New details about Brooks Co. woman attacked and killed by dogs

QUITMAN, Ga. (WALB) – The family has confirmed the cause of death of 35-year-old Courtney Williams, who was found dead after a dog attack in Quitman.

Williams was beaten to death on Webster Street at a bus stop behind Brooks County Middle School on Thursday, May 9.

Brooks County school police went to the emergency room when they heard the alarm call of a child being attacked by dogs after getting off at the school bus stop.

Brooks County Schools Police Chief Casey Cope said, “The incidents did not occur within our jurisdiction, but since the child is one of our students, they are therefore our family. “From the superintendent down, we have been tough across the district. It’s hard to take something like that, especially when you find out the other details.”

WALB learned that 13 dogs were involved in the initial attack. The Thomasville Humane Society worked throughout the weekend to get the dogs off the streets. They secured 11 of the dogs.

Chandler Giddes, director of the Thomasville Humane Society, said: “A woman has lost her life and the lives of two children will be forever changed as a result. “We still have a long way to go in animal welfare. We need to understand how and why dogs behave this way from an owner and community perspective. It’s about responsibility.”

Giddes said at least three more dogs still need to be removed from the property. But one Brooks County resident told me that the problems of stray dogs and overpopulation have been an ongoing problem for years.

“I’ve been to the commissioners before with the sheriff standing next to me. I’m asking that we get some kind of control,” said Sharon Waters.

In a statement to WALB, the Brooks County Board of Commissioners said:

“The Brooks County Board of Commissioners is deeply saddened by the numerous dog attacks that occurred on May 9, 2024. The well-being of the citizens of Brooks County is of the utmost importance to Brooks County. Brooks County continues to pray for the victims of this tragic incident.”

On Friday, WALB reported that two children were injured and the mother was found dead in a dog attack.

We have since learned that there were three children at the bus stop at the time of the incident and only one child was injured by the dogs. According to the family, a boy pushed his sister out of harm’s way.

WALB also learned that a good Samaritan drove up, fought off the dogs and took the children to the hospital.

A family member told WALB they were extremely grateful for the actions of a good Samaritan who fought off the dogs as they chased the children. The family says that without his actions, things may have been much worse.

The Thomasville Humane Society released a statement following the incident.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is conducting an autopsy to determine the official cause of death as the case is ongoing.

We will continue to provide you with updates on air and online.

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