Owner of dogs that killed man, woman ordered tried

Tools

By 24/7 News

Story Created: Dec 28, 2007 at 2:08 AM EST

Story Updated: Sep 18, 2008 at 10:47 AM EST

BRIGHTON, Mich. (AP) — A Livingston County woman whose bulldogs fatally mauled a man and woman faces trial on manslaughter charges.

Brighton District Judge Theresa Brennan on Thursday ordered 52-year-old Diane Cockrell to stand trial. The attacks happened September 13 near her Iosco Township home, about 45 miles west-northwest of Detroit.

Manslaughter carries up to 15 years' imprisonment.

Authorities say four bulldogs attacked 91-year-old Edward Gierlach in his driveway and 56-year-old Cheryl Harper nearby.

Defense lawyer Daniel Blank says authorities haven't met the legal test of showing Cockrell knew the dogs were vicious and showed gross negligence.

The victims' families have sued Cockrell. Authorities euthanized her 10 dogs.

More Good Stuff

WSBT Weather

icon
Current Temp 43.3
°
More Weather

On Demand

More On Demand

Stock Quotes

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule

7.00
Paid Programming
7.30
Jeopardy
8.00
The Mentalist
9.00
48 Hours Mystery
10.00
48 Hours Mystery
11.00
WSBT News
11.35
CSI: NY
12.35
CSI: NY
1.35
CSI: Miami

Question of The Day

Will the new health recommendations for women change your health screening habits?

E-mail your comments. We'll pick some to read during WSBT News at 5.

  • YES
  • NO
Today's Mortgage Rates