Mother of 4-year-old killed by pit bulls speaks; owner arrested

DETROIT (WJBK) - A 4-year-old boy has died after being mauled by pit bulls in Detroit.

The boy was walking with his mother when the dogs attacked. The 41-year-old owner was arrested for negligent homicide. Police believe his lack of care for his four pit bulls led to the attack.

Xavier Strickland died from injuries sustained from the attack, as the dogs bit him in the stomach. Three of the dogs were shot and a fourth was taken by police.

Xavier and his mother Lucille Strickland were walking to school when the dogs slipped under a fence and attacked them.

"When I saw them, I started running," she said. "But both of the big dogs grabbed each one of my legs. I put him in front of me ... And when I kicked them off, when I got up, I grabbed him, I had him by the arms and one of the pit (bulls) grabbed my ankle again. And I'm going in again, kicking and the other big pit (got) in front of me, and pulled him away from me.

"Why do you want a baby? Why do you want to attack anybody.

"That's insane for dogs like that to even be out."

Lucille told FOX 2 that she is in shock but glad the dog owner was arrested.

She said this is not the first time the dogs have escaped and bitten before, including one time with her 9-year-old son.

The family set up a GoFundMe to pay for Xavier's funeral costs. CLICK HERE to donate.