Authorities identify south Modesto pit bull mauling victims

Authorities on Wednesday identified the man and woman attacked by a pack of pit bulls in south Modesto on Tuesday night.

Juan Fernandez, 54, died from injuries suffered in the attack. His mother, Maria Fernandez, 77, remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson confirmed Wednesday morning that Juan Fernandez succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities were called to a home in the 800 block of Glenn Avenue at 5:59 p.m. Several callers to 911 reported the attack.

When they arrived, they found Juan Fernandez in the yard being mauled by three pit bulls, authorities said. The fourth dog was circling the scene. Deputies shot and killed two of the dogs; the other two ran to a neighboring yard, where deputies set up a perimeter to secure them while emergency responders tended to Juan Fernandez.

Deputies found Maria Fernandez in the home, which she apparently shared with her son.

Investigators talked briefly to Maria Fernandez, who told them the dogs had attacked them, Christianson said. Juan Fernandez was unconscious and unresponsive.

Once the victims were removed from the scene, authorities said, deputies tried to capture the remaining two dogs. But the dogs acted aggressively and charged the deputies, who shot and killed them.

Christianson said Wednesday that investigators have identified the dogs’ owner, and investigation into the case continues.

The owner shared a fence with the home where the victims lived. Authorities did not release the owner’s name.

“There is no reason to further exploit this tragedy, and we are going to ensure the safety of the dog owner, who is cooperative with law enforcement,” Christianson said in an email.

Christianson said investigators are working with staff from Stanislaus County Animal Services, who took possession of the remains of the dogs for testing.

It is not clear what, if any, charges the owner could face. County regulations allow for residents to own a maximum of four dogs and four cats.

“If we’re unable to definitively prove that this tragedy was the direct result of a negligent act and/or some type of negligence on the part of the dog owner(s), then there’s no potential criminal liability,” Christianson said. “That doesn’t mean they wouldn’t be exposed to significant civil liability for the death and great bodily injury.”

Investigators ask anyone with information on the case to contact Detective Greg Buck at (209) 525-7103.

This story was originally published October 15, 2014 at 9:49 AM with the headline "Authorities identify south Modesto pit bull mauling victims."