation is completed, the report will be turned over to the Fresno County District Attorney. The DA’s office will decide if any charges will be filed against the owner of the dogs.
Dog attacks that result in death are not common in Fresno County. In 2005, the death of 6-year-old Tyler Babcock focused much attention on vicious-dog laws. He was mauled to death by two large dogs, including a pit bull mix, in a pasture east of Clovis.
(Hanford Sentinel - Dec 12, 2012)
