Dogs Maul Caretaker to Death at Ving Rhames' Home

LOS ANGELES – Two dogs belonging to actor Ving Rhames mauled a man to death at the star's home Friday, authorities said.

The 40-year-old victim, who has not been identified, had worked at the home for about two years and was responsible for caring for the dogs, Los Angeles Police officer Sandra Gonzalez said.

Four mastiffs were seized by animal services, she said.

"Two of those dogs appeared to be responsible for the tragic death," said Officer Jason Lee, adding that "several" dogs remain at the property.

Police got a call at 7:15 a.m. from someone reporting a dead body at the home in Brentwood. Gonzalez didn't know who made the call.

"The victim has a large number of bites and scratches which appear to be dog bites," Lt. Ray Lombardo said during a press conference.

The victim was found on the front lawn, Gonzalez said.

Rhames, 46, an action star who appeared in the "Mission Impossible" series, was not home at the time of the attack, she said. The actor told Time magazine in 2001 that he had "eight Fila Brasileiro mastiffs — the national dog of Brazil, also used by U.S. Marines in jungle warfare."

Calls to Rhames' agent, Steve Muller, were not returned.