On a quiet street in Centreville, Alabama, a routine walk to the mailbox turned into a nightmare for 81-year-old Boyd and his wife, Martha. What should have been an uneventful October day erupted into chaos when a pack of seven dogs, described as pit bulls and pit bull mixes, charged Boyd in his own driveway, leaving him with catastrophic injuries and a community reeling from the violence.
According to both AL.com and WBRC, the dogs belonged to Boyd’s neighbors, William Brad Mitchell, 53, and Lacey Suttle Mitchell, 50. On October 3, 2025, a Bibb County grand jury indicted the Mitchells on felony charges under Alabama’s Dangerous Dog Procedure Act, also known as Emily’s Law. The indictment alleges that the couple failed to control their dogs, despite repeated warnings from neighbors about the animals’ vicious behavior.
The incident unfolded on Ingate Road, a place where neighbors know each other and, until recently, felt safe. Boyd and Martha were sitting on their front porch when Boyd decided to check the mail at the end of their long driveway. Martha, who uses a walker due to limited mobility, stayed behind, watching as her husband made the short trek. Suddenly, seven dogs barreled down on Boyd, launching a brutal attack that would leave him fighting for his life.
“It was such a senseless act,” Boyd’s attorney Paul Patterson told AL.com. The lawsuit filed by Patterson and his colleague, North Patterson, paints a harrowing picture of the attack: Boyd lost 50% of his body’s muscle tissue, and his scalp was “viciously and violently torn from his skull.” The suit alleges that the dogs mauled his forearms and legs, “tearing his flesh and muscle, leaving his limbs shredded and mangled.”
Boyd’s suffering did not end with the immediate trauma. Doctors have since recommended the amputation of his leg as a potential life-saving measure, highlighting the severity of his injuries. He remains in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit, his future uncertain. Meanwhile, Martha, who witnessed the attack, was nearly victimized herself. As she struggled to reach her husband, she fell, and the dogs began moving toward her. At that crucial moment, Brent Police Chief Carl McMillan arrived on the scene and fired a shot, causing the dogs to retreat into the woods. “Had Chief Carl McMillan not been there,” Paul Patterson emphasized, “she probably would have been killed.”
The Mitchells’ legal troubles began after neighbors repeatedly warned them about their dogs’ aggressive tendencies. According to WBRC, court records show that the couple had prior knowledge that their dogs were dangerous. The grand jury indictment specifically cites their failure to control the animals, a violation of Alabama’s Dangerous Dog Procedure Act, which aims to hold owners accountable for preventable attacks.
The Dangerous Dog Procedure Act, or Emily’s Law, was designed to address precisely these kinds of tragedies. The law was named after a young girl who was killed in a dog attack, and it sets out clear responsibilities for owners of potentially dangerous dogs. Under the statute, owners can face felony charges if they knowingly allow their animals to pose a threat to others and fail to take appropriate measures to prevent attacks.
The aftermath of the attack has left the Centreville community shaken. Neighbors are grappling with the reality that repeated warnings went unheeded, and many are questioning whether more could have been done to prevent the incident. The Mitchells, who have been released on $5,000 bond each, are scheduled for arraignment in early December 2025. Their attorney, Mitch Kemmer, has stated that they dispute the charges and intend to plead “not guilty.”
In the meantime, the Boyds’ lives have been irrevocably altered. The physical and emotional toll of the attack is immense. Boyd, once able to walk to his mailbox with ease, now faces the prospect of permanent disability. Martha, who watched her husband’s ordeal unfold from the porch, is left with the trauma of nearly being attacked herself. Their attorney, Paul Patterson, described the event in stark terms: “It is the most horrific mauling of a human being that I’ve witnessed as an attorney.”
The legal battle is just beginning, but for many in Bibb County, the case has already become a cautionary tale. It raises questions about the responsibilities of pet owners, the effectiveness of local enforcement, and the adequacy of existing laws to protect vulnerable members of the community. The Dangerous Dog Procedure Act provides a framework for accountability, but its success depends on timely intervention and the willingness of authorities to act on warnings before tragedy strikes.
For now, the focus remains on Boyd’s recovery and the pursuit of justice. The family’s lawsuit seeks not only compensation for the extensive injuries suffered but also a measure of closure for the trauma endured. As the case moves forward, both the criminal and civil proceedings will test the strength of Alabama’s legal protections and the ability of the courts to balance the rights of pet owners with the safety of the broader community.
Community members have rallied around the Boyds, offering prayers and support as they navigate the long road to healing. Attorney Paul Patterson conveyed the family’s gratitude, saying, “They do covet the community’s prayers.” The outpouring of concern reflects a shared sense of loss and a desire to see meaningful change come from this tragedy.
As the December arraignment approaches, all eyes remain on Bibb County’s courthouse. The outcome of the case could set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future, potentially influencing both legislative reforms and community standards for responsible pet ownership. For now, the story serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences that can arise when warnings go unheeded and the importance of vigilance in protecting one another.
The events on Ingate Road have left an indelible mark on Centreville, but they have also sparked crucial conversations about safety, accountability, and compassion. For Boyd, Martha, and their neighbors, the hope is that justice—and healing—will ultimately prevail.
