Police: 2 Pit Bulls Who Mauled 22-Year-Old Owner to Death, Get Euthanized

The two dogs that mauled their owner to death Thursday, Dec.14, have now been euthanized according to the Goochland Sheriff’s Office.

Bethany Lynn Stephens, a 22-year-old woman from Virgina was found at night in a remote area located in the 2200 block of Manakin Road in Goochland County, NBC12 reported.

In a press conference on Monday, Dec. 18, the sheriff’s department gave updated information on the incident and said that the animals were euthanized last Saturday after the family gave authorities permission.

According to People, the dogs were both pit bulls. The medical examiner said the injuries to the victim were “consistent with being mauled by these dogs.”

Stephens would often walk her dogs in the wooded area. Her father told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that he had not seen her for “over a day” when he first started looking for her.

Dogs euthanized this weekend. Working to find expert to analyze dogs’ intestines for more evidence in case. Sheriff has “no doubt” dogs killed victim.

— Kristin Smith (@kristin8news) December 18, 2017

When police arrived at the scene, both animals were still attacking the already deceased victim, ABC8 reported.

However, Barbara Norris, the victim’s best friend said the attack still doesn’t make sense to her.

“Those dogs would not attack her,” Norris told NBC12. “They’d kill you with kisses. … The wounds on her hands, face, and throat were probably from them protecting her.”

Authorities confirmed that the victim did not die from a homicide.

NBC12 – WWBT – Richmond, VA News On Your Side

The sheriff released this statement obtained by NBC12:

“Shortly after capturing the dogs responsible for the mauling of Bethany Stephens, Goochland deputies consulted Bethany’s next-of-kin. Deputies recommended to the family that the dogs be euthanized and the family concurred and gave permission for the procedure.”

Friends were fighting to save Tonka and Pac Man. Investigators say the dogs killed Bethany Stephens last week in Goochland. Victim’s family however wanted the dogs put down. pic.twitter.com/O14uiQFJec

— Kristin Smith (@kristin8news) December 18, 2017

“The dogs were euthanized on Saturday, December 16 at 11 am. The dogs’ bodies have been preserved as evidence and investigators are following up with veterinarians and laboratories for potential forensic analysis.”

From NTD.tv