John Jefferson
Inset left to right: Roy Eric Goodman (Wayne County), Trevina Quiche Goodman (Wayne County), and Harold Phillips (GoFundMe). Background: The corner where Phillips was mauled to death by three dogs (Google Maps).
A Michigan man will spend significant time behind bars after his three dogs mauled and killed a father of six last year.
On Jan. 29, 2024, Harold Phillips, 35, went to the mall to buy new clothes for a job interview. After shopping, while walking back from the bus stop, a bulldog, a Staffordshire bull terrier, and an American Staffordshire terrier viciously attacked him — less than a mile away from home. Phillips succumbed to his wounds on Feb. 2, 2024.
Roy Eric Goodman, 41, and Trevina Quiche Goodman, 39, were charged with possession of a dangerous animal causing death. The husband and wife eventually pleaded no contest to the charges.
On Friday, the pair were sentenced, according to The Detroit News. Roy Goodman will spend between 30 months and 15 years in state prison. Trevina Goodman received a more lenient sentence of three years on probation. The wife could, however, be incarcerated for 18 months to 15 years if she violates the terms of her probation, Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Maria Miller told the newspaper.
“To the Phillips family, I’m so sorry,” Roy Good said, turning to address the Phillips family during his sentencing hearing, according to a courtroom report by The Associated Press. “I wish it wouldn’t have happened. I’m so sorry.”
As it turned out, on the day in question, the trio escaped through an unlocked front gate at the Goodman home on Detroit’s west side.
The husband would tell animal control officers that he let the dogs outside in his own yard and then went back in the house to get something — but returned to find them gone, according to a report obtained by the Detroit News. In fact, Roy Goodman said he hoped the dogs never did return — but went out to look for them anyway.
Then, hearing someone cry out for help, Roy Goodman knew he found the creatures he didn’t even really want. And, “thinking it was his dogs attacking someone,” he grabbed his car keys and drove toward the shouts of pain. At the scene, he corralled the dogs and called 911 for the victim.
The dogs were then turned over to authorities and euthanized.
The incident occurred near the corner of Longacre Street and West Chicago Road. Initially, Phillips’ injuries were so extreme that, in an effort to save his life, doctors amputated one of his arms.
Days later, the beloved father was dead.
“It’s with deep sadness that I announce Harold’s passing,” Shauntaye Phillips said in a statement provided to CBS News. “It’s painful to think of all the important milestones Harold will miss in our children’s lives, from our son’s first basketball game this weekend to our daughter’s upcoming daddy-daughter dance that he was looking forward to. Our lives will never be the same. We are forever grateful for our community’s prayers, donations and support you’ve given our family.”
The grieving widow did not make a statement directly regarding the sentencing — and will not make one, according to her attorney.
“In light of the sentencing today of Roy and Trevina Goodman for the dog attack that killed Harold, the Phillips family would like to express their gratitude to the community for their support, prayers and donations and overall support of the Phillips fam during this difficult time,” attorney Paul Huebner told the Detroit News. “The kindness has meant the world to them. They sincerely hope this tragedy serves as a reminder for pet owners to take better care of their animals.”
The Phillips family has also filed a lawsuit against Detroit’s animal control agency and the former director — alleging that prior warnings about the dogs were effectively ignored.
“While animal lives were being spared, dangerous animals remained an unaddressed and ever-present threat to the safety and lives of people within the City of Detroit,” the lawsuit reads.
A GoFundMe is currently soliciting donations to help the Phillips family overcome the financial hardship that exacerbated the unquantifiable loss of a husband and father.
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