Some of the 13 pit bulls found in the victim’s backyard.Photo:KTLA 5
KTLA 5
The 35-year-old, who was believed to have been a pit bull breeder, was discovered in a kennel in his backyard in Compton early Friday morning, according toCBS News,KTLAandThe Los Angeles Times.
The LASD did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Also found in the backyard were 13 pit bulls, five adults and eight puppies, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control, which now has custody of the dogs with the consent of the victim’s father.
Using video obtained from cameras located around the property, officials determined that the attack likely occurred on Thursday evening between 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., KTLA reported.
Lt. Michael Gomez with LASD’s Homicide Bureau told KTLA that the death was likely the result of an altercation between the pit bulls.
“From my understanding and based on those that have reviewed the video, it’s believed that he was feeding the dogs, at which point maybe there was an altercation between some of the dogs and then ultimately [the dogs] attacked and mauled the victim,” said Lt. Gomez.
The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, “ultimately died from his injuries," Lt. Gomez told CBS News.
Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up forPEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletterfor breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.
The L.A. County Department of Animal Care and Control is currently working to gather more details about the incident and its circumstances.
“We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine the facts and ensure the safety and well-being of both the community and the animals involved,” Mayeda added.
source: people.com
