The Arkansas State Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled that the death of a Jefferson County woman Friday night was the result of a dog mauling.
Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Stephen Erickson said Deborah Renee Roberts, 45, died from exsanguination (extensive loss of blood) after she was attacked by two dogs at 100 NCTR Road at about 11 p.m. Friday.
Initial reports from the sheriff’s department identified the woman as Deborah Renee Wilson.
Erickson classified the death as “accidental.”
Sheriff’s Department Major Lafayette Woods Jr., said the initial investigation indicated that Brian Roberts, who also lived in the house, had walked next door to take care of hygiene issues and when he returned about 20 minutes later, saw the woman laying in the doorway of the house and the two dogs, described as pit bulls, around her.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The house did not have running water or electricity, Woods said.
Roberts told deputies he tried to get into the house to assist the victim but the dogs turned on him and he called the sheriff’s department.
Pine Bluff Animal Control was also called to the scene and an attempt to catch the larger of the two dogs failed when the dog broke the cable noose wielded by the animal control officer and deputies had to kill the dog for the safety of everyone at the scene.
The second dog was caught and taken to the Pine Bluff Animal Shelter.
Woods said the initial investigation did not indicate that foul play was involved.