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THOMASVILLE, N.C. (WKRC) – A woman was charged after over a dozen pit bulls mauled an elderly man.
According to a statement issued by the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, 56-year-old Elaina Bryant of Thomasville, North Carolina was indicted on charges of second-degree murder and ten counts of felony animal abuse following a fatal dog attack.
Per the statement, deputies responded to a cardiac arrest report on November 18, 2025, where they found 73-year-old Michael Bodenheimer deceased with severe injuries consistent with a canine attack.
Investigators, in coordination with Davidson County Animal Control, captured 17 pit bull–mixed breed dogs from a neighboring property.
Necropsies confirmed the dogs’ involvement in the attack. Bryant was deemed grossly negligent in managing the animals. She was taken into custody on December 17, 2025, and is held on a $500,000 secured bond. Her court date is set for January 5, 2026.