Brandy Dowdy of Red Bay, Alabama, was convicted in November on charges including manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide after a pack of dogs attacked and killed two women in 2022. One victim, public health worker Summer Beard, was reportedly killed while investigating the earlier assault on Michele Sheeks, who later died of injuries sustained days earlier. Dowdy faces up to 41 years in prison, is appealing the verdicts and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 28. She is currently undergoing leukemia treatment and may apply for temporary release for medical care.
Alabama Woman Convicted After Fatal Dog Attacks Faces Up To 41 Years — Sentencing Set For April 28
Laughlin Service Funeral Home; Franklin County Jail; GoFundMeJacqueline Summer Burpee Beard; Brandy Dowdy; Michele Sheeks
Brandy Dowdy of Red Bay, Alabama, was convicted in November on charges related to two deadly dog attacks that occurred days apart in 2022. She faces a maximum sentence of 41 years when she is formally sentenced on April 28. Dowdy has filed a notice of appeal and remains in custody while she awaits sentencing.
Case Details
In April 2022, 44-year-old Michele Sheeks was attacked by a pack of dogs while walking along County Highway 11 in Red Bay. Sheeks survived for months in the hospital but died of her injuries in July 2022. Days later, in May 2022, 58-year-old Summer Beard — a longtime Alabama Department of Public Health employee — was reportedly attempting to follow up on the earlier assault when she was fatally attacked by the same group of dogs.
Charges And Trial
In November, a jury found Dowdy guilty of one count of manslaughter, one count of criminally negligent homicide and two counts of violating "Emily’s Law," a statute that increases penalties for severe or fatal dog attacks. Prosecutors argued the dogs that mauled the victims were tied to Dowdy.
Dowdy’s defense denied sole ownership of the animals, and her daughter testified that stray or abandoned dogs were frequently present on or near their property and that Dowdy sometimes fed animals in the area. Investigators testified that Dowdy owned the dogs involved in the attacks, though they said they could not identify which specific animals inflicted the fatal injuries.
Sentencing, Health And Appeal
Dowdy was scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 6, 2026, but the hearing was postponed after her attorney suffered a medical emergency and she requested new counsel; the next sentencing date is April 28. After conviction, she was taken into custody pending sentencing. Court records indicate Dowdy is receiving treatment for leukemia; the judge noted she may apply for temporary release to receive medical care while awaiting formal sentencing.
Victims And Reactions
Summer Beard, 58, worked for nearly 17 years as an environmental supervisor for the Alabama Department of Public Health, covering Franklin, Marion and Winston counties. ADPH communications described her as "an exceptional person" and a respected team member.
"Summer was known to her coworkers as an exceptional person. She was a tremendous team worker and was loved by those who knew her," said Ryan Easterling of the ADPH.
Michele Sheeks’ husband, Wesley Sheeks, spent months at her bedside after the attack and told local media, "Unfortunately, she never got the chance to leave that hospital." Dowdy’s attorneys have said they will appeal the convictions; her defense attorney could not be reached for comment.
What’s Next
Dowdy’s sentencing on April 28 will determine whether she receives a substantial prison term — up to 41 years — and whether the court grants any temporary release for medical treatment while her appeal proceeds.
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