PITTSBORO, N.C. (WPTF) — The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office has filed an additional charge in connection with the May 19 death investigation on Alston Road near Apex.
After consultation with the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the Chatham County District Attorney’s Office, investigators obtained one count of felony involuntary manslaughter against Dennis O’Keith Faulkner, 32, of 407 Alston Road, Apex.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that 85-year-old Betty Alston died because of injuries sustained during an animal attack.
Deputies and emergency responders were dispatched to 267 Alston Road shortly before 11 a.m. on May 19, where Alston was found deceased outside the residence. During the investigation, deputies learned from a family member that three dogs were in the yard near Alston when he arrived at the residence and that he had to chase the animals away from himself and the deceased.
Investigators identified the three dogs connected to the incident as belonging to Faulkner. The dogs remain in the custody of the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.
Earlier in the investigation, Faulkner was charged with three counts of misdemeanor allowing animals to roam at large prohibited and three counts of misdemeanor dog/cat/ferret vaccination violation.
Faulkner was arrested Wednesday morning on the involuntary manslaughter charge. He received no bond and is scheduled to appear in Chatham County Justice Center on June 3.