A Michigan man will spend years in prison after his three dogs attacked and killed a father of six last year.
On January 29, 2024, Harold Phillips, 35, went shopping for clothes for a job interview. While walking home from the bus stop, less than a mile from his house, he was attacked by three dogs: a bulldog, a Staffordshire bull terrier, and an American Staffordshire terrier... Continue reading here ▶
Despite doctors’ efforts, including amputating one of his arms, Phillips died on February 2, 2024, from his injuries.
The dogs’ owners, Roy Eric Goodman, 41, and his wife, Trevina Quiche Goodman, 39, were charged with owning dangerous animals that caused death. They later pleaded no contest.
On Friday, Roy Goodman was sentenced to 30 months to 15 years in prison. Trevina Goodman received probation for three years but could face 18 months to 15 years in prison if she violates her probation terms.
“I’m so sorry,” Roy Goodman said to the Phillips family during the sentencing hearing. “I wish it hadn’t happened.”
The attack occurred when the dogs escaped through an unlocked gate at the Goodmans’ home in Detroit. Roy Goodman told authorities he let the dogs out into his yard and went back inside, but when he returned, the dogs were gone.
Hearing someone screaming nearby, he realized his dogs were attacking someone. He quickly drove to the scene, captured the dogs, and called 911.
The dogs were later euthanized.
The attack happened near Longacre Street and West Chicago Road. Harold Phillips’ injuries were severe, and despite emergency surgery, he passed away days later.
His widow, Shauntaye Phillips, shared her heartbreak with CBS News, saying, “It’s painful to think of all the moments Harold will miss in our children’s lives, like our son’s first basketball game and our daughter’s daddy-daughter dance. Our lives will never be the same.”
The family did not comment on the sentencing but expressed gratitude for the community’s support. Their attorney, Paul Huebner, said, “The Phillips family hopes this tragedy reminds pet owners to take better care of their animals.”
The family has filed a lawsuit against Detroit’s animal control agency, claiming the agency ignored warnings about the dangerous dogs. The lawsuit states that “while animal lives were spared, dangerous animals continued to threaten public safety.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the Phillips family cope with financial struggles following the loss of their husband and father.
