Full Breakdown
Manslaughter Charges Follow Fatal Dog Attacks in North Carolina and Florida
5/30/2026, 6:04:50 AM
Fatal Attacks and Manslaughter Charges
On May 19, 2026, two dog attacks killed Betty Alston in Chatham County, North Carolina, and Jodi Cowan in Brevard County, Florida. Both owners—Dennis O’Keith Faulkner and Linda Cutler—were charged with manslaughter.
Prior Complaints and Legal Framework
Neighbors repeatedly reported the dogs as roaming or aggressive. In Apex, deputies cited Faulkner’s dogs for roaming and missing vaccinations. In Sharpes, animal-services logs show complaints since 2024, but state law limits officials to citations unless a bite meets the “dangerous dog” threshold. Both states allow felony charges when a dog causes serious injury or death. Florida’s dangerous-dog statute defines a dog as dangerous after a severe bite, requiring owners to secure the animal, obtain liability insurance, and potentially face felony charges.
Charged Owners and Dogs
- Dennis O’Keith Faulkner, 32, owned three dogs (two Cane Corsos, one Bulldog mix).
- Linda Cutler, 29, owned two mixed-breed dogs, Max and Mako (pit-bull mixes).
Both were warned about confinement ordinances.
Timeline of Events and Legal Proceedings
- May 19, 2026: Alston attacked on Alston Road; Cowan attacked on Blue Bonnet Drive.
- May 22-23: Faulkner arrested, charged with involuntary manslaughter and six misdemeanors; held without bond; court set for June 3.
- May 27: Cutler arrested after a beach-hotel disturbance; charged with manslaughter; $250,000 bond; judge barred future animal ownership; dogs placed in quarantine for euthanasia.
Official Statements & Responses
District Attorney Jeff Nieman called Alston’s death “a tragedy for her and her family.” Sheriff Wayne Ivey called Cowan’s death “tragic and untimely,” noting the dogs “had gotten out of their yard and were roaming the neighborhood.” Ivey said animal-services can only issue citations, not seize dogs, under Florida law.
Criticism & Opposition
Donnell Smith, Cowan’s partner, said he does not want Cutler to rot in jail but seeks accountability. Neighbor Dominica Midkiff noted the dogs “were always on the loose.” Both remarks reflect community frustration with enforcement gaps.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Miss Alston lost her life, and that is a tragedy for her and her family,” — Jeff Nieman, Chatham County District Attorney
- “I'm dying, can't breathe,” — Jodi Cowan, 911 call
- “They were always on the loose,” — Dominica Midkiff, neighbor
- “A woman is dead and two dogs are about to be euthanized because of your uselessness.” — Wayne Ivey, Brevard County Sheriff
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Betty Alston’s age, reporting her as 84 in one account and 85 in another. All Florida reports list Jodi Cowan as 50. The number of prior citations for Cutler’s dogs ranges from two to five across reports.
What’s Next
Faulkner’s next hearing is June 3; additional charges may follow. Cutler’s arraignment is June 23; her dogs will be euthanized after a 10-day quarantine. Both cases could prompt review of animal-control policies.
