HOUSTON, TX – A man is wanted by authorities in connection with a fatal dog attack and a separate murder case in northeast Houston. Marshall Garrett, 38, faces multiple felony charges after his three dogs allegedly broke through a neighbor’s fence and killed 65-year-old Harriet Phillips.
Phillips, who lived next door to Garrett, was attacked by the dogs as she attempted to fend them off with a hammer, according to surveillance footage from her home. Despite her efforts, the dogs fatally mauled her, and the tragic incident was captured on camera. The dogs have since been euthanized.
Garrett’s legal troubles don’t end there. He is also charged with murder in an unrelated case from October, where he is accused of delivering a fatal blow to a 69-year-old man near a local food mart. The victim died in the hospital days later.
With a criminal record spanning two decades, Garrett is no stranger to the legal system. His latest charges have reignited concerns about the responsibilities of pet owners and the enforcement of laws regarding dangerous animals in the city.
Houston reported 2,400 dog bite incidents last year, but few resulted in criminal charges. The severity of Garrett’s case highlights the need for stricter regulations and accountability in situations where aggressive animals pose a threat to public safety.
The community is calling for action to prevent similar tragedies, urging officials to reevaluate existing laws and penalties for pet owners who fail to control their animals. The death of Phillips underscores the potential dangers of negligent pet ownership.
As the search for Garrett continues, residents hope for justice and measures to ensure such incidents do not happen again. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of balancing pet ownership with public safety.