A 73-year-old North Carolina man, Michael Bodenheimer, was fatally mauled by a pack of 17 pit bull-mixed dogs on November 18, 2025, in Thomasville. The dogs’ owner, Elaina Bryant, 56, now faces second-degree murder and 10 counts of felony animal abuse after a Davidson County Grand Jury indicted her on December 15. She’s held on a $500,000 bond at the Davidson County Detention Center, with her next court date on January 5, 2026.
Incident and Investigation Details
Deputies responded to Bodenheimer’s home on Jeanette Lane around 7:43 p.m. for a reported cardiac arrest but found him dead in his front yard from severe canine attack injuries. Animal Control captured the aggressive dogs at a neighboring property, euthanized them for necropsies confirming their role, and an autopsy verified the mauling as the cause of death.
Authorities deemed Bryant “grossly negligent” in controlling the animals, leading to charges after consultation with the District Attorney.
Victim’s Background and Family Response
Bodenheimer, a longtime Fair Grove Fire Department member, was deeply loved in his community. His family shared: “Our family is heartbroken… We have full confidence in the legal process.” The fire department noted the tragedy’s impact, with current members who served alongside him mourning the loss.
This case highlights rare but severe accountability for dangerous dog ownership, similar to high-profile attacks in other states. North Carolina’s second-degree murder charge here relies on felony murder rules tied to animal cruelty.
| Charge | Count | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Murder | 1 | Indicted |
| Felony Animal Abuse | 10 | Indicted |
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