COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. — (UPDATE 7/28): Cocke County Sheriff Armando Fontes said officers took an aggressive dog into custody while executing a search warrant in an investigation into two deadly animal attacks.
Deputies are looking into assaults believed to involve animals that occurred around Jimtown Road in the deaths 29-year-old Amber Miller on July 12 and Tony Ahrens on April 1. Fontes provided new details into the ongoing investigation Wednesday evening.
Currently, no one is facing charges in either of the attacks, but Fontes said investigators will present all facts and evidence in the case to a grand jury to bring forward potential criminal indictments against anyone involved in the case.
On July 28 around 6 a.m., a Cocke County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team executed a search warrant at the property of Charles Owensby's ex-wife Cecilia McCarter in the Edwina community.
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Owensby was located at the scene and arrested for possession of marijuana, and an aggressive dog was taken into custody, Fontes said.
Investigators collected DNA from two other dogs at the location that belonged to other people in two separate homes on the property. Fontes said deputies had probable cause to seize the animals.
While searching the scene, officers located a shallow grave at the property containing a dead dog. Investigators collected DNA from it and seized a vehicle owned by Owensby to undergo forensic processing.
Fontes said investigators do not have reason to believe there is a threat of wild or domestic animals attacking more people in the Jimtown area, but said people should remain cautious in that area as it awaits forensic results.
"At this time, this case heavily relies on forensic science. At this time, we do not have any evidence that indicates that there is a wild animal, domestic animal, or pack of animals that is frequenting the Jimtown area attacking people. We, however, are asking people to be cautious in the area as we wait on forensic reports that take a month or so," Fontes said.
Fontes said investigators with the sheriff's office and TBI are asking for people with any information concerning these attacks to contact them at 423-623-6004.
"I am very proud of the work all members of our Criminal investigation division, patrol division, narcotic division, and administration who has assisted in two extremely difficult cases one with a non-cooperative victim. There will be no more information released in these case until a criminal indictment is acquired and served," Fontes said.
In April, Owensby reported finding 52-year-old Tony Ahrens, who had wounds across his body.
Ahrens was lying at the intersection of Carnation Way and Jimtown Road with torn and bloody clothing, according to an incident report. That's where Owensby lives.
Fontes said the investigation into Ahrens' death began with very little evidence and no witnesses. Investigators said they have reason to believe the use of methamphetamine contributed to Ahrens' death.
Then three and a half months later, 29-year-old Amber Miller was found in the same spot near Owensby's property. A witness told deputies that Miller was "screaming for help and saying, 'Please don't let me die.'"
She was found at the same intersection in the yard of 522 Jimtown Road, with "three dogs standing around [her] and 'licking' the wounds where she had been attacked."
Miller had severe injuries on her legs, torso, neck, arms, and feet, a report stated. She was eventually airlifted to UT Medical Center where she died.
Autopsies were pending to determine the exact cause of death in both cases.
"I do not understand why they have not picked up those dogs a long time ago," Amber's great Aunt Regina Jozefek said. "That's the worst part about it — when you know it could've been prevented."
She said Amber grew up a pageant girl who loved her parents and frilly dresses. As Amber grew older, however, Regina said they drifted apart.
"She got off on the wrong foot like they all sometimes do," Regina said. "I did love her, though. She was a beautiful girl and she's going to be missed."
Regina said she plans to fight until their family gets justice for Amber Miller.
"I want something done about this," she said. "But, actually, it gives you a little peace, knowing that [she's] not suffering anymore."