Witnesses say dog attack victim was dismembered

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office confirmed the identity of the man killed in a dog attack is that of 83-year-old Michael Downing.

The hole in the fence where witnesses said the dogs came through is now boarded up.

Witnesses Mackenzie Partin and Eddie Edwards said Downing’s body may have been dragged into the dog’s yard because they saw his body on the other side of the fence.

The Franklin Arms apartment community is mourning the loss of Downing, whom they described as a helpful neighbor and happy man.

“He always had a big smile on his face,” said neighbor Mark Jones.

It happened around 4 p.m. Friday.

Police roped off an area near the Dumpster where Edwards and Partin spotted the body.

“By far it's probably the worst thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” said Partin. “There was only 30 percent left of his body probably.”

Partin said Downing was dismembered and barely recognizable.

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“They had dragged him underneath, back up underneath, to eat on him,” said Partin.

Action News Jax obtained a report from the city detailing an anonymous call made in April, alleging animal cruelty.

The caller told investigators the dogs were being kept in “small pens,” “living in filth,” and that the owner hit them with “a closed fist.”

But when investigators arrived there were “no feces present” and they “appeared to be in good health.”

A warning was issued at the time but neighbors claim more could’ve been done to prevent the recent attack.

“I knew it was coming, I knew someone was going to die, it was almost she and I,” said Jones.

It's unclear if the owner of the dogs, Lephus Felton, will face any charges.

Action News Jax reached out to Felton for comment but he declined.

According to Downing’s power of attorney, Downing worked at the Tax Collector’s Office for 30 years until he was forced to retire in his late 70s. He said that Downing recently had a stroke but was otherwise active, sharp, well-educated and well-traveled.

His remains will be cremated and scattered in the ocean.

Previous Coverage:

• Owner of dogs seized after fatal Jacksonville animal attack says his dogs were provoked
• Police: Man fatally attacked by animal on Jacksonville's Eastside

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