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Two Pee Dee, South Carolina residents were arrested on Wednesday (July 17, 2024) and charged with owning a dangerous animal that attacked and killed a fellow citizen.
According to the Florence, S.C. police department, Justin Conroy and Ashley Maclean – both of Florence – were arrested in connection with a fatal dog attack that took place in the city last week.
According to probable cause affidavits accompanying the warrants for Conroy and MacLean’s arrest, both knew “or should have known” that their dog had “a propensity, tendency or disposition to attack unprovoked.”
That’s what police allege happened last Wednesday (July 10, 2024) when the animal in question mauled a passing bicyclist on the 1800 block of Brigadoone Lane in Florence.
“The canine broke free from its leash and collar device and attacked the victim,” the affidavit noted. “The canine punctured the victim’s neck, which resulted in the victim’s death.”
Karen Nelson, 71, of Florence, S.C. succumbed to injuries sustained during the attack.
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Two days after the attack, Conroy and MacLean signed “a voluntary surrender form agreeing that the animal will be euthanized.” The dog was put down the following day (Saturday, July 13, 2024).
According to her obituary, Nelson “loved people and truly never met a stranger.” The church choir leader and piano instructor was commonly described as “a best friend.”
“Music played a beautiful melody throughout Karen’s life, and she had a talent for sharing her passion with children,” her obituary noted. “Whether leading the children’s choir at church, teaching music at All Saints’ Episcopal Day School, or instructing piano, Karen left her mark on hundreds of students. She delighted in running into her former students and always remembered each one by name.”
A celebration of Nelson’s life was scheduled for today (Wednesday, July 17, 2024) at The Church at Sandhurst (1140 Third Loop Road) in Florence. In lieu of flowers, Nelson’s family has asked for donations to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, a cause she supported.
Conroy and MacLean were booked at the Florence County detention center and are awaiting a bond hearing.
As with anyone accused of committing any crime, Conroy and MacLean are considered innocent until proven guilty by our criminal justice system – or until such time as they may wish to enter some form of allocution in connection with a plea agreement with prosecutors related to any of the charges filed against them.
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WARRANTS …
(Florence Police Department)
This is a breaking news story based on the latest information available. Stay with FITSNews for updates …
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …
Will Folks is the founding editor of the news outlet you are currently reading. Prior to founding FITSNews, he served as press secretary to the governor of South Carolina and before that he was a bass guitarist and dive bar bouncer. He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and eight children.
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1 comment
It is sad in this day and time that such is necessary, but irresponsible dog owners like these is another reason I don’t go for a walk in my own neighborhood unless I am strapped. I bet these idiots have looked on as their snarling, biting, prosthesis menaced one or more people and offered that weak “he won’t bite”, cliche’.
Do we know the breed of the dog? Seems as though I saw that noted in an article on another news outlet.