A Michigan man will spend significant time in prison after his three dogs mauled and killed a father of six last year.
On January 29, 2024, Harold Phillips, 35, went to the mall to get new clothes for a job interview. After shopping, he was attacked by a bulldog, a Staffordshire bull terrier, and an American Staffordshire terrier while walking back from the bus stop, which was less than a mile away. Phillips died from his wounds on February 2, 2024.
Roy Eric Goodman, 41, and Trevina Quiche Goodman, 39, were charged with possessing a dangerous animal that caused death. The husband and wife eventually entered a no contest plea to the charges.
According to The Detroit News, the pair received their sentences on Friday. Roy Goodman will serve between 30 months and 15 years in state prison. Trevina Goodman received a more lenient sentence of three years probation. If the wife violates the terms of her probation, she could face jail time ranging from 18 months to 15 years, according to Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Maria Miller.
“To the Phillips family, I’m so sorry,” Roy Good said, turning to face them during his sentencing hearing, according to a courtroom report from The Associated Press. “I wish it hadn’t happened. I’m very sorry.”
On the day in question, the trio managed to escape through an unlocked front gate at the Goodman home on Detroit’s west side.
According to a report obtained by the Detroit News, the husband would tell animal control officers that he let the dogs out in his own yard and then returned to the house to get something, only to find them missing. In fact, Roy Goodman said he hoped the dogs never returned, but he went out looking for them anyway.
When Roy Goodman heard someone cry for help, he knew he had found the creatures he didn’t even want. And, “thinking it was his dogs attacking someone,” he grabbed his car keys and drove toward the cries of anguish. At the scene, he rounded up the dogs and called 911 for the victim.
The dogs were then surrendered to authorities and euthanized.
The incident took place near the intersection of Longacre Street and West Chicago Road. Phillips’ injuries were severe enough that doctors had to amputate one of his arms in order to save his life.
Days later, the beloved father died.
“It’s with deep sadness that I announce Harold’s passing,” Shauntaye Phillips said in a statement to CBS News. “It’s painful to think about all the important milestones Harold will miss in our children’s lives, from our son’s first basketball game this weekend to our daughter’s upcoming daddy-daughter dance, which he had been looking forward to.
Our lives will never be the same. We are eternally grateful for our community’s prayers, donations, and support for our family.”
According to her attorney, the grieving widow has not made a direct statement regarding the sentencing and will not do so.
“In light of the sentencing today of Roy and Trevina Goodman for the dog attack that killed Harold, the Phillips family would like to express their gratitude to the community for their support, prayers and donations and overall support of the Phillips fam during this difficult time,” Paul Huebner, their attorney, told the Detroit News. “The kindness has meant everything to them.
They sincerely hope that this tragedy serves as a reminder to pet owners to take better care of their animals.
The Phillips family has also filed a lawsuit against Detroit’s animal control agency and its former director, claiming that previous warnings about the dogs were effectively ignored.
“While animal lives were being spared, dangerous animals remained an unaddressed and ever-present threat to the safety and lives of people within the City of Detroit,” according to the lawsuit.
A GoFundMe page is currently accepting donations to assist the Phillips family in overcoming the financial hardship that has exacerbated the unquantifiable loss of a husband and father.