LANCASTER – A trial is expected to begin in August for the owner of four pit bulls that allegedly mauled to death a 63-year-old Littlerock woman, authorities said Friday.
Alex Jackson, 30, is charged with murder and owner negligence of an animal causing death in connection with the deadly attack on Pamela Marie Devitt.
On May 9, 2013, at around 9:30 a.m., Devitt was out for a morning walk when she was attacked by a pack of large dogs near 116th Street East and Avenue S in Littlerock, sheriff’s officials said.
A motorist witnessed the attack and tried to intervene, but backed off and called authorities when the dogs began attacking her truck.
When the first deputy arrived on scene, one of the dogs was still attacking Devitt. The deputy shot at the dog, and the dog ran off into the desert.
Devitt died after being bitten 150 to 200 times.
A daylong search for the dogs led authorities to Jackson’s home in the 37300 Block of 115th Street East, where residents had reported aggressive dogs in the past.
Authorities obtained a search warrant for the home and seized several dogs from the property.
During the search, deputies also discovered a marijuana grow, and Jackson was arrested for possession of marijuana for sale.
Jackson was charged with Devitt’s murder about three weeks later, after DNA tests on his four pit bulls found Devitt’s blood on their muzzles and coats.
A preliminary hearing on the case in August 2013 included two days of graphic testimony by 12 witnesses, including a woman who witnessed the fatal mauling, another woman whose horse was attacked by Jackson’s dogs, and a mail carrier who escaped an attack while on the job.
At the conclusion of that hearing, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled there was enough evidence for Jackson to stand trial for the murder of Devitt. Jackson is also charged with cultivating marijuana; possession of marijuana for sale; possession for sale of a controlled substance; and assault with a deadly weapon.
A readiness hearing is scheduled for July 18, and jury selection is expected to begin on Aug. 18, 2014, according to Ricardo Santiago of the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office.
Jackson has been jailed since May 2013 on more than $1 million bail.
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Previous related stories:
Update on area murder cases: Jackson, Shipley to stand trial for murder
Dog owner charged with murder in Littlerock mauling death
Victim ID’d in fatal mauling, fate of captured dogs uncertain
Eight dogs seized in deadly mauling of 63-year-old woman
BREAKING NEWS: Woman dead after vicious dog mauling
danny says
He’s a dirt bag let him sit his ass in jail better yet turn some pits on his sorry a__!
I've seen it all says
There’s those Californians, lets find a way to sue the county and rich.
Second, there are several definitions for murder. One is Negligent Homicide. If you send ur 5 yr old walking down rhe street with a loaded gun and that child kills someone, you knew or should have known a death would occur. Theough ur negligence, a person dies. I think it will be pretty easy to show he had vicious dogs. Easy to show they weren’t contained since multiple attacks have occurred. I’d say they have him dead bang.
Nancy P says
Murder charge to me indicates intent. Manslaughter, yes. Murder, no.
Eric says
Felony murder when a death occurs during the commission of a felony. I guess the only question would be whether that can be shown here or not. Ultimately, the decision is now entrusted to his peers.
Av resident says
Sounds good it seems like he knew that his dogs where a danger to anyone and am sure he had prior warnings since dogs had attacked a horse and other people before I Say he should be held 1000% responsible if you cant take care of your dogs why have any but they where his guard dogs to keep his drugs safe. I wonder how he would feel if someone would let pack of dogs attack him hope he gets a long time in the can for this. Just think if that was your mom what would you do. Sounds bad to keep him breathing in jail no bills no rent just living the lazy life put him to sleep like the dogs.
Will says
If the authorities received complaints about the dogs and failed to take action, they are partially responsible as well. Lawsuits will follow if they haven’t been filed already.
fair is fair says
I agree 100% with you- if I am this poor woman’s family, I’m getting a lawyer go after the County for “Wrongful Death” because if they had done something before when these same dogs attacked the other people, she would still be with us…
tommy says
Lol.. yeah we wouldn’t want anybody to take full responsibility for there own actions.