Man Mauled to Death by Pack of Dogs — Now Their Owner Has Been Charged with Murder and Animal Abuse By Madison E. Goldberg

A North Carolina man was mauled to death by a pack of 17 dogs, and now the dogs’ owner is facing murder and animal abuse charges.

Elaina Bryant was identified as the owner of the 17 dogs after conducting an investigation, the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) confirmed in a statement on social media. Authorities say Bryant, 56, of Thomasville, N.C., was “grossly negligent in the care and control of the animals.” Detectives consulted with the District Attorney’s Office to review the evidence and determine official charges.

On Monday, Dec. 15, the case was brought before a Davidson County Grand Jury, which returned an indictment charging Bryant with second-degree murder and 10 counts of felony animal abuse.

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Bryant was indicted and taken into custody on Wednesday, Dec. 17. She is now being held at the Davidson County Detention Center on a $500,000 secured bond set by the Superior Court Judge. Bryant’s next court date is scheduled for Jan. 5 in Davidson County Superior Court.

“Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division, working in coordination with Davidson County Animal Control, responded and initiated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the incident,” the DCSO wrote. “Deputies and Detectives subsequently located the pack of aggressive canines at a neighboring property.”

Michael Bodenheimer was found lying in his front yard dead at approximately 7:43 p.m., local time, in Thomasville on Nov. 18. He was 73. Deputies responded to a home on Jeanette Lane after being alerted to a cardiac arrest, the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office said.

Bodenheimer had sustained “severe injuries and was beyond the possibility of life-saving intervention” and that “preliminary findings at the scene indicated that his injuries were consistent with an attack by a large pack of canines,” the sheriff’s office said.

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“Over the following hours, Animal Control Division personnel captured 17 canines, identified as pit bull–mixed breeds,” the sheriff’s office said. “The animals were euthanized and transported to a local veterinary facility, where necropsies were conducted. The examinations of the canines revealed evidence confirming their involvement in the attack of Mr. Bodenheimer. An autopsy conducted on Mr. Bodenheimer determined that he died as a result of injuries sustained in the mauling from the canines.”

PEOPLE has reached out to the DCSO for further comment.

“Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our father. He was deeply loved, and his absence has left a pain that words cannot fully express,” Bodenheimer’s family said in a statement to WYFF.

“We are aware that charges have been filed in connection with his death. At this time, we ask for privacy as we continue to grieve and support one another,” his family said. “We have full confidence in the legal process and will allow it to move forward without further comment.”

Bodenheimer’s family later said their focus remains on honoring his life and values. “We appreciate the support, prayers, and kindness that have been extended to our family during this incredibly difficult time,” they said.

“Mike was a long time member of the Fair Grove Fire Department serving the Fair Grove community for many years,” the Fairgrove Fire Department in Thomasville told WYFF. “This particular incident involving one of our own has hit the department pretty hard since several of our current members served with him . Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as well as our own members.”