Ofure Akhigbe
A 58-year-old woman has been charged after allegedly commanding her pit bull to attack a neighbor in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Prosecutors said Sheila Marie Hunter ordered the dog to attack Eli Santos Blanco, who sustained serious puncture wounds during the incident. A bystander shot and killed the animal to stop the assault.
Hunter, who appeared in court via video, faces charges of assault with intent to cause great bodily harm, animal cruelty, and disruptive behavior. The judge set her bail at $30,000 and imposed conditions barring her from contacting the victim or owning animals if released.
Court records show Hunter has a criminal history spanning four decades, including larceny and assault convictions.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for October 6, 2025.