Tragic deaths of Hollace and Lilly Bennard: 2 pit bulls euthanized after fatal attack on Tennessee children
SHELBY COUNTY, TENNESSEE: Two pit bulls that attacked and killed two children and injured their mother have been euthanized, the Shelby County Sheriff's Office announced. The two dogs, Mia and Cheech, were euthanized after the brutal attack at the family's home on Sylvan Road near Memphis on Wednesday, October 5. The dogs had been part of the family for eight years and there had never been a violent incident before.
The dogs mauled Hollace Dean Bennard, 5 months, and Lilly Jane Bennard, 2, to death at about 3.30 pm. Wednesday. Their mother, 30-year-old Kirstie Jane Bennard, was hospitalized. Her condition is now stable. In an October 7 Facebook post, Bennard's in-law Jeff Gibson said the attack lasted 10 minutes. "Just an update on my nephew and his wife. As of yet, there are no funeral arrangements for the kids. Kirstey is still in the hospital with an uncountable amount of stitches and bites marks over her entire body including her face. Both arms and legs are bandaged/wrapped up completely. As of now, it looks like there isn’t any permanent damage other than a heart that will never heal," Gibson wrote. "Kirstey is a f**king hero! This attack lasted over 10 minutes and she never gave up trying to save these babies. Now all of us, family and friends, have to rally around both of them and show them how much they are loved. I don’t know if there can be a healing process but hopefully, we can ALL find a way to cope with this tragedy."
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Bennard's best friend, Kelsey Gallini told Fox News, "That attack lasted longer than any one of us could have ever imagined. I can promise you those children were her world, and if there was any inkling of danger, she would have never had those dogs near her kids. Those children were everything to them, and they just have a really long journey ahead."
A GoFundMe has been set up by a family friend to help the family "get back on their feet." "Hi my name is Debbie Harvey and my best friend lost her grandbabies in a tragic accident on 10/5. They are such an incredible and sweet family and need lots of prayers and support at this time. I am raising money for Colby and Kirstie to help them financially since it will be a while before they get back on their feet. The money will be given directly to them to use as they see fit in whatever they need. Please find it in your heart to donate if you feel led. And always continue to pray for them daily to make it through this unbelievable tragedy for the family. They are so loved in this community and we need to step up to support them," the page reads.