LEESBURG, Va. -- A 20-year-old man is dead after apparently being attacked by two dogs in Leesburg.
More than one dog may have mauled the victim, identified as Carter Patrick Ridge Delaney, in his grandfather's home in the 100 block of Plaza Street, police said. The death is being investigated as suspicious.
Police are looking into the possibility that Delaney died while trying to protect a small dog, which also died.
A neighbor said he called 911at about 2 p.m. Monday after Delaney's body was found. It is unknown how long Delaney had been dead.
Autopsy results were released Tuesday.
"They discovered puncture wounds on the victim's body in many different locations," said Officer Chris Jones, of the Leesburg City Police Department. "All of these puncture wounds are consistent with a dog bite."
One puncture in the neck severed arteries, police said.
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Two pit bulls are in animal control custody, according to Jones. A second small dog was removed from the home alive.
The pit bulls belong to Delaney's brother, WTOP reported, but the victim was their caretaker. Jones told WTOP it's possible the pit bulls were supposed to be kept in the backyard but somehow got inside the house.
A judge will decide the pit bulls' fate. If the dogs are found to be responsible, animal control will ask that they be euthanized, as they would be considered vicious.
