A Michigan man will spend years in prison after his three dogs attacked and killed a father of six in a devastating incident last year.
Harold Phillips, 35, had just been out buying clothes for a job interview on January 29, 2024. After shopping, he was walking home from the bus stop when three dogs—a bulldog, a Staffordshire bull terrier, and an American Staffordshire terrier—brutally attacked him less than a mile from his house. Tragically, Harold passed away on February 2, 2024, after battling severe injuries.
The dogs belonged to Roy Eric Goodman, 41, and his wife, Trevina Quiche Goodman, 39. Both were charged with owning dangerous animals that caused Harold’s death. The couple later pleaded no contest to the charges.
During their sentencing, Roy Goodman received a prison term ranging from two and a half to 15 years. Trevina Goodman, however, was sentenced to three years of probation. If she violates the terms of her probation, she could also face 18 months to 15 years behind bars, according to Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Maria Miller.
In court, Roy Goodman expressed deep regret to Harold’s family. Turning to them, he said, “To the Phillips family, I’m so sorry. I wish it wouldn’t have happened. I’m so sorry.”
The attack occurred when the dogs escaped through an unlocked gate at the Goodmans’ home in west Detroit, near the intersection of Longacre Street and West Chicago Road. Roy Goodman told animal control officers he had let the dogs out in his yard and briefly went inside, only to find the animals gone when he returned. Although he hoped they wouldn’t come back, he still went out to search for them.
Roy said he heard someone screaming for help and suspected it was his dogs attacking someone. He rushed to the scene in his car, managed to round up the animals, and called 911. Sadly, Harold had already suffered catastrophic injuries, including the loss of one arm, in the attack. Despite doctors’ efforts, Harold died a few days later.
The dogs were seized by authorities and euthanized.
Harold’s wife, Shauntaye Phillips, shared the heartbreak of losing her husband in a public statement. “It’s painful to think of all the important milestones Harold will miss in our children’s lives,” she said. “From our son’s first basketball game to our daughter’s daddy-daughter dance, our lives will never be the same.”
She thanked the community for their prayers, donations, and support, which have been a source of comfort during this unimaginable time.
While Shauntaye chose not to comment on the sentencing, her lawyer, Paul Huebner, emphasized the family’s gratitude for the community’s kindness and hoped this tragedy would remind pet owners to take responsibility for their animals.
The Phillips family has also filed a lawsuit against Detroit’s animal control agency and its former director, accusing them of ignoring warnings about the dogs in the past. The lawsuit claims that by prioritizing saving animals’ lives, the agency failed to address the danger these dogs posed to people.
To help the Phillips family cope with financial hardships on top of their loss, a GoFundMe campaign is raising donations. The community continues to rally around the grieving family as they navigate this difficult time.
