Daughter charged after 78-year-old father with dementia killed in pit bull attack

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX/Gray News) - A Vermont woman has been charged after her pit bull mauled and killed her 78-year-old father, who had dementia. She is accused of failing to control a dog that had already attacked two other people.

Janna Campbell, 43, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of voluntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment. She was cited on the charges after her 2-year-old pit bull mauled and killed her father, 78-year-old Stephen Campbell.

The victim, who was battling dementia, was attacked by the 117-pound pit bull March 10 at his daughter’s home in Essex.

Investigators say the dog, who was named Jack, had a troubled past with a history of violent behavior, including attacking a Meals on Wheels driver and home health worker last winter.

“I don’t know what’s causing Jack to act like this, other than he’s being protective of the household,” said Janna Campbell in February after the attacks.

That month, she appeared before the Essex Selectboard. The board mandated that Jack wear a muzzle, go to dog school and other restrictions.

Janna Campbell’s lawyers say she was trying to control the dog.

“We have a dog that has shown aggression and a dog owner who has done the best she can to deal with that situation,” said Sandra Lee, her attorney.

But just a few weeks after the new restrictions were put in place, the pit bull attacked again – this time with fatal consequences.

Stephen Campbell was living at his daughter’s home as he battled dementia. According to court paperwork, he struck Jack with a shoe March 10. The pit bull then mauled and killed him.

Jack was euthanized shortly after the attack.

Dog bites are usually handled in civil court. But this unusual case may be the first of its kind in Vermont, with a dog owner facing serious criminal charges.

“I think this is a question of very gross negligence,” said Roger Kohn, a partner at Kohn Rath Law who practices civil personal injury law.

He said if strict standards are met, gross negligence cases can be elevated to criminal charges if people show a reckless disregard for others.

“It’s not just dogs. If you’re acting in a way that you really care less about the possibility of killing somebody, you may get involved in criminal law,” Kohn said.

Janna Campbell was released on conditions that she not own or care for any new dogs. She is due back in court in late August.

If convicted of the charges against her, she could face up to 15 years in prison.