COCOA, Fla. (AP) — A Florida woman has been charged with manslaughter after authorities said her two dogs escaped from her property and fatally attacked a woman who was walking in her neighborhood earlier this month.
Linda Cutler, 29, was arrested Wednesday in Brevard County in connection with the May 19 death of 50-year-old Jodi Cowan, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators allege that Cutler failed to adequately secure the dogs despite previous incidents in which they had escaped from her yard.
Sheriff Wayne Ivey said the dogs climbed over a fence at Cutler’s property shortly before 2 a.m. and attacked Cowan while she was outside near her Cocoa home. Authorities said Cowan’s husband, Donnell Smith, attempted to stop the attack before emergency responders arrived.
Cowan was transported to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries, officials said.
During a news conference, Ivey said investigators found evidence that Cutler was aware of the dogs’ history of escaping and aggressive behavior. Authorities also cited a previous report involving one of the dogs biting another person, although that case was not pursued because the victim declined to cooperate with investigators.
According to the sheriff, Cutler was taken into custody after deputies and Melbourne police officers located her at a hotel in Melbourne. Authorities said she initially reported a medical emergency during the arrest and was evaluated at a hospital before being booked into jail.
Investigators said Cutler was not immediately arrested following the attack while detectives worked to gather evidence and review witness statements, surveillance footage and prior reports involving the animals.
The dogs, identified by authorities as Max and Mako, have been ordered euthanized following the fatal attack.
Ivey said the case highlights limitations in Florida law regarding the seizure of dogs with a history of complaints. While deputies had previously received reports involving the animals, authorities said the incidents did not meet the legal threshold required to remove the dogs before the fatal attack.
Cutler faces a manslaughter charge and could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Court records show her arraignment is scheduled for June 23.
Family members and neighbors described Cowan as a longtime dog lover whose death has deeply affected the community. The investigation remains ongoing.