A Texas couple will each spend almost a decade in prison after their pitbulls killed an elderly veteran. Ramon Najera, 81, died when two dogs escaped their yard and attacked him and his 74 year old wife, Juanita, in San Antonio.
San Antonio first responders found Najera’s bloodied body being dragged by one of the pitbulls. Firefighters had to fend off the animals with pickaxes. The dogs’ owners, Christian Morena and Abilene Schneider, received lengthy prison sentences on Friday for the attack on 24 February 2023, according to the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office.
Juanita, speaking in court on Friday, said she now suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and extreme loneliness, according to a courtroom video by WOAI. “I never imagined I’d be calling myself a widow at this time in my life and in this tragic way. PTSD is now something I will have to deal with for the rest of my life.”
Morena will serve 18 years in prison, while Schneider received a 15-year sentence. Prosecutors stated the couple was criminally negligent for not providing adequate fencing and allowing the dogs to roam free. They are also banned from owning or possessing dogs again.
A Texas couple whose pit bulls viciously mauled an elderly veteran to death will each spend nearly a decade behind bars for the unprovoked attack. https://t.co/kMUjRQul7k
— Anna Young (@annayoung___) September 22, 2024
The incident occurred when Najera and Juanita, visiting friends, stepped out of their vehicle and were suddenly attacked by the unleashed dogs. The pitbulls escaped from their yard, latched onto Najera, and dragged him along the street.
Firefighters eventually warded off the dogs with axes. Najera died from the attack, and three others, including Juanita, were injured.
In a news release, DA Joe Gonzales called the attack a preventable tragedy. “The defendant’s failure to act responsibly and secure their pit bulls resulted in injuries and the loss of a life. I believe the defendants received adequate punishment, and justice has been served for the Najera family.”
Juanita filed a wrongful death lawsuit in March against the dog owners, accusing them of failing to secure, monitor, and control their dogs, despite knowing they were dangerous.
Before her arrest, Schneider publicly apologised to the Najera family but claimed the death wasn’t her husband’s fault. She said the dogs became more aggressive after being fixed and started fighting each other.
The Staffordshire terriers, named King and Snow, along with a third dog, were taken by animal control and euthanised shortly after the attack.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NBC News reports that a Texas couple was sentenced to prison for over a decade each after their pit bulls fatally attacked an 81-year-old man, highlighting responsible dog ownership and community safety. (Read more)
- Texas Public Radio reported that the sentences are a pivotal moment for animal control laws. They emphasise the importance of responsible pet ownership and the devastating impact of failing to secure aggressive dogs. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to the elderly veteran in San Antonio?
Ramon Najera was mauled to death by two pit bulls that escaped their yard.
What sentences did the dog owners receive?
Christian Morena received 18 years, and Abilene Schneider got 15 years in prison.
What did the court say about the couple’s responsibility?
They were criminally negligent for not providing adequate fencing and allowing the dogs to roam free.
What legal actions did Juanita Najera take?
She filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the dog owners for failing to secure and control their dogs.
What happened to the dogs involved in the attack?
The dogs were taken by animal control and euthanised shortly after the attack.
