West Toledo couple guilty in 'pit bull' attack that injured woman

OHIO -- A West Toledo couple who left a mentally and physically disabled woman alone in their home with two “pit bull” mixes entered Alford pleas Friday to reduced criminal charges.

Susan Demski, 57, of 940 Southover Rd. was then found guilty of attempted assault, a fifth-degree felony, while her husband, Norman Demski, 57, of the same address was found guilty of patient endangerment, a first-degree misdemeanor.

  

Susan Demski faces up to a year in prison, while Mr. Demski faces up to six months in jail when they are sentenced April 1 by Lucas County Common Pleas Judge Gene Zmuda.

Frank Spryszak, an assistant county prosecutor, told the court that Mr. Demski was the legal guardian for his disabled sister, Lori Demski, but while he was at work, his wife took care of his sister.

Although Susan Demski was not to leave Lori in their home unattended, she did just that Sept. 4. Mr. Spryszak said Lori was “severely bitten” by the Demskis’ two “pit bull” mix dogs, and “sustained significant blood loss, broken bones, and injuries requiring several surgeries.”

Judge Zmuda asked whether the dogs were still in the home. Mr. Demski said the two “pit bull” mixes were killed after the incident.

The Demskis each had been charged with patient endangerment, a third-degree felony. Mr. Spryszak said the plea agreement reflects the fact that their actions were reckless rather than a knowing attempt to harm the victim.

Lori Demski no longer lives at her brother’s house, he said.

(Toledo Blade - Feb 7, 2015)

Earlier:

• Woman’s guardians arrested in abuse case