Michigan prosecutor files murder charges against couple who owned dogs that attacked runner
LAPEER, Mich. – Prosecutors have filed second-degree murder charges against a couple they say owned two dogs that fatally mauled a 46-year-old jogger on a rural Michigan road.
The Flint Journal (http://bit.ly/1kpvj4S ) reports that Lapeer County Prosecutor Tim Turkelson issued the warrants Thursday against 45-year-old Sebastiano Quagliata and 44-year-old Valbona Lucaj. Turkelson says the couple also are charged with possessing a dangerous animal causing death.
A message seeking comment was left for the couple’s lawyer Thursday night. The dogs are cane corsos.
Craig Sytsma of Livonia was attacked July 23 in Metamora Township, 45 miles northwest of Detroit.
The Detroit Free Press says the couple are Albanians living in the U.S. illegally and facing deportation.
The prosecutor says a hearing on whether the two dogs will be destroyed will be postponed from Friday.
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