Phoenix grandmother’s family who was mangled by dogs want the owner to “pay for what he did” | Arizona News

By Randall Perry On Jul 7, 2021

PHOENIX (3TV / CBS 5) – The family of a grandmother from South Phoenix who was beaten to death by dogs wants the owner to pay. Eliza Sebastian was sitting on her porch near Sixth Street and Broadway Road yesterday morning when four mixed Staffordshire Terrier dogs attacked the 77-year-old. According to Phoenix police, the dogs belonged to 33-year-old Alejandro Hernandez, who lives across from the victim. “Nobody expected that,” says Elisa, who was named after her grandmother. “It’s just a major tragedy that happened to our family.”

Other relatives had a problem with the dogs, according to Elisa.

(Source: 3TV / CBS 5)

Elisa, who did not feel comfortable showing her face in front of the camera, says that her grandmother loved to go for a walk and previously had no problems with the neighbor’s dogs. “She always went to my aunt’s and uncle’s house. She always said “hello” to every neighbor she knew, “says Elisa.

However, other relatives had a problem with the dogs, according to Elisa. They tried to confront the owner to get the animals under control, but Elisa says he has become hostile and threatening. “One of my uncles told him that his dogs were free and everything, and all he wanted to do was fight and take out weapons,” says Elisa.

Police said the dogs had a history of escaping and chasing neighbors.

Officials say Hernandez has been ordered twice to fix his fence to prevent the animals from coming out. Court records say Hernandez even told police that his dogs had previously bitten people at least twice. Phoenix Police say the previous incidents did not appear to have been reported.

“I just want the guy to pay for what he did to my grandma,” says Elisa. “If the dogs were tied up or something, it wouldn’t have happened. She would still be alive. She would still be out here. “

Relatives describe Eliza Sebastian as generous and kind. You started a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses. You can find it by clicking / tapping here. If you’d like to report an aggressive dog at large, the Phoenix Police say, call 911. If you would like to report a free-roaming dog or a dog bite, call Maricopa Animal Care and Control or use the online reporting system.