Married couple sentenced for fatal dog attack on father of six in Detroit

DETROIT – The married couple accused of the fatal dog attack on a father of six in Detroit were sentenced Friday.

Roy and Treviña Goodman both were charged with one count of dangerous animal causing death in connection with the death of Harold Phillips.

The attack occurred on January 29, 2024 at 9:20 p.m. when Phillips, a father of six, was walking home from the bus in the West Chicago and Longacre area when three dogs escaped from Goodman’s yard through an unsecured gate.

Phillips was hospitalized after the attack and later died. The three dogs involved have been euthanized.

Roy was sentenced to 30 months to 15 years in prison and Trevina was sentenced to three years of probation.

“I wish it hadn’t happened,” Roy told the Phillips family in the courtroom Friday. “Very sorry.”

Treviña did not provide any statement.

The victim’s wife and children testify in court

Harold’s wife, Shauntaye, provided an impact statement to the court ahead of Friday’s sentencing. The impact statements she provided were from her and Harold’s children and herself.

“I never imagined having to watch him die so tragically,” Shauntaye said. “Now I’m just trying to be the best I can for my kids because it’s hard growing up without a father.”

“Harold died the day after our daughter turned 8 years old. So this whole year (birthday, Christmas) has been very difficult, but we are doing the best we can and I can’t express it enough: the loss. Having to close the coffin so soon. He was 35 years old.”

“I cry every day. There isn’t a day that I don’t cry.”

You can listen to Shauntaye deliver her and her children’s impact statements below:

The godmother of the victim’s children, Shauntaye’s best friend, also appeared in court to provide an impact statement.

The following video is a report from February 28, 2024: