A man whose pit bull attacked and killed a 63-year-old grandmother is set to be sentenced today to 24 years to life in state prison.
Alex Donald Jackson, 31, has eight dogs and a shotgun at his house to protect a drug operation he runs there. Four of the dogs - all pit bulls - were involved in the killing.
"His actions in this case show that he has a nearly psychopathic disregard for the lives and well-being of others," Deputy District Attorney Ryan Williams wrote in a sentencing memorandum.
Jackson was reportedly warned on numerous occasions that his pit bulls were dangerous and attacking people.
In an 18-month period Jackson's dogs attacked nine other people, Williams tells My News LA.
"This isn't anything that I orchestrated or planned, that I wanted to have happen," Jackson testified in court.
Victim Pamela Devitt's body had 200 puncture wounds from Jackson's dog when she was taking a morning walk.
A passing pickup truck saw the attack happening and honked the horn repeatedly in an unsuccessful attempt to scare the dogs away from Devitt before calling 911 for her, reports My News LA.
When Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies searched Jackson's property they confiscated his six pit bulls and two mixed breed dogs. They also found marijuana growing on the property during the search, reports My News LA.
"He's not the evil dude he's being made out to be," Jackson's Defense lawyer Al Kim said in court. "He feels horrible about this. He's contrite."
Jackson was convicted of second-degree murder and drug charges on Aug. 29. Today he will be sentenced for the crime.
