Posted on November 12, 2023 by Colleen Lynn

Man's Death in Springfield Continues to be Under Investigation by the Sangamon County Coroner's Office

Jonathan Mendenhall, 34, died after a dog biting incident in Springfield, Illinois.

UPDATE 04/02/24: In late March, our nonprofit filed a FOIA with the Sangamon County Coroner's Office regarding the cause of death of Medenhall. On April 2, Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon stated, "The manner of death was 'accidental'. The dog bites did not contribute to the death."

11/12/23: Man Found Unresponsive
Springfield, IL - On November 6, the Sangamon County Coroner's Office confirmed the death of Jonathan Mendenhall, 34, of Springfield. On November 5, he was discovered unresponsive outside of a residence in the 1200 block of North 15th Street at about 3:35 pm. According to the coroner, "while resuscitative efforts were underway" Mendenhall was bitten several times by a dog. He was taken to HSHS St. John’s Hospital’s emergency room, where he was pronounced dead at 4:04 pm.

"The Sangamon County Coroner, Jim Allmon, can confirm the death of Jonathan Mendenhall, 34, of Springfield. Mr. Mendenhall was found down yesterday afternoon, outside of a residence, and unresponsive. While resuscitative efforts were underway on Mr. Mendenhall, he was bitten several times by a dog. Mr. Mendenhall was transported by EMS from the residence in the 1200 block of North 15th in Springfield, to HSHS St. John’s Hospital’s emergency room, where he was pronounced deceased at 4:04pm yesterday by hospital staff. An autopsy was done today and the cause and manner of death are pending additional studies. The death remains under investigation by the Sangamon County Coroner." - Sangamon County Coroner's Office

According to the Springfield Police Department, officers arrived at the scene and found a pit bull attacking a man lying on the ground. An officer shot and killed the dog. Two people found Mendenhall unresponsive and tried to give him CPR before help arrived. The pit bull then attacked all three people, police said. The people trying to help Mendenhall sustained minor injuries. The coroner's office has not finalized the cause of death; they are waiting on toxicology reports, which can take six weeks.

We listened to the audio dispatch log files of Sangamon County Public Safety on Broadcastify.com. Because it is a "public safety" feed (not limited to only fire and paramedic), there were multiple cases occurring at once, including, "one suspect down" and the police K9 had "tore up his neck pretty bad." Yes, there was a police K9 in pursuit at the very same time ambulances were sent for the dog attack on North 15th Street. Those victims are called "patients" in the audio files not "suspects."

The feed states that a man was attacked by the pit bull and was "bleeding in the face" and that "one subject has been attacked already, the dog's still at large. possibly attacking a second subject." Within two minutes, police report back to dispatch, "Advised we had to put down the dog." After a second ambulance is sent, we learn that one of the patients is not breathing. "Animal attack, subject down, not breathing." Two other dogs were at the scene. Police said they "need to be corralled."

Mendenhall's Facebook page shows a picture of a young pit bull. A person named Danielle may have been one of the people at the scene who tried to help him. On November 9, she posted: "I Was Fighting For My Life While Trying To Save Yours!!!! Nobody Knows What I Went Thru That Day!" A relative created a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs. Mendenhall leaves behind four children, ages 6, 8, 10 and 12. "Losing a dad so unexpectedly is something unimaginable," the fund states.

WICS reports the basic facts after a suspected dog bite fatality in Springfield, Illinois.

Posted on November 7, 2023 by Colleen Lynn

2023 Dog Bite Fatality: Taylorsville Woman Dies After Being Attacked by Her Son's Pack of Pit Bulls

A Taylorsville woman dies one week after she was critically injured by her son's pit bulls.

Misdemeanor Charges
UPDATE 04/04/24: A Taylorsville man is facing multiple misdemeanor charges after his pit bulls killed his mother last fall. Jeremy Miller, 38, was charged with seven counts of attack by an animal, a Class B misdemeanor, in Taylorsville Justice Court. The attack occurred on October 31 at a residence in the 4800 block of South Shakestone Drive. Arriving officers had to climb the fence to reach the woman. Officers had to deploy pepper spray on the aggressive dogs to drive them back from the fence.

"As he climbed the fence to enter the backyard, he noticed five smaller-sized pit bulls and one adult male pit bull and one adult female pit bull running freely through the backyard. All of the dogs had blood on and around their mouths and appeared to be in a frenzy ... He also observed that her leg had no flesh on it and only the bone remained ... The dogs were still extremely aggressive, and it took multiple Taylorsville city police officers and animal control officers to keep the dogs away from the victim and contained in the yard. When the female pit bull attempted to escape, (an officer) shot her ... six times and noticed other officers shot her as well." - Parts of the arrest affidavit

Sandra Miller, 63, was taken to Intermountain Medical Center in critical condition with “extensive injuries” to her legs, hands and face, "one of which had to be amputated," police said. Officers contacted Miller, who also lives at the home, but was not present when the dogs attacked. He arrived at the home about 20 minutes later. "[He] was clearly upset about his fence being damaged and his dogs being taken by animal control," the affidavit states. Sandra died one week after the attack.

11/07/23: Dies After Amputation
Taylorsville, UT - On Halloween, two people were killed by dogs -- 4-year old Colton Kline and 65-year old David Eller. A third person, a 63-year old woman in Taylorsville, was critically injured by her son's pit bulls. Doctors had to amputate one of her legs. It was announced today that she died of her injuries on Monday. None of the deadly attacks were related to trick-or-treating activities. October 31 just proved to be a day of multiple violent pit bull attacks that led to the death of three individuals.

"We are saddened to confirm the passing of a Taylorsville resident following a dog attack in the backyard of her home a week ago. The victim of the attack suffered critical injuries to her face, hands and legs, including one that required amputation. She died at the hospital on Monday as a result of those injuries, her family confirmed today with police. The 63-year-old woman was attacked on Oct. 31 by two adult dogs and their puppies in the fenced backyard of her home. Additional details can be found in reports today by the local press." - Taylorsville Police Department, November 7, 2023

At about 2:30 pm, Taylorsville police received a 911 call from a woman who was being attacked by her son's pit bulls in the fenced backyard of her home near 4800 South and 2900 West. According to police, it was the victim who called, stating she was being attacked by her son's pit bulls -- a pair of adult dogs and their five puppies. The dogs were actively attacking her when police arrived. Police used pepper spay on the dogs to drive them back then jumped the fence to reach the victim.

She was transported to Intermountain Medical Center in critical condition with “extensive injuries” to her legs, hands and face, police said. After the ambulance had left, police and animal control officers tried to capture the pit bulls. At that point, the female pit bull "broke loose," police said, and was shot and killed by officers. The six remaining pit bulls were taken into custody by animal control. Her 38-year old son, who also lives at her home, surrendered the dogs to West Valley City Animal Services.

"Our hearts are heavy today following a dog attack that critically injured a Taylorsville resident. The attack occurred Tuesday in the backyard of the woman's home and involved two adult pit bulls and their puppies, who were all owned by her son. The woman remains in the hospital, where she is being treated for extensive injuries to her hands, face and legs, one of which had to be amputated. The attack was still in progress when police arrived. The dogs were contained in the backyard and officers were able to corral them away from the woman but when one broke loose, it was fatally shot by police to protect them and animal control officers on the scene. West Valley City Animal Services is investigating the attack, along with our department. You can read additional details in stories reported today by the local press." - Taylorsville Police Department, November 2, 2023

KSL-TV reports that the victim was feeding the dogs when they attacked. Her son was not home at the time of the attack. The victim's name and her son's name have not been released. The pit bulls were not registered as required under Taylorsville law. "All of the dogs had to be put down following the attack, and none of them was licensed, which Taylorsville City requires for all animals over 4 months old,” the police statement says, adding “The city also allows no more than two dogs per household."

The victim has since been identified as Sandra Dee Miller.

Location where a Taylorsville woman was attacked by her son's pack of pit bulls.

Baseline reporting requirements:
Law enforcement departments across the United States should release consistent "baseline" information to the media and the public after each fatal dog mauling, including these items.

Posted on November 4, 2023 by Colleen Lynn

2023 Dog Bite Fatality: Four Arrested After Man Killed by Dog Pack, Another Severely Injured in Bienville Parish, Louisiana

Four adults were arrested after a dog pack killed one man and injured another in Bienville Parish.

Human Remains Discovered
Ringgold, LA - Four adults were arrested in connection to the death of one man and another man who sustained severe injuries. On September 27, Davyta Gray, 30, was bitten over 130 times by a dog pack on Pine Street. He underwent five surgeries and nearly died. In late October, Bienville Parish Sheriff’s investigators found human remains on Pine Street. Police later announced that one of two separate dog attacks one day apart resulted in the death of the first victim, Donovan Brooks, 40.

On October 31, police arrested four adults who live at the 2747 Pine Street property. Police believe the body of Brooks had been in a wooded area since September 26 after being moved from where he was killed by the dogs on Pine Street. Charlotte Hubbard, 77; Shawn Hubbard, 32; Gerald Miller, 51, were arrested on charges of negligent homicide and obstruction of justice. Cameron Kelly, 21, was arrested on a charge of accessory after the fact. All four people were booked into the Bienville Parish Jail.

26 dogs -- nine large dogs and 17 small, including four puppies -- were on the property when police arrived. Bienville Parish Sheriff John Ballance said deputies also found a black garbage bag in the woods containing the remains of a large dog. Brooks was last seen by his family on September 26. Brooks told a witness that day he had been bitten by the dogs a day earlier. He told the witness he was headed back to the house on Pine Street to, "'Take care of the dogs,' in his words, Ballance said.

A witness told deputies Brooks was seen that day at a store in Ringgold buying medication for wounds he said he suffered the day before from dog bites. He told the witness he was headed back to the house on Pine Street to, “’Take care of the dogs,’ in his words,” Ballance said.

Another witness said Brooks was seen on his bicycle going to Pine Street. He was dressed in clothing found with the human remains. Also recovered was a billfold with Brooks’ information in it. - KTBS, October 31, 2023

One day later, the dogs brutally attacked Gray. Bienville Parish does not have an animal control department or a facility to house stray animals. The Louisiana Radio Network reports that Ballance confirmed the large dogs involved were part pit bull. “But there were I believe nine that were part Pit and larger dogs that could easily take a human being down,” Ballance said. The social media pages of Hubbard and Miller show a lineage of past and existing pit bulls living and breeding in their home.

Multiple Double Fatalities

Two people killed by the same dogs in separate attacks is rare, but when it occurs, a dog pack is often to blame. In 2022, a pack of seven dogs attacked one day apart near Red Bay, Alabama. The first victim, Michele Sheeks, 44, died of complications weeks later. The second victim, an Alabama Public Health employee, who went to the dog owner's home to follow up, was killed during the attack. In 2014, the same pack of six pit bulls killed two men a few months apart in Lamar, Mississippi.

In 2021, the same dog pack is believed to have killed Tony Ahrens, 52, and Amber Miller, 29, a few months apart in Cocke County, Tennessee.

In 2016, a pack of five dogs killed Valente Aguirre, 58, in a dry canal in near Biola, California. After DNA testing on the five dogs proved inconclusive, the pack was returned to its owner. Three weeks later, the same pack was involved in the death of Robert Simonian, 74, who was found dead with dog bite injuries in the same canal -- at that time the canal was not dry. The cause of Simonian's death was drowning. In 2009, a pack of 16 dogs killed a senior couple hours apart in Lexington, Georgia.

In the most recent death, authorities did not learn about the first attack until after the second one (same as Mississippi case). Even if the parish did have animal control resources, the dogs could not have been seized prior to the second attack, which was not fatal. Most of the double fatality attacks that involve two separate attacks occur in the south in areas with an average population of 2,000. The inability to seize a vicious dog pack after the first fatal attack can lead to another human fatality.

Shawn & Charlotte Hubbard's Facebook pages show past and current pit bulls.

Gerald Miller's Facebook page shows multiple pit bulls and the breeding of pit bulls.

View the DogsBite.org Google Map: Louisiana Fatal Pit Bull Maulings.

Posted on November 1, 2023 by Colleen Lynn

2023 Dog Bite Fatality: Pit Bull-Mix that Killed Child on Halloween in Northeast Spokane, Washington was Recently Adopted

Dog Adopted Out by County Shelter (SCRAPS) 8-Weeks Earlier

Colton Kline, 4, was killed by a family dog in northeast Spokane, Washington.

Dog Adopted from County
UPDATE 12/06/23: The dog that killed Colton Kline was adopted from Spokane Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) on September 2, 2023. We stated in our last update that our nonprofit already had a Freedom of Information Request into SCRAPS. We submitted the request on November 11, and it remains unanswered. A family member has since shown us the adoption receipt for a male pit bull-mix, "Spud," (Animal ID 56428) that was signed by Dustin Block on September 2.

The intake for Spud was June 9, 2023. That is 3-months before he was adopted to Block. Because our FOIA, which seeks the dog's behavior, medical and outcome records (how many times the dog was returned), remains unanswered, we know nothing about these areas. We just know that Spud was in the shelter for 3-months and was advertised at an August 6 adoption event for $28. The family member also provided a photograph of Spud seen in Block's backyard after being adopted.

Neither Spokane city or county officials released to the public that Spud was adopted to Block 8 weeks prior to the dog killing Kline. Spokane Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) now joins 16 other tax-funded shelters in the United States since 2014 that have adopted out or transferred a dog to a rescue that subsequently killed a person. The average time period between these adoptions and the fatal attack is 3-months. Our list does not include dogs placed by "fosters" or "rehomings."

Shelter Dog-Inflicted Deaths

2023 - Spokane Co. Regional Animal Protection Service (WA) - Colton Kline, 4-years old
2021 - Animal Services Center, Mesilla Valley (NM) - Avery Jackson-Dunphy, 6-years old
2021 - Wake County Animal Center (NC) - Jayden Henderson, 7-years old
2020 - Miami-Dade Animal Services (FL) - Carolyn Varanese, 84-years old
2019 - Humane Society of St. Lucie County (FL) - Christine Liquori, 52-years old
2018 - Pinellas County Animal Services (FL) - Infant Khloe Williams
2018 - The Animal Foundation (NV) - Susan Sweeney, 58-years old
2018 - Logan County Pound (WV) - Robin Conway, 64-years old
2018 - Henderson Animal Shelter (NV) - Bradley Cline, 62-years old
2017 - El Paso Animal Services (TX) - Jacob Brooks, 4-years old
2017 - New York City Animal Care Centers (NY) - Margaret Colvin, 91-years old
2017 - Kent County Animal Shelter (MI) - Infant Susannah Murray
2016 - San Diego Humane Society (CA) - Infant Sebastian Caban
2015 - Jackson-Madison County Pound (TN) - Anthony Riggs, 57-years old
2015 - Asheville Humane Society (NC) - Joshua Strother, 6-years old
2015 - Rochester Animal Services (NY) - Anthony Wind, 26-years old
2014 - Branford Animal Shelter (CT) - Rita Pepe, 93-years old

SCRAPS Forced to Euthanize Fewer

SCRAPS has a 93% placement rate, qualifying it as a "no-kill" shelter. However, "no-kill" fanatics in the city of Spokane recently targeted SCRAPS for euthanizing too many dogs. Watch the statement by SCRAPS in late September that explains why SCRAPS will not adopt out dogs with an "untreatable threat to humans and animals," and why behavior euthanasia is the most humane solution. But even with this alleged "public safety" focus, SCRAPS still adopted out a dog that promptly killed a child.

It seems clear now why neither city or county officials released to the public that Spud was adopted out 8 weeks prior to killing Kline. The attack happened in the city of Spokane, just 4-weeks after city council members voted to force SCRAPS to stop behavior euthanasia for dogs that demonstrate an "untreatable threat to humans and animals." The resolution passed says SCRAPS can only euthanize an animal that is experiencing "physical pain" and this will need a licensed veterinarian's approval.

This situation is not unique to SCRAPS (See: No-Kill Eats Their Own: When the 'Badge of Honor' to Keep Serial Biters Alive Causes Rescuers to Devour Their Own). The reality is, there are so many dangerous dogs in tax-funded shelters today, that even no-kill shelters like SCRAPS have to make more behavior euthanasia decisions than ever. These involve dogs with observable severe and/or unpredictable aggression, unlike "Spud," who did qualify for adoption, but still killed a child.

child killed by family dog in northeast spokane, washington

Spud seen in a YouTube video with his SCRAPS kennel card (Animal ID 56428).

Left: Spud advertised for adoption event. Right: Spud in Block's backyard after adoption.

11/18/23: Dog Owner Jailed; Unrelated Offense
The owner of the pit bull that killed Colton Kline on Halloween is in jail after violating a court order. Dustin Block, 48-years old, appeared in a Spokane Superior Court Friday. In May of 2021, Block was arrested for possessing child pornography and voyeurism. According to court documents, Block's girlfriend at that time, discovered hundreds of pornographic photographs and videos on Block's personal computer. Police investigators determined that 14 photographs depicted minors.

When the dog attacked, Colton was with his grandmother inside Block's home -- the two are dating. She told police that Colton would stay at the home every other week. But Block was under a no-contact order for minors. If Block had followed that order, Colton would never have been in his home. Block was released without bond and is currently awaiting trial. "Had he not been there that night, he wouldn't have been attacked by that dog, and presumably would still be alive," the prosecutor said.

While Spokane police officers were at the scene of the fatal attack, they observed Block behaving extremely intoxicated. They observed him slurring words; and he was unable to stand. Block admitted to the officers that he was drinking wine when his pit bull violently attacked Colton. Prosecutors argued that the court should impose a $50,000 bond. But the judge set the bond higher at $100,000. Block is set to go on trial for the possession of child pornography and voyeurism next month.

KHQ reports the timeline differently. According to their review of court documents (that are not viewable to the public), the thumb drive of images depicting minors was found in Block's home in 2021. The allegations of what took place in the photographs occurred in 2015 with a victim who was 15-years old at the time. Block was first given the no-contact order this summer, not in 2021. It remains unclear if Colton's grandmother, who was dating Block, was aware of the no-contact order.

The Elephant in the Room

No information about the pit bull, or how or when Block acquired it was mentioned in the KREM report. The child's father posted in a Facebook comment that the pit bull had only been in the home for two months. Currently, our nonprofit has an outstanding Freedom of Information Request into Spokane Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS), who took custody of the dog's carcass after the attack, in the hopes of learning which adoption or rescue agency, if any, Block acquired this dog from.

The history of Block is horrible -- the possession of child pornography. But a message, allegedly sent from the boy's grandmother to people on social media, indicate that even after she stabbed the dog, it repeatedly attacked the boy. "One lethal bite so strong I had to slit that dog's throat with a kitchen knife for him to release my sweet baby angel," she wrote. "I could not talk to 911 and fight the dog off because even after being stabbed, his throat cut, he came back to kill my baby 3 times," she wrote.

Colton was in the home of Block, who was violating a no-contact order with minors and was intoxicated at the time -- perfect! Colton was in the home of Block, who recently obtained a pit bull, a dog breed that has killed nearly 270 children since the 1980s -- perfect! Of course, Block wouldn't want a dachshund or beagle or 300 other non-pit bull breeds. Now, Colton is dead, the dog is dead, relatives are traumatized, and Block is heading into his criminal trial set for December -- perfect!

11/01/23: Family Pit bull Kills Child
Spokane, WA - A child is dead after being attacked by a family dog. Spokane police officers responded to a residence in the 900 block of East Walton Avenue at approximately 8:00 pm Tuesday. Upon arrival, officers discovered a child suffering life-threatening injuries by the family's dog. Officers "immediately began rendering aid," states a media release issued by Public Safety Communication Manager Julie Humphreys. The dog was severely injured by family members who intervened to save the child.

Child killed in fatal dog attack

On 10-31-23, just after 8PM, SPD responded to the report of an animal attack at a residence in the 900 block of E Walton Ave. Officers arrived and discovered a small child had been attacked by the family’s dog. Officers immediately began rendering aid, and care was subsequently transferred to SFD and AMR. Despite the efforts of first responders, the child succumbed to their injuries.

Family members’ valiant attempts to protect the child resulted in the dog being severely injured and beyond help, ultimately dictating that officers euthanize the animal on scene.

At this time, there does not appear to be any criminality involved in the incident, rather it appears this was a tragic accident. This incident occurred in a residence, and was not related to trick-or-treating activity.

Information of the victim will be released by the medical examiner’s office at a later date. SCRAPS took custody of the dog’s body. - Julie Humphreys, Public Safety Communication Manager

Officers euthanized the dog at the scene. Spokane Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) took custody of the deceased dog. The medical examiner's office will release the victim's identity at a future time. Roger Hammers, who lives next-door, told KHQ that a grandmother, grandfather and a 4-year old boy live in the home with a pit bull-mix. Roger is a nurse at a nursing home and was asked by the grandfather for help. Hammers witnessed the aftermath of the attack and the child's injuries.

"It was incredibly difficult to watch that little guy fight for his life ... There was a considerable amount of blood loss." - Roger Hammers

This boy's death marks the second fatal pit bull mauling in Washington state this year. Last month, in Kennewick, 65-year old Billene Cameron died after being attacked by two pit bulls that first attacked her pug "Diego." A neighbor witnessed the attack and climbed a 6-foot fence to help. He beat one of the pit bulls with his cane, allowing Cameron to escape inside her home. The second pit bull followed her into the home and continued the attack. No charges have been filed in connection to her death.

SCRAPS confirmed to KREM (in the video footage) the dog involved was a pit bull. A GoFundMe that identifies the child as Colton Kline has been created to help the boy's family with funeral costs.