DETROIT – The married couple charged in the deadly dog mauling of a Detroit father of six were sentenced on Friday.
Roy and Trevina Goodman were both charged with one count of dangerous animal causing death in connection to the death of Harold Phillips.
The attack happened on Jan. 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 the 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 wouldn’t have happened,” said Roy to the Phillips family in the courtroom on Friday. “I’m so sorry.”
Trevina did not provide a statement.
Victim’s wife, children provide statements in court
Harold’s wife, Shauntaye, provided an impact statement to the court prior to the sentencing on Friday. The impact statements she provided were from her and Harold’s children and herself.
“I never imagined having to watch him die so tragically,” said Shauntaye. “I’m just trying to be the best I can for my kids now because it’s hard to grow up without a parent.”
“Harold died the day after our daughter turned 8. So, this entire year— birthdays, Christmas—it’s been really hard, but, we’re doing our best, and I can’t express it enough—the loss. To have to close the casket on him so soon. He was 35.”
“I cry every day. There’s not a day I don’t cry.”
You can listen to Shauntaye providing her and her children’s impact statements below:
The Godmother to the victim’s children, Shauntaye’s best friend, appeared in court to provide an impact statement, as well.
The following video is a report from Feb. 28, 2024:
