Second-degree murder charge filed against owner of 4 dogs that killed 4-year-old Detroit boy

DETROIT – Second-degree murder and other charges have been filed against the owner of four dogs that killed a 4-year-old Detroit boy.

Separately, a civil lawsuit has been filed by the parents of Xavier Strickland, who was snatched from his mother and killed by pit bulls while they walked in their neighborhood last Wednesday.

The Wayne County prosecutor's office says 41-year-old Geneke Lyons has been charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter and possessing dangerous dogs causing death.

Lyons is due in court Monday. He's in custody and unavailable for comment. No lawyer has been assigned who can speak on Lyons' behalf.

Three dogs in the attack were killed by police and a fourth was seized and euthanized.