No Criminal Charges in Deadly Pit Bull Attack

The mother of 4-year-old Logan Sheppard won’t face criminal charges following a deadly pit bull attack that resulted in her son’s death earlier this month.

That’s the final word from the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office after reviewing evidence in the death investigation.

In a letter to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Det. Joshua Haimes, State Attorney Mark Ober wrote there was no criminal intent evidenced in the investigation.

“There is no indication that any caregiver willfully neglected the child, and while the evidence may indicate some degree of negligence, it does not prove culpable negligence sufficient to sustain a charge of neglect,” Ober wrote.

The attack that resulted in Logan’s death occurred around 10:35 p.m. July 19 at his uncle’s Riverview home on Rhodine Road. Logan and his mother, Stephanie Groulx, had walked from their Tocci Lane home to visit with family members. Before the two arrived, Billy Fredericks Sr. crated his two pit bulls. While Logan was eating ice cream, the adults went into a master bedroom and left Logan in the care of a 15-year-old relative.

“While the adults were in the bedroom they heard screams and came out to discover Logan was not in the house,” sheriff’s office spokeswoman Debbie Carter wrote in an email to media. Two deputies who were on a traffic stop nearby also heard the screens and responded.

“The two deputies ran to the residence and discovered Logan in the front yard with the two pit bulls standing over him,” Carter wrote. “The owner, Billy Frederick Sr. immediately crated the dogs, but unfortunately, Logan was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

The Fredericks have no history of animal calls at their home, Carter said.

Both dogs were put down by Hillsborough County Animal Services.

Photo credit: Logan Sheppard/FACEBOOK