A Florida woman has been charged with manslaughter after her two pit bulls allegedly mauled her neighbor to death, with authorities claiming she faked a heart attack during her arrest.
Details of the Attack
Linda Cutler, 29, was taken into custody last Wednesday in connection with the death of 50-year-old Jodi Cowan, according to Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey. The incident occurred on May 19 in Cocoa, Florida, when Cowan was walking her dog near her home. Cutler's dogs, Max and Mako, escaped from their owner's fenced yard and launched a vicious assault.
Surveillance footage released by the sheriff's department captured the horrifying moment the pit bulls charged at Cowan, who attempted to shield her own pet. The dogs forced Cowan to the ground, attacking her relentlessly and dragging her across the ground for a significant distance, Sheriff Ivey reported.
Victim's Husband Attempts Rescue
Cowan's husband, Donnell Smith, heard her screams and rushed outside to find his wife lying in a pool of blood, covered in bite wounds. Smith managed to drive the dogs away by swinging a knife at them. He immediately called 911, and Cowan was airlifted to a hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries approximately four hours later.
Arrest and Feigned Heart Attack
At the time of the attack, Cutler was staying at a Hilton hotel on the beach in nearby Melbourne, Florida. When officers attempted to arrest her, she allegedly pretended to have a heart attack, Sheriff Ivey stated. She was taken to a hospital before being booked into Brevard County Jail.
Sheriff Ivey personally escorted Cutler into jail and shared video of her perp walk. In the footage, he can be heard telling her, 'Hope you enjoyed your time at the beach because you're not going to be going back.' When Cutler questioned the remark, Ivey replied, 'A woman is dead and two dogs are about to be euthanized because of your uselessness, so have a nice visit.' Cutler appeared stunned and speechless as officers led her inside.
Prior Complaints and Admission
The sheriff's office had received complaints from neighbors about Cutler's dogs roaming freely in the neighborhood as early as 2024. According to investigators, Cutler admitted in a sworn statement that she was aware her dogs frequently escaped from her yard. She also knew they had previously bitten someone and had become increasingly aggressive, Ivey said.
Legal Proceedings and Dog Euthanasia
Cutler's arraignment is scheduled for June 23. Both dogs, Max and Mako, are set to be euthanized.
