UPDATE (Monday, Dec. 25): A pit bull that was shot during an attack that killed a Kentucky woman has been put down.
The dog returned to the residence on Sunday and was put down by the Bell County Sheriff's Department and Bell County Animal Shelter.
The owner of the two dogs involved in the attack is being charged with harboring a vicious animal, according to the Bell County Sheriff's Department.
Authorities said 42-year-old Johnny Dale Lankford was already behind bars at the Bell County Detention Center for a different incident that saw him charged with Second Degree Assault, domestic violence and unlawful imprisonment on a $25,000 bond.
Lankford now also faces charges of harboring a vicious animal after authorities said his two pit bulls attacked a couple and killed a woman.
The Bell County Sheriff's Department has identified the woman as Lorraine Brock Saylor, 66.
The attack happened near Highway 66 in the Wiser Branch area where deputies said they found the couple had been "savagely attacked by two pit bulls."
Deputies gave the following timeline of the events of the attack as they unfolded: Early Christmas Eve morning, the husband woke up looking for his wife who he said normally woke up before him. When he went out on his porch, he was suddenly attacked by the two pit bulls. The dogs grabbed him, trying to pull him to the ground by his arm.
When Johnny Saylor's brother heard the commotion, he ran outside yelling at the dogs. The dogs let him go and Johnny then ran into his house to grab a pistol. When he came outside, he shot one of the dogs in the chest as it lunged at him. The injured dog ran away toward Country Lane.
Saylor then went looking for his wife, finding her unresponsive on the ground in the front of the house. As he checked on her, the second pit bull stood a short distance away from him. Authorities said Johnny feared for his life, shooting and killing the dog.
Lorraine Saylor suffered fatal injuries in the attack and was pronounced dead at the scene by the county coroner. The husband was taken to the Pineville Community Hospital for injuries to his arm and head.
According to the BCSD Facebook page, Sheriff Mitch Williams is asking the community to be on the lookout for the brown and white pit bull that ran off after being injured.
Investigators with the sheriff's office are warning residents no to engage with the dangerous animal if they come across it.
If you see a pit bull matching that description, in the Arjay or surrounding area, call Bell County Dispatch immediately at 606-337-6174 or 911.
PREVIOUS: The Bell County Sheriff's Department is investigating after they say two pit bulls attacked a couple, killing a woman, near Highway 66 in the Wiser Branch area Sunday morning.
When deputies arrived, they found the couple had been "savagely attacked by two pit bulls." They say the woman died from her injuries in the attack.
According to deputies, the husband suffered wounds as well, but was able to shoot both dogs killing one while the other ran off near Country Lane.
The Bell County Sheriff's Department determined the dogs do not belong to the couple.
According to the BCSD Facebook page, Sheriff Mitch Williams is asking the community to be on the lookout for a brown pit bull that is injured.
Investigators with the sheriff's office are warning residents no to engage with the dangerous animal if scene.
If you see a pit bull matching that description, in the Arjay or surrounding area, call Bell County dispatch immediately at 606-337-6174 or 911.
The name of the woman and her husband (who survived) will be released at a later time by Bell County Coroner Jay Steele after family members have been notified.