By Betsy Finklea
The death of Sirlinda Hayes on Thursday due to an attack by dogs is one of three in recent years in Dillon County.
In November 2010, Justin Lane, age 25, of Skillet Road , was killed by the family dog. Lane was found by his mother at their home.
He said the cause of death was due to a dog attack. At that time, investigators were unsure as to why the pit bull dog attacked him. He said he was told that they had not had problems with the dog before.
The other case occurred in November 2006 when 10-year-old Matthew Davis was killed by dogs at the home of Bentley Collins on Homelight Road in the Emmanuelville area. Six dogs were taken at that scene.
The owner, Bentley Collins, was later charged and stood trial in Dillon County.
After a week-long trial, Collins was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and three counts of animals penalty for owner of dangerous animal which attacks.
Judge Paul Burch sentenced Collins to five years for involuntary manslaughter; three years concurrent for first count of the owner of dangerous animal charge; three years concurrent for the second count of the owner of dangerous animal charge; and three years consecutive suspended to five years probation for the third count of the owner of dangerous animal charge.
The provisions of the probation include that Collins must pay restitution in the amount of $8,000 for funeral expenses and Collins must not own, possess or have on his residential premises any animal of the canine species during the term of his probation. Probation can be terminated upon payment after three years.
According to the S.C. Department of Corrections inmate search, Collins’ projected release date is in August 2011.
