A Davidson County grand jury has indicted Elaina Bryant, 56, after investigators concluded a pack of 17 dogs fatally mauled 73-year-old Michael Bodenheimer in Thomasville on Nov. 18. Bryant faces second-degree murder and 10 counts of felony animal abuse; she was arrested Dec. 17 and is held on a $500,000 secured bond. Animal Control captured and euthanized the dogs—pit bull–mixes—and necropsies and an autopsy confirmed the canines' involvement. The victim's family has asked for privacy and expressed confidence in the legal process.
North Carolina Woman Indicted After 73-Year-Old Man Fatally Mauled by Pack of 17 Dogs
J.C. Green & Sons Funeral Home; Davidson County Sheriff's OfficeMichael Bodenheimer (left); Elaina Bryant (right)
A Davidson County grand jury has indicted Elaina Bryant, 56, of Thomasville, N.C., after an investigation concluded that a pack of 17 dogs fatally mauled 73-year-old Michael Bodenheimer in November.
Investigation and Charges
Authorities say detectives from the Davidson County Sheriff's Office (DCSO), working with the District Attorney’s Office and Davidson County Animal Control, identified Bryant as the owner of the animals and determined she was "grossly negligent in the care and control of the animals." On Dec. 15 a grand jury returned an indictment charging Bryant with second-degree murder and 10 counts of felony animal abuse. She was taken into custody on Dec. 17 and is being held at the Davidson County Detention Center on a $500,000 secured bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 5 in Davidson County Superior Court.
What Happened
Deputies responded to a home on Jeanette Lane in Thomasville on the evening of Nov. 18 after a call initially reporting cardiac arrest. At approximately 7:43 p.m., officers found Bodenheimer deceased in his front yard. The sheriff’s office said he had "severe injuries and was beyond the possibility of life-saving intervention," and that preliminary findings were consistent with an attack by a large pack of canines.
Davidson County Sheriff's OfficeMugshot for Elaina Brunty Bryant
Animal Control Response
Over the following hours, Animal Control captured 17 dogs identified as pit bull–mixed breeds. The animals were euthanized and taken to a local veterinary facility where necropsies were performed. According to the sheriff’s office, those examinations produced evidence confirming the canines' involvement in the attack. An autopsy ruled that Bodenheimer died from injuries sustained during the mauling.
Community and Family Statements
Bodenheimer's family released a statement to local media saying, "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." They asked for privacy while they grieve and said they have "full confidence in the legal process."
The Fairgrove Fire Department in Thomasville, where Bodenheimer served for many years, said the incident "has hit the department pretty hard" and extended condolences to his family, friends and fellow firefighters.
"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 said in a statement.
PEOPLE and other outlets reported contacting the DCSO for further comment. The case remains under investigation as prosecutors prepare for upcoming court proceedings.
