Teen girl killed by pack of neglected dogs as she tried to help them, neighbors say
Makayla Fortner, 15, was mauled to death 'by multiple dogs' in an enclosed area at a home in the community of Alexander, Arkansas. Around 30 rescues lived on the property.
Deputies from the Saline County Sheriff's Office said they were alerted to the attack around 12:15 p.m. Wednesday and arrived to find the teen already dead.n
Fortne had previously been helping to care for the animals as well as working to find them permanent homes, officials said.
With the assistance of Benton Animal Services, deputies seized multiple dogs from the property.
The dogs were a mix of pit bulls, pit bull crossbreeds, and hounds, Benton Animal Services spokesperson Matt Thibault told the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Officials told the newspaper that 14 dogs were euthanized in the wake of the incident.
Investigators said they are looking into how the 'sudden and tragic' attack unfolded.
Neighbors told ABC affiliate KATV said Fortner was attempting to feed the dogs before the deadly attack.
Ralph Murphy said that he witnessed a deputy fire two shots from a pistol to disperse some of the animals as he headed towards the victim.
'And then he walked over and looked down and turned around and walked back, and so I moved and I saw a body on the ground,' he said.
A friend of the victim's mother, Stephanie Wilkie, launched a GoFundMe page to support the family and help cover funeral expenses.
'On behalf of my dear friend Stephanie Wilkie, I am heartbroken to share the devastating news that her beloved 15-year-old daughter, Makayla Fortner, tragically passed away following a horrific dog attack,' organizer Erin Bowman wrote. 'This unimaginable loss has left her family in deep shock, grief, and emotional pain.'
Bowman described Fortner as 'a beautiful, bright girl with the kindest soul who had so much life ahead of her.'
Just days before the attack, Wilkie posted on Facebook that she and her daughter were looking after a litter of more than 40 puppies at the home of an elderly couple.
'So like normal, found myself in a hoarding situation of an older couple in their 80s with too many dogs,' she wrote on June 8, adding that there are 'puppies everywhere, 40+ and a litter born today.'
Neighbors said that they have complained multiple times about the dogs being uncontrolled and running away from the property.
'These dogs were very vicious at the fence to the point that no one wanted to let their children walk to and from the bus stop,' White Oak Drive resident Heidi Clay said.
"And if somebody had done something, then maybe this little girl would be alive.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
a minute ago
- Daily Mail
Oatlands crash driver makes candid admission from behind bars after his car mounted the kerb and killed four children
A Sydney man who killed four children while driving drunk has claimed the one thing he most looks forward to doing when freed from jail is opening a door by himself. In February 2020, Samuel William Davidson mowed down seven children after his out-of-control ute mounted a footpath in Oatlands, in Sydney's west. Four of the children - siblings Siennah, 8, Angelina, 12 and Antony Abdallah, 12 and their cousin Veronique Sakr, 11 - were killed instantly while another, Charbel Kassas, 11, was badly injured and spent two months in a coma. They were on their way to buy ice-cream when Davidson mowed them down en route to a nearby service station. Davidson had a blood alcohol content three times the legal limit and had cocaine and MDMA in his system at the time of the crash. He pleaded guilty to four counts of manslaughter among other charges and is serving 20 years behind bars having had his sentence reduced from 28 years on appeal. For the first time since the incident, Davidson, now 34, has spoken on camera about the events leading up to the incident in an interview with Seven News' Spotlight. The events of the day were 'blurry', he said, but he recalled waiting 'forever' for a light to turn green before running the red and losing control of the vehicle. 'I had no control because of the intoxication… I've taken the corner so fast, not even a race car driver could have pulled that off in a professional car,' he added, according to the Sunday Telegraph. 'When I got out it was horrible, there were dead bodies… It was horrible.' In the interview, which will air on Sunday, Davidson meets with Danny Abdallah, the father of three of the children he killed, inside Cessnock jail maximum security. While the pair speak regularly and Mr Abdallah and his wife Leila have been open about their decision to forgive Davidson, this is the first time the public will see the two men interact. Mr Abdallah said he wanted to tell Davidson about his children and deliver 'an important message'. Davidson also opened up about his hard-drinking lifestyle before the incident, pledging those days were behind him. 'It's a shame that I had to enjoy life under the influence of alcohol or anything like that to enjoy it, because I can tell you my thoughts about that are completely different now,' he told the program. Davidson, who spends up to 17 hours a day inside his cell, said it was important to him to keep a clean cell, the way he would at home. 'I do try and keep it that way because I just think it looks better and yeah, it just makes it more homely. Yeah, I was like that on the outside too,' he told the program. With a decade still to serve, Davidson said he longed to be able to open and close a door for himself when he is finally freed from custody. 'I've had a dream where I was waiting for a door to open at home. At home you just open a door, you know what I mean?' he told the program. 'Here you've got to wait for a door … freely opening it – I can't wait,' he said. Mr Abdallah has attributed his decision to forgive Davidson to his Christian faith but added it was necessary for the sake of his marriage and surviving children. 'At the end of the day, I've still got three other kids. I need to be a father too and I need to be a husband to my wife, and it's already hard enough,' he told KIIS FM's The Kyle & Jackie O on Friday. As for his own family, Davidson said his parents visit him most weekends, but he struggles with the possibility they may no longer be around when he is released. 'I love every second I get with them,' he said.
The Sun
a minute ago
- The Sun
My husband killed my kids as revenge for leaving him, but they could have be saved – now I want my babies exhumed
AS ELLIE McCulloch bickered with her ex husband Ron Jonker over who would get custody of the kids, she couldn't believe how unreasonable he was being. Happy for him to see the kids whenever he liked, Ellie wanted her children to have their father in their lives. 8 8 8 But Jonker wanted to hurt her and Ellie underestimated just how far he was willing to go. After losing their custody battle in court bitter Jonker drove his three children miles away from their mum and killed them and himself by filling the car with exhaust fumes. 'He warned if I won in court, he'd make sure I'd lose in the end,' heartbroken Ellie says. 'I begged authorities to take my children away from him. 'I'm devastated that 27 years after my beautiful children were murdered, we still haven't learned that when it comes to children's lives, it's better to be safe than sorry.' Ellie, who lives in Western Australia, was just 15 when she met Jonker, then 21, at her dad David's fishing club. 'We became friends but we didn't start seeing each other until five years later,' says Ellie, now 55. 'By then I was a single mum with a seven-month-old boy named after my dad and Ron had a son with his former wife.' The couple went on to have another boy named Aaron together and got married soon after. When David was six and Aaron was almost four, the couple welcomed their daughter Ashlee. 'All I'd ever wanted in life was to be a mum and I worked hard at being a good one,' Ellie says. 'The kids were my pride and joy. 'David was tall for his age with beautiful blue eyes and blonde hair. He was my little man. He was close to my dad who he called 'Gampa' and he liked fishing and country music. 'Meanwhile Aaron was my quiet one and had a beautiful smile and blue eyes too. 'He and David were best mates and they doted on their blue-eyed baby sister.' Behind closed doors While Ellie thrived off being a parent and loved family life, her relationship with Jonker deteriorated. 'He was verbally abusive and pushed and shoved me,' Ellie says. 'But worse than that he was completely disinterested in the kids and even cruel.' 8 8 Ellie claims there were several occasions when she had seen Jonker physically harm her boys and by the end of September 1998 she ended the relationship moving herself and the kids in with her dad. 'Ron was angry but I tried keeping things civil,' Ellie says. 'I told him he could have the kids over whenever he liked and that he was welcome over for dinner any time. 'I thought we'd work it out.' On Friday, October 2nd, Ron took the kids for the weekend. After a few days he called to ask if he could have the children for a few more days. 'I agreed hoping it was an attempt from him at being a better dad,' Ellie says. 'But when I popped in to see the children, Ron flew into a rage, grabbing me round the throat.' Custody battle begins A few days later Jonker called Ellie to tell he was going to file for full custody of the kids. 'I was distraught,' she admits. 'I loved my kids so much that if I genuinely thought Ron was the better parent, I'd have let him raise them, after all I had been raised by my dad. 'Ron refused to give the kids back and would be violent and abusive when I saw him.' On Monday October 19 1998, three weeks after the couple split, they had the custody hearing. The judge awarded Ellie custody, allowing Jonker two weekends out of three and he was ordered to return the children on October 23rd. 'When I saw Ron outside the court it was like looking at evil and I had a horrific premonition,' Ellie recalls. Killer instincts 'I told my lawyer I was sure he was going to kill our kids and begged her to do something but she said there was nothing she could do as there was no sign he was going to hurt them.' But Ellie was so concerned that she called the police. An officer was sent round to Jonker's home but they reported he was no threat to himself or his children. 'I called the child welfare authorities and begged them to take the kids out of his care,' Ellie recalls. 'I gave them permission to put my kids in the system as long as they were away from him but nobody listened.' On 21st October, Jonker allowed the children to call Ellie and she spoke to Aaron and David briefly. 'They seemed fine and Ron indicated he was bringing them kids back so I was excited,' she says. At around 6.20pm Jonker called and spoke to Ellie's dad David and instructed him to go to the bottom of the drive. 'I assumed he was handing the kids to dad and didn't want to see me,' Ellie says. But David snr only returned with a letter from Jonker. It read: 'I did warn you that if you won in court, you would lose. Murder threats made 'Unless some divine miracle happens the next time you see my kids will be to make a positive ID at the Coroner's Office.' Ellie admits she was 'hysterical' but was able to call the police who arrived 15 minutes later. They consulted with a superior then instructed Ellie to ring Jonker to find out where he was and arrange a meeting. 'After repeated calls, I got through,' Ellie says. 'I told him he could have full custody as long as he didn't hurt the children. 'He agreed to meet me at 8.30pm at a place called Gingin but warned me to come alone.' It was just before 7pm and Gingin was 80 minutes away. 'The cops told me it was too dangerous for me to go and insisted on accompanying me,' Ellie says. 'At 8.20pm he rang and dad answered who stalled him by telling him I was on the way. 'He rang again 20 minutes later, he heard the boys in the background and they were crying 'Gampa help us'.' As the police approached, Jonker caught sight of them and drove off. They followed the car but had to abandon it when Jonker hit 170km. 'He called me afterwards and told me he'd warned me about the police,' Ellie says. 'He said he thought he'd lost them and said 'you've done your dash' then hung up. Where to seek grief support Need professional help with grief? Child Bereavement UK Cruse Bereavement Relate The Good Grief Trust You can also always speak to your GP if you're struggling. You're Not Alone Check out these books, podcasts and apps that all expertly navigate grief… Griefcast: Cariad Lloyd interviews comedians on this award-winning podcast. The Madness Of Grief by Rev Richard Coles (£9.99, W&N): The Strictly fave writes movingly on losing his husband David to alcoholism. Terrible, Thanks For Asking: Podcast host Nora McInerny encourages non-celebs to share how they're really feeling. Good Mourning by Sally Douglas and Imogen Carn (£14.99, Murdoch Books): A guide for people who've suffered sudden loss, like the authors who both lost their mums. Grief Works: Download this for daily meditations and expert tips. How To Grieve Like A Champ by Lianna Champ (£3.99, Red Door Press): A book for improving your relationship with death. 'I knew he meant it was all over now and sobbed, hoping the police would find him again.' But there was no trace of Jonker, 33, and the children until the car was spotted on a quiet bush track by an air force plane the following day. 'A woman officer broke the news to me that Ron and the kids were inside, all dead,' Ellie says. 'I can remember someone putting their arms around me and then being sedated.' Jonker had killed himself and the children with exhaust fumes. Ashlee, 17 months, was in his arms. 'A police friend of dad's advised me not to ID or view the children,' Ellie says. 'I didn't want to go to the funeral, it meant it was real. But of course, I did go. 'When I saw the little white coffins, I almost passed out.' The three children were buried together, with Ashlee dressed in her favourite pair of bunny ears. 'I'd lived for my kids and now I didn't want to live anymore,' Ellie says. 'The only reason I am still here is because otherwise Ron would win. 'I tried blocking everything out with drink and drugs - it broke my dad's heart.' But there was more pain to come for the family. Police blunders uncovered At an inquest in 2000 it was revealed the kids might have been saved if it wasn't for police blunders. They had the 8.30pm meeting time from 7pm but nobody got there until 9.30pm, because it was unclear who was leading the manhunt. The police helicopter was being serviced and the tactical squad was on another job. No roadblocks were set up and when the police did spot Jonkers, they lost him after just one car was in pursuit of him. Officers from another police station couldn't attend because they'd run out of petrol and all the fuel stations were closed. 'It was heartbreaking,' Ellie says. 'After the inquest, I asked for the police files but was told they'd disappeared in transit. 'For another eight years, I was a lost soul.' Then, in 2012, Ellie and her dad moved from Perth to Bunbury, a couple of hours south, for a fresh start, with the father and daughter living next door to one another. 'I met a decent man at last, Richard and dad loved him,' Ellie says. In September 2018, six months after Richard and Ellie were married, David passed away aged 82. 'It's only recently I've felt strong enough to face what happened," Ellie says. 'I can't stand by any longer while these family murder-suicides keep happening. 'So, I'm going to request the police files again, I want accountability. 'The same mistakes are still being made.' Ellie wants to see concerns like hers be taken more seriously. 'If one parent is concerned the other might harm their kids, they should be removed immediately,' she says. 'Give them to the grandparents, just get them out.' Final closure Ellie now wants her children's bodies exhumed to help her gain the final closure she needs. 'I want my babies exhumed and cremated, so they can be with me permanently,' she says. 'When I pass their ashes can be with mine. 'It'll cost about £15,000, which I just don't have. 'I'm considering a GoFundMe but people can be cruel though. 'I've been through so much in my life, I'm not sure I could handle any negative comments so I am still deciding what to do. 'Having their ashes would bring some peace to my life. 'And then at least I'd know that when I pass, I would be with my babies for eternity.' 8 8
The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
Michigan avoid playoff ban but face record NCAA fine over sign-stealing
The NCAA announced Friday it has hit the University of Michigan with one of the largest financial penalties in college football history for running an illegal in-person scouting and sign-stealing scheme – ordering the school to forfeit more than $20m in postseason revenue – but stopped short of banning the Wolverines from competing in the playoffs. The financial hit stems from postseason football payouts over the 2025 and 2026 seasons, a figure projected by multiple sources to exceed $20m and potentially surpass $25m based on historical Big Ten and College Football Playoff distributions. Michigan was also fined $50,000, assessed 10% of its football budget, and will lose the financial equivalent of 10% of its football scholarships for 2025–26. Other sanctions include a 25% reduction in official visits for the 2025–26 season, a 14-week ban on recruiting communications, and four years' probation. The controversy dates back to early in the 2023 season, when reports emerged that Michigan's football program was running a covert sign-stealing operation. In American college football, teams often use hand signals to communicate plays from the sideline, and while deciphering those signals is not against NCAA rules, schools are barred from sending representatives to scout future opponents in person or from using electronic equipment to record signals. According to the NCAA, former staffer Connor Stalions orchestrated a vast off-campus, in-person scouting scheme during the 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons. Using a network of staff, interns, and acquaintances he dubbed the 'KGB,' Stalions purchased and transferred game tickets – spending nearly $35,000 in 2022 alone – so others could film future opponents' signal callers from the stands. The footage, which Stalions referred to as 'dirty film', was then used to decode thousands of signals, information he shared with prominent coaching staff members. Evidence included ticket receipts, transfer data, and witness testimony. The NCAA documented 56 scouting instances covering 52 games against 13 future opponents. Stalions also attended at least one future opponent's game himself. Investigators said the full scope and advantage gained 'will never be known' because of the deliberate destruction and withholding of materials, including Stalions admitting he disposed of his phone – and possibly film – in a pond. The scandal led to multiple failures to cooperate. Stalions, Harbaugh, Moore and then–director of player personnel Denard Robinson destroyed materials or provided false and misleading information. Moore deleted a 52-message text thread with Stalions the day after the scheme became public, later conceding it was a reaction to the news. Harbaugh refused to provide records or sit for an interview. The investigation also uncovered unrelated recruiting violations, including impermissible benefits to four prospects and nearly 100 impermissible recruiting messages before allowable dates. Those violations were attributed to several former assistants, including Jesse Minter, Steve Clinkscale and Chris Partridge, as well as Robinson. The NCAA classified the scouting and most cooperation failures as Level I violations – its most severe – and the recruiting and 'failure to monitor' charges as Level II. The panel concluded Michigan's compliance staff was rebuffed, dismissed and disregarded by Harbaugh's program, creating 'a culture of noncompliance'. Stalions received an eight-year show-cause order; Harbaugh a 10-year show-cause beginning in 2028; Robinson a three-year show-cause. Moore, now head coach, was given a two-year show-cause and a three-game suspension, with one game to be served in 2026 after Michigan's self-imposed two-game ban in 2025. Despite Michigan's status as a 'repeat violator' and the case's Level I–Aggravated classification – grounds for a multi-year postseason ban – the panel chose financial penalties instead, saying a ban would unfairly punish current players for the actions of former coaches and staff. Michigan open the 2025 season at home against New Mexico on 30 August. Moore will serve his suspension after the 6 September game at Oklahoma, missing matchups with Central Michigan and Nebraska. Whether he will appeal the additional 2026 game remains unclear.
