Pit bulls seized as detectives probe mauling death of woman

Authorities have taken into custody pit bulls that might have mauled a woman in the Antelope Valley and have identified a “person of interest” in the case.

L.A. County sheriff’s homicide detectives were continuing to investigate whether several pit bulls seized from the residence of a man whose home contained a marijuana growing operation are responsible for the fatal attack on Pamela Maria Devitt, 63.

Alex Jackson, 29, is the “person of interest” in Devitt’s death, said Sheriff’s Department spokesman Steve Whitmore.

Jackson was arrested on suspicion of cultivating marijuana at a house near 115th Street East and Avenue S in the community of Littlerock after police conducted a search of the property related to the Thursday morning mauling.

Sheriff’s Capt. Mike Parker said detectives with a warrant, and working with animal control, took eight dogs, including six pit bulls.

Neighbors told KTLA News they shot a video of the dogs hopping over the fence at the house where they lived.

“If there’s people on horses or elderly people walking, they attack them,” one man, who did not want to be identified, told the station.

The first deputy at the scene of the attack in Littlerock found the woman on the ground and saw a dog. According to Parker, the deputy chased the dog, but it turned on him, so he fired a shot toward the dog, which then ran.

The deputy continued his pursuit, the dog again turned in an aggressive manner, and the deputy fired another shot. The dog eventually fled into the desert off Avenue S.

Sheriff’s deputies went door to door Thursday afternoon, warning people to stay away from the area, Parker said. They also were trying to determine who the dogs belong to, he said.

Devitt died en route to a hospital.

Police had not determined Friday morning if the dogs taken Thursday were the ones that attacked the woman.

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