Overview
- Maria D. Nunez, 86, was found dead outside her Poplar Lane home around noon Wednesday after sustaining multiple injuries in a two-dog attack, the sheriff’s office said.
- Sheriff Mark Melton said both dogs believed responsible have been identified and secured, and Nunez’s body was sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime lab in Pooler for autopsy.
- Investigators arrested Misty Branch, 53, of Baxley on charges of reckless conduct and involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death.
- Chief Deputy Gene Davis said security footage helped identify and locate the dogs, and Branch is alleged to be their owner.
- Officials believe the attack happened the day before Nunez was discovered, the case remains under investigation by the sheriff’s office and coroner, and authorities asked anyone with information to call 912-367-8120.