Dallas police close fatal dog mauling case, no charges filed

Dallas police have closed their investigation into a deadly dog attack after lab results couldn’t link the dogs suspected to the victim.

The attack happened on May 9 on Rutledge Road in South Dallas. Antoinette Brown died after being mauled by a pack of loose dogs.

Detectives spoke to a dog owner on nearby Spring Street after neighbors reported seeing loose dogs coming from his house and the animals were euthanized. But, forensics lab tests did not find DNA evidence that linked the suspected animals to Brown.

As a result, detectives have closed their case and there will be no charges.

Matisha Ward, the daughter of Brown, spoke to FOX4 in September and was still trying to deal with her mother's death.

"I still haven't had time for myself to believe my momma's not here,” Ward said.

Ward’s attorney said Ward is now trying to move on. She's changed her phone number, and moved out of her apartment.

Criminal defense attorney and former police officer Pete Schulte, who is not associated with the case, told us that there is nothing more police can do.

"The case is over there is no way to look for other animals or owners of animals in that area," Schulte said.

Jackie Humphrey, the neighbor who called 911 after hearing Brown screaming during the attack, says Monday’s news adds to her frustrations. After the attack, she called to report seeing more loose dogs in the neighborhood and animal services said it would be days before they could come out.

Since the attack the city has placed a deputy police chief in charge of Dallas Animal Services, plans to give special training to 311 call takers and is making capturing the estimated 9,000 loose dogs in southern Dallas a top priority.