The decision on whether to file charges against two women in connection with the tragic mauling death of an 8-year-old boy by two dogs north of DeLand rests with the 18th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office.
Typically, the office of 7th Circuit State Attorney R.J. Larizza would handle any charging decisions regarding the case of Michael Millett III, who tragically lost his life due to an attack by a pit bull and a mixed-breed dog on January 13.
Larizza’s office has requested that Gov. Ron DeSantis reassign the case due to a familial connection between Amanda Franco, previously identified as the owner of the dogs, and an employee within Larizza’s office, as stated in an executive order from the governor’s office.
The directive indicates that Larizza has informed DeSantis “that Amanda Franco and Brandy Hodil are being investigated for manslaughter due to culpable negligence and for owning a dangerous dog.”
There have been no charges filed in the case. The dogs were put down.
According to the executive order dated February 7, the case has been reassigned to William Scheiner, the state attorney for the 18th Judicial Circuit, which includes Brevard and Seminole counties.
On Thursday, a statement was released from Scheiner’s office.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of this child and recognize the seriousness of our responsibility in this heartbreaking situation.” Currently, we are dedicated to assisting the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office as it collects the information needed to determine any potential charges,” Scheiner remarked.
The directive indicated that Larizza had chosen to disqualify himself to “prevent a conflict of interest or any perception of wrongdoing.”
Volusia Sheriff pledges to ensure accountability for the dogs’ owner
Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood has pledged to ensure accountability for Franco and has expressed his hope that she faces charges of negligent homicide.
The family of the boy has engaged the services of Morgan & Morgan, who previously indicated that Michael and a companion were anticipating the arrival of another boy for a bike ride in their gated community when the incident occurred.
According to a statement from Morgan & Morgan, the boys did not engage with the dogs before the incident, contradicting earlier claims that suggested they had approached and petted the dogs, which Michael’s friend described as initially friendly.
The statement indicated that the dogs were not owned by any residents of the gated community.
As of Thursday afternoon, a fundraising campaign for the boy’s family had garnered $3,345 of its $50,000 target.