DETROIT (WWJ) -- A Detroit couple has been arraigned on criminal charge after their dogs escaped from their yard and mauled a man to death, according to authorities.
The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office on Wednesday announced the case against 40-year-old Roy Eric Goodman and 38-year-old Trevina Quiche Goodman, in connection with the fatal incident a month ago on the city's west side.
At around 9:20 p.m. on Jan. 29, police responded to the area of West Chicago and Longacre on a report of a dog attack.
According to investigators, a man was out walking when three dogs owned by the Goodmans escaped from an "unsecured" front gate at their home, in the 9400 block of Longacre.
When officers arrived on the scene, paramedics were already treating the victim, 35-year-old Harold Phillips, who had severe injuries.
Phillips was taken to a hospital where where he died on Feb. 2, prosecutors said.
The defendants have been charged with one count each of Dangerous Animal Causing Death.
“This is heartbreaking. I just do not understand why we continue to see unleashed and unsecured dangerous dogs running loose and killing our citizenry," said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, in a statement. "With pet ownership comes responsibility, pure and simple. I do not see what is hard to understand about that."
Roy Goodman was arraigned in 36th District Court on Wednesday. He was given a $25,000 cash bond with the conditions that he not harbor any animals and must have no contact with the victim’s family. A bond redetermination hearing was scheduled for March 1.
Trevina Goodman was arraigned in 36th District Court Thursday morning and was also given a $25,000 cash bond, with the same conditions. Her bond bond redetermination hearing was set for March 4.
A Probable Cause Conference in this case is scheduled for March 6, to be followed by a Preliminary Examination on March 13, before Judge Ronald Giles.