On July 23, 2014, Craig Sytsma, a 46 year old father of three, was attacked by a dog while he was jogging in Lapeer County, MI. Unfortunately, he died in the arms of a woman who was coming to his rescue.
WOOD Channel 8 reported:
“I have nightmares every night,” Sytsma’s mother, Jacque Sytsma, told the judge and the couple during the Tuesday sentencing. “I am running, I am running to help him and I can’t get to him, and I don’t think that will ever leave. Never.”
The owners of the dogs, Sebastiano Quagliata and his wife, Valbona Lucaj, were originally charged with second-degree murder, reportedly the first murder charge ever filed in Michigan for a dog attack. They later pleaded no contest to owning a dangerous dog causing death.
Lapeer County Circuit Judge Nick Holowka sentenced them to at least 4 years and 9 months in prison and up to 15 years. They both got credit for a year already served.
Dog bites and dog attacks are all too frequent across Michigan. If you or someone you know has been bitten, scratched, or attacked by a dog, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC today at 844.4MI.FIRM. Our accident attorneys are ready to help you receive any compensation you are entitled to under Michigan law.