WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT Marina Verriest, 70, from Nassau County, New York, was killed by her family’s pit bull
A man was met with a nightmarish scene when he arrived home to find his pet pit bull dog feasting on the mutilated remains of his wife following a “horrific” attack.
Marina Verriest, aged 70, from Nassau County, New York, died from a ruthless attack by her own family’s pit bull. Her husband made the gruesome discovery when he returned home in in July 2022, finding his pet “still eating on the body” police reports indicate.
The petrified 66-year-old husband alerted authorities immediately and responding officers faced a chilling situation. The family’s seven year old pit bull lunged at one of them, prompting the officer to discharge their firearm, killing the aggressive dog. At a media briefing, Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder described the encounter: “The scene was pretty horrific.”
Ryder detailed the extent of the brutality, saying: “We don’t know what time the attack took place but there was obviously a lot of mutilation on the body and the arm, the face, the legs.”
In his statements, Ryder noted the police officer who put down the dog is now receiving counselling support to handle the distressing impact of the dreadful sight.
He elaborated on post-incident care: “The officer saw something that was very traumatic. We take care of our officers and make sure they’re OK.”
The reasons behind the canine’s savage behavior remain a mystery, with Ryder saying: “We don’t know what turned the dog or why the dog turned on the woman.”
Attesting to the unexpected nature of this tragedy, Ryder said: “There had been no previous domestic calls to the home or calls regarding the dog.”
After a couple’s home became the site of a tragedy, it was revealed by the Daily Star their stepson, who had tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident just weeks earlier, was the owner of the dog, which had been living with them for years.
One local told CBS News how the dog exhibited extraordinary strength, noting instances when they saw the owner struggling to maintain control while walking the animal.
The neighbor said: “When he was alive, he used to walk [the dog] with both hands holding the leash. That dog was leading him.”
Kenneth M. Phillips, a US Attorney known for his work on behalf of dog attack victims, provided statistics showing that in 2021, there were 51 fatal dog attacks in the United States – 37 of which involved pit bulls or similar breeds.
Phillips noted that among the fatal incidents involving pit bulls, 21 victims were either owners of the attacking dog or immediate family members.