Dog Owner Charged With Murder After Fatal Attack On 9-Year-Old

DETROIT, MI — The owner of the three dogs that attacked and killed a 9-year-old riding a bicycle in Southwest Detroit has been charged with murder.

Pierre Cleveland, 33, is charged with second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and having a dangerous animal causing death, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. He has been in custody since the attack and is expected to be arraigned Thursday afternoon.

Authorities say Cleveland knew his dogs were "dangerous, loose and unsecured in the backyard of his home while he went to a nearby store," according to the WCPO. Investigators reported found that the fence around their yard was damaged and not secure.

The side garage door to the alley way was also open which allowed the dogs to leave their yard and attack 9-year-old Emma Hernandez as she rode bikes with her older brother.

"It is horrible to imagine what Emma went through as she was being mauled to death by vicious dogs allegedly owner by the defendant," said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy. "It is high time that the city of Detroit shines a light on the owners of these dangerous animals that sometimes roam and wreak serious havoc - none worse than what happened here."

The dogs are in care of the local animal control and are expected to be euthanized.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to cover the costs of Emma's funeral.