A tragic incident in Texas has left a community in shock, as a man named Marshall Garrett is facing multiple felony charges following a gruesome attack by his three pit bulls that resulted in the death of his neighbor, Harriette Phillips. This horrifying event occurred just one day after Garrett was charged with murder in a separate case, adding to the seriousness of the situation.
Phillips, a 65-year-old woman, bravely tried to defend herself against the vicious dogs with a hammer on March 23. Despite her efforts, she tragically succumbed to her injuries as the dogs mauled her to death. Disturbingly, evidence found in the bellies of the pit bulls included Phillips’ hair and clothing, highlighting the severity of the attack.
Neighbors had previously raised concerns about Garrett’s dogs, noting that they often escaped and displayed aggressive behavior. One neighbor even reported being bitten by one of the animals. These warning signs were tragically overlooked, leading to the fatal outcome for Phillips.
In response to the incident, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office swiftly announced three felony charges against Garrett for attack by dog resulting in death. All three of his dogs were euthanized following the attack to prevent further harm to the community.
This horrific incident is compounded by the fact that Garrett was already facing a murder charge in a separate case. He and a female suspect, Latrecia Washington, were accused of violently assaulting 69-year-old Alton Martin over a dispute involving $140 outside a Family Dollar store in Houston. Martin later succumbed to his injuries, with an autopsy confirming his death as a result of blunt force trauma.
Garrett, who was out on bond at the time of the fatal dog attack, has since been taken back into police custody. The series of events surrounding Garrett’s actions paint a disturbing picture of violence and negligence, underscoring the importance of responsible pet ownership and peaceful conflict resolution.
The community mourns the loss of Harriette Phillips and Alton Martin, as they seek justice for the senseless tragedies that have occurred. It is a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked aggression and the importance of accountability in our actions.
