Mom of 3 Dies After Being Fatally Attacked by Dogs, Leaving Her Family Wondering Why the Dogs Are Still Alive

A Mississippi mother has tragically died weeks after suffering severe injuries in a horrific dog attack involving four dogs. Lakesha Newsom, a 39-year-old woman and mother of three, passed away on Friday, March 27, leaving behind her 13-year-old and 11-year-old twin children. Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news through a GoFundMe page, highlighting the trauma and loss they have endured.

Newsom was admitted to Regional One Health in Memphis, Tennessee, following the attack that occurred in the early hours of March 3. Her family has described their devastation, with Newsom’s sister, DeWaylia Young, stating, “She fought as hard as she could. Our family is completely shattered.” Reports indicated that Newsom had sustained severe injuries that led to the amputation of her right arm and leg.

Sandra Harris, 54, was arrested in connection with the incident on March 23, immediately raising concerns about accountability surrounding pet ownership and public safety. Charged with aggravated assault—defined as showing extreme indifference to human life—Harris was taken into custody and is currently held at the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department. The circumstances surrounding the dogs responsible for the attack remain troubling for Newsom’s family, who express outrage at their continued existence.

“I’m still trying to find the words to process this,” said Newsom’s mother, Rosie Young. “To have these dogs still alive—how fair is that? Why are they keeping these dogs from being put down? We lost Kesha.” The family’s agony is compounded by frustration at the perceived lack of urgency regarding the remaining dogs involved in the attack.

In a separate interview, Newsom’s aunt, Jerlene Tyson, reiterated the family’s distress, revealing how long it took for help to arrive. “She had to lie there for hours and hours before anybody helped her,” Tyson lamented. Prior to her passing, Newsom reflected on her experience during an interview with WREG, expressing her desire for accountability from whoever owned the dogs. She relayed her struggle as she fought back against the animals, illustrating the critical moments of panic she experienced during the attack.

“I know them dogs were trying to kill me, and I fought them as long as I could,” Newsom recounted. She described a moment of respite when the dogs ceased their assault, believing her to be lifeless, only for them to resume their attack when she attempted to escape. Her recollections paint a harrowing picture of survival against overwhelming odds.

Describing her condition just before her death, Newsom noted the extent of her injuries and the ongoing pain she endured. “At one point, I didn’t even know my face was scarred up like this,” she said, while her mother added that one of her wounds bled continuously, emphasising just how life-threatening her injuries became.

Family members have taken to social media, appealing for justice and spreading awareness about the tragic incident. In her final moments, Newsom expressed hope for recovery but also a need to prevent others from experiencing similar trauma. “I’m hoping and praying for complete healing, but I know that I don’t want anyone else to have to go through this situation because, like I said, it could have been a child,” she remarked.

The Holly Springs Police Department continues to investigate the dog attack, advising anyone with further information to contact them directly. As the community comes to terms with this tragic event, questions remain regarding animal control and the responsibilities of pet owners in safeguarding the public. Newsom’s family is determined to seek justice and ensure that such incidents do not happen again, underscoring the need for accountability in the aftermath of this fatal attack.