Woman left her “at risk” 76-year-old mother who required 24-hour care alone in the home while she ran errands before the several dogs she kept mauled her to death; arrested
Colorado – In a tragic incident in Colorado, an elderly woman with dementia was fatally attacked by several dogs after being left alone at home by her daughter. The 47-year-old daughter, identified as Jessica H., has been arrested and faces multiple charges, including criminal negligence resulting in the death of an at-risk adult and 54 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.
On February 3, Sheriff’s deputies responded to a distressing call at a residence, where they discovered 76-year-old LaVonne H. deceased. The preliminary investigation revealed that LaVonne, who suffered from dementia and required 24-hour care, was attacked by multiple dogs within her own home. This horrific event occurred while her daughter, Jessica, who was responsible for her care, had left her unattended to run errands.
An autopsy later confirmed that the cause of death was due to injuries sustained during the dog attack. In a statement, the Sheriff’s Office detailed the circumstances leading to the discovery, noting that upon their arrival, deputies found not only the victim but also several dogs running loose and more than two dozen others, along with seven birds, confined in cages under deplorable conditions.
The investigation led to a subsequent search of Jessica’s second property, where authorities uncovered additional dogs and birds living in similarly squalid conditions. It was determined that Jessica owned 54 dogs and seven birds, many of which were found to be ill and living in environments characterized by neglect and unsanitary conditions. The Colorado Animal Law Enforcement subsequently seized all the animals.
Jessica’s arrest highlights severe breaches of both animal welfare laws and the duty of care owed to an at-risk adult. The Sheriff’s Office emphasized the gravity of the neglect and the preventable nature of the tragedy, underscoring the responsibilities of caregivers to ensure the safety and well-being of those under their care. Jessica is currently held at the county jail with a bond set at $50,000. The case has resonated deeply within the community, stirring discussions about the oversight of at-risk individuals and the ethical treatment of animals.
As the legal process unfolds, the community and LaVonne’s family grapple with the dual shock of a vulnerable elderly woman’s death and the appalling conditions in which so many animals were kept. This case serves as a grim reminder of the responsibilities that come with caring for the dependent, whether they be human or animal, and the dire consequences of neglect. The Sheriff’s Office and local animal welfare organizations are now tasked with caring for the seized animals and seeking justice for LaVonne. Meanwhile, the community mourns a preventable loss and calls for stricter enforcement of laws designed to protect the vulnerable and voiceless.
