In Costilla County, Colorado, a medical examiner suspects that a woman died as a result of multiple injuries sustained in an assault by domestic dogs.
WATCH: Costilla County Sheriff warns residents to be aware of surroundings following possible animal attack
According to the El Paso County Coroner, the woman was 68-year-old Cindy Denholm. The sheriff’s office said she was found dead on Jan. 23.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) assisted with the investigation once the death was determined to involve animals.
CPW concluded that the incident did not involve wild animals and indicated that the clues suggest domestic dogs, some of which have been roaming freely for an extended period, possibly including feral ones.
The sheriff’s office said swab samples of the bite wounds were taken, and they are available for further DNA analysis.
Costilla County Sheriff Danny Sanchez released the following statement regarding this incident:
“The Costilla County Sheriff’s Office has been in contact and working with CPW along with (the) CBI (Colorado Bureau of Investigation) regarding this investigation. Costilla County Sheriff’s Office is in contact with (the) CBI regarding obtaining sampling(s) of the dog’s DNA to compare with any injuries.”
Costilla County Sheriff Danny Sanchez
Background Information
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is working with the Costilla County Sheriff’s Office to look into a potential animal attack in the Sangre De Cristo Ranches.
Costilla County deputies and CBI officials “hiked the immediate area,” but were unable to find any animal identification.
The sheriff’s office warns residents in the area to remain aware of their surroundings.
Woman believed to have died from injuries after domestic dogs attack
