Woman faces manslaughter charge after two dogs allegedly escaped property and killed a 50-year-old dog walker
A Florida woman accused of failing to control her dogs after they fatally attacked a dog walker is facing a manslaughter charge, with authorities alleging she attempted to avoid arrest by pretending to suffer a heart attack.
Linda Cutler, 29, was taken into custody in Melbourne, Florida, on Wednesday, more than a week after two of her dogs allegedly mauled 50-year-old Jodi Cowan to death in nearby Cocoa.
According to Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Cutler “feigned having a heart attack” as deputies moved to arrest her.
The case has drawn widespread attention across Florida, raising renewed questions about dangerous dog laws, owner responsibility, and what authorities say were previous warning signs involving the animals.
What happened to Jodi Cowan?
Authorities say the attack occurred shortly before 2 a.m. on May 19 when Cutler’s two mixed-breed dogs, Max and Mako, allegedly escaped from her property.
According to investigators, the dogs climbed over a fence before encountering Cowan, who was outside with her husband, Donnell Smith.
Sheriff Ivey said the animals forced Cowan to the ground and continued attacking her for an extended period.
Authorities allege the dogs dragged Cowan across the ground while her husband desperately attempted to stop the attack.
Smith reportedly used a knife in an effort to drive the animals away.
Moments after the mauling, Cowan called 911 and told dispatchers she was struggling to breathe.
She was transported for medical treatment but later died from her injuries.
Husband recalls horrifying attack
The victim’s husband later described the attack as one of the most traumatic experiences of his life.
“It was brutal,” Smith told local media outlets.
He said watching the woman he had loved for decades being attacked by the dogs was an image he would never forget.
The emotional testimony has become a focal point of the case as prosecutors pursue criminal charges against the dog’s owner.
Why was Linda Cutler arrested?
According to investigators, authorities determined that Cutler had prior knowledge that her dogs could escape from the property.
Sheriff Ivey alleged that she failed to adequately secure the animals despite previous incidents.
As a result, prosecutors charged Cutler with manslaughter.
Florida law can hold owners criminally responsible in certain circumstances when dangerous animals cause serious injury or death, particularly if evidence suggests negligence or prior warning signs existed.
Sheriff says suspect pretended to have a medical emergency
The arrest itself became a headline after authorities claimed Cutler attempted to delay or avoid being taken into custody.
Sheriff Ivey told reporters that Cutler allegedly pretended to suffer a heart attack during the arrest process.
Authorities did not indicate that a genuine medical emergency occurred.
Video released by law enforcement showed Cutler being escorted by deputies while handcuffed and later transported to jail.
During the arrest, Sheriff Ivey appeared to confront her about the consequences of the attack.
According to authorities, the sheriff told Cutler that a woman had died and that the dogs involved would likely be euthanized.
Previous complaints about the dogs
Investigators say the fatal attack did not come entirely without warning.
And one of Cutler’s neighbors had previously been bitten by her other dogs, but they didn’t cooperate with cops, WFLA reported
However, officials said earlier incidents did not result in enforcement action because legal requirements for seizure or designation as dangerous animals were not fully met.
Neighbors also reportedly told investigators that the dogs were frequently seen roaming outside the property.
One nearby resident told local media that the animals were often loose in the neighborhood.
Those claims are likely to become an important part of the prosecution’s case as authorities seek to establish what Cutler knew about the risk posed by the dogs.
What happens to the dogs now?
Authorities have indicated that Max and Mako are expected to be euthanized following the fatal attack.
Such decisions are common in cases involving dogs that kill or seriously injure people, particularly when courts or animal control agencies determine the animals pose an ongoing danger to public safety.
The final decision typically follows legal and administrative procedures governed by local and state laws.
What penalties could Cutler face?
Cutler has been charged with manslaughter, a felony offense.
If convicted, she could face up to 15 years in prison under Florida law.
Prosecutors will likely need to prove that her actions, or failure to act, contributed directly to the circumstances that led to Cowan’s death.
The case remains under investigation.
Why this case is drawing national attention
Fatal dog attacks remain relatively rare in the United States, which is one reason cases like this often generate significant public interest.
The allegations that:
- The dogs had previously escaped,
- Neighbors had raised concerns,
- A prior bite incident may have occurred, and
- The owner allegedly attempted to avoid arrest,
have turned the case into a broader discussion about pet owner accountability and public safety.
As legal proceedings move forward, investigators and prosecutors will seek to determine whether the fatal attack could have been prevented.
TL;DR
- Florida resident Linda Cutler, 29, has been charged with manslaughter after her two dogs allegedly killed dog walker Jodi Cowan.
- Authorities say the dogs escaped from Cutler’s property before attacking the 50-year-old victim.
- Cowan later died from her injuries.
- Sheriff Wayne Ivey alleges Cutler pretended to suffer a heart attack while being arrested.
- Investigators claim the dogs had previously escaped and that warning signs existed before the fatal attack.
- The dogs are expected to be euthanized.
- Cutler could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
