Daytona Beach police are investigating the death of a 38-year-old woman after she was found in her home with multiple injuries consistent with an animal attack.
On Friday, October 10, at around 7:10 p.m., Daytona Beach Police Department officers responded to the 500 block of Spruce Street after receiving reports of an unresponsive woman – later identified as Monica L. Emerson – who had sustained severe injuries, according to DBPD.
Emerson’s boyfriend told police that he had been unable to reach her by phone, prompting him to go to the residence. When he entered the home, he stated that he found Emerson unresponsive on the floor, and he immediately called 911.
When officers arrived on-scene, they found Emerson inside the residence. Four dogs were also observed running freely within the home: a large male, mixed breed (the father) and three adult offspring, according to police.
DBPD stated that Emerson sustained multiple injuries to her body, which were consistent with an attack involving animals. The police department added that none of Emerson’s injuries appear to be the result of foul play or caused by human involvement.
A preliminary investigation has led detectives to believe that Emerson may have experienced a “medical episode that caused her to lose consciousness.” Moments later, she was fatally attacked by the dogs, according to DBPD.
Volusia County Animal Control Services personnel arrived at the home and took custody of the four dogs. The animals were then transported to a local shelter, where they will be held for 10 days prior to being euthanized.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, according to Daytona Beach police.