Virginia Woman Killed by Her 13-Foot Pet Python

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Police believe a 25-year-old Virginia Beach woman was strangled by her pet python.

Police say Amanda Ruth Black's husband came home around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday and found her lying in a bedroom. The snake's cage was open.

Black was pronounced dead at the scene. A preliminary medical examiner's report indicates she died of asphyxiation.

Police say Black was trying to give the 13-foot tiger python medicine when the incident happened.

Animal control officers found the snake in the bedroom and are holding it at their office.

The case remains under investigation.