4-Year-Old Fatally Mauled By Relative’s Pit Bulls

The Tampa Tribune reports that a 4-year-old boy was killed Sunday night when he was mauled by two pit bulls who escaped a crate at a relative’s home in Riverview.

Logan Shepard was discovered in the front yard by two Hillsborough County deputies around 10:30 p.m. while they were conducting an unrelated traffic stop about 100 yards away from the home of the boy’s aunt and uncle, Dolores and Billy Frederick Sr., of 12509 Rhodine Road.

According to deputies, the boy’s uncle crated the pit bulls prior to the arrival of the boy and his mother, Stephanie Groulx, who walked from their home at 12511 Tocci Lane.

Logan Shepard was pronounced dead at the scene, deputies say.

Hillsborough County Animal Services took possession of the dogs, who have had no prior calls of violent behavior against them. No charges have been filed, but the investigation continues.

Matt Stein is a season-credentialed media member covering the Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, also assisting with coverage of USF Athletics. He attended the University of Tampa and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Sport Management.