DA Office Investigating Pickett County Woman’s Death

Authorities are investigating the death of an elderly Pickett County woman attacked by dogs earlier this week.

District Attorney Bryant Dunaway said 88-year-old Bessie Peterson died Wednesday from injuries sustained during the attack the day before.

“I’ve sent one of my criminal investigators up to Pickett County to assist the Pickett County Sheriff’s Department in the investigation. That investigation is still ongoing,” Dunaway said. “We’re trying to determine if there’s any criminal liability on the part of the owner of the dogs. That’s still yet to be determined. We’re gathering all the facts, the history, and everything that’s relevant to the situation.”

Dunaway said the dogs involved in Peterson’s death have been euthanized since the incident.

“Now that we’ve learned a little bit more, I think all of the dogs were probably mixed breeds, nothing purebred,” Dunaway said. “Initial reports came in that they may have been some pit bull, some German Shepherd, but that appears to be, as we’ve kind of learned more, that most of the dogs were some sort of mixed breed dog.”

Dunaway said the owner of the dogs could face charges if the investigation uncovers any foul play.