Home › News › Big Country
Jury seated in fatal dog mauling of boy
More Big Country GRAHAM -- The trial for a Breckenridge couple charged with owning a group of dogs that killed a 7-year-old Breckenridge boy in May began with jury selection Monday in 90th District Court.
Jack Smith and Crystal Watson are being tried under Lillian's Law -- a state law passed in 2007 to make it easier to try people whose pets are responsible for killing or seriously injuring people off the owner's property.
About 300 prospective jurors were called to the courthouse Monday. A 10-woman, two-man jury was seated, and testimony is expected to begin this morning, KTXS-TV reported.
Although the case originated in Stephens County, it was moved to Young County as a result of immense pretrial publicity. The story headlined the news throughout North Texas and also was reported on several cable news channels.
Because of the widespread interest in the case, Young County Sheriff Bryan Walls said his office, in conjunction with the Stephens County Sheriff's Office, would be providing tight security.
Walls said a metal detector will be set up in the courthouse. In addition, a male and female deputy will be available to search people entering the courthouse; deputies will be posted in the hall; and Walls and Stephens County Sheriff Jim Reeves will be in the courtroom.
Smith and Watson are charged with owning a group of dogs that fatally mauled Tanner Monk near his home outside Breckenridge.
According to the sheriff's reports, a driver noticed Monk's body on the side of the road and stopped to help. But when the woman exited her vehicle, the dogs charged her and she was forced to retreat and call 9-1-1. Sheriff's deputies who responded also were charged and were forced to shoot some of the dogs. The remaining dogs were seized and later put down.
The Stephens County grand jury indicted Smith and Watson on a charge of attack by dog resulting in death, a second-degree felony.
The case is expected to last all week.
Posted by steeda78 on October 7, 2008 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What a sad sad story. If you cant maintain your dogs then you should not have them. Hillbillies
Posted by DB on October 7, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I say turn a pack of killer dogs on them.
Posted by mike on October 7, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You nailed it DB.
Posted by ranchero63bob on October 7, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Pit Bulls worthless dogs.Shoot them all.
Posted by apricottx on October 7, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No, I disagree. And watching Cesar Milan, I know that pitbulls can be very gentle loving dogs (most of the Michael Vick dogs were rehabilitated and put into homes), if they are led by their humans on how to be. These are bad dog owners, there was no pack leader here and the dogs were more wild than domestic. It is absolutely tragic that the boy was killed, mauled. God rest his young soul. These people did not care for the dogs in a way that would have ensured they weren't a threat. I have 3 huge dogs and I am only 120 lbs against their 180 lbs together, yet I am the one in control. It can be done.
Posted by cyndigarcia on October 7, 2008 at noon (Suggest removal)
apricottx- you are right, the owner should be in control no matter what. I feel forthe boys family... There are far too many dog owners that don't train there dogs correctly... I have had pit bulls for along time they are gentle and loving dogs.
Posted by Texan55 on October 7, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Pit bulls attack at random, and cause more injuries or death than any other dog. Some may be good pets, but they are not worth the chance if they turn violent.
Posted by donny on October 7, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How is this any different from the person that allowed a 4 year old get hold of a gun and kill him self?
Posted by lil5angels on October 7, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
it all really depends on how the dogs are raised and the atmosphere it was brought up in. all dogs needs training and love as do humans. any dog can turn on someone. pits are more noticed cause alot of people like to train them to be mean, but thats not all cases, but its not only pits, you have rotts, chows, etc. god bless the little boys family.
Posted by apricottx on October 7, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
thanks cyndigarcia. I also learned that male dogs that are not neutered and do not have a chance to mate at least twice a year, are more violent and aggressive against other dogs and humans.
Another reason to spay/neuter your dogs. If you don't plan to breed, they don't have the need ...
Posted by brogers on October 7, 2008 at 7:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Texan55, if you did just a little research, you would find that Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Chows fall far in front of pit bulls for the number of attacks...both fatal and non-fatal. Do you believe that anyone who owns a gun is a killer? Or, that everyone who drinks alcohol is an alcoholic? That's a pretty broad statement with nothing to back it! I have a pit that sleeps with my 8 year old every night. Our neighbors' children are over at our place almost daily. Do you think I would own a dog that I didn't trust completely with my child or anyone else's? Give me a break. Check your "facts".
Posted by ksb3 on October 7, 2008 at 9:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
brogers...you are wrong buddy. Read
today's Dallas Morning News...yet
another pit bull attack on a child.
Posted by brogers on October 7, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Try google, ksb3! There are multiple sites with statistics that show other breeds ahead of pits.
Posted by roberttlaird on October 7, 2008 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Small dogs cause more injuries than big dogs. The problem is that a small dog hurts, a big dog kills. Also certain dogs have inbred dispositions that can cause them to be more aggressive than others. The Pits, Rotts and other "guard" dogs are examples. My Irish Setters are big dogs but their genetic traits make them happy, non agressive goof-offs. The take home point is that if you own a dog, you are responsible for its behavior. Pick a dog you are willing to be responsible for, both legally and financially.
Posted by bigalluvsu on October 8, 2008 at 12:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Although i am sad of this attack on this poor little boy by a group of pit bulls; I think that the owners should be convicted of manslaughter. I have known only one Female pit in my life; and I would trust her with my life; but she was an exception. Very smart! The rest of them I would not give you $.05 for.
I say punish these people so maybe others will pay attention and keep their dogs corralled!
(Requires free registration.)
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.