DeLand, Florida — The criminal case surrounding the horrific dog mauling death of an 8-year-old Florida boy has been delayed as two women accused of deleting evidence tied to the investigation prepare for trial later this year.
Authorities say the women allegedly removed online messages discussing their dogs’ reported “violent tendencies” after the deadly attack that shocked the DeLand community in January 2025.
Court Proceedings Delayed in Evidence Tampering Case
According to Volusia County court records, proceedings involving Amanda Franco, 31, and Brandy Hodil, 40, were recently marked “Pass Reset,” delaying their expected court appearance.
A hearing in the case is now scheduled for Sept. 16, while the trial is expected to begin on Sept. 22.
The women are facing felony evidence tampering charges connected to the death of 8-year-old Michael Millett, who was fatally attacked by dogs near his subdivision entrance.
Boy Fatally Mauled While Riding Bike
Investigators say Michael was riding his bicycle with a friend on Jan. 13, 2025, when he approached the dogs to pet them.
According to Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, the child was “maliciously mauled” during the attack and died at the scene.
Authorities later revealed Michael suffered 12 bite wounds, along with a broken neck and broken leg during the brutal attack.
The dogs involved were eventually euthanized following the investigation.
Chilling 911 Call Captured Horror of Attack
Disturbing details from the incident emerged during a press conference where investigators played audio from a frantic 911 call made during the mauling.
“There’s a little boy being attacked by two dogs,” the caller said. “And they’re literally tugging on him… Please hurry.”
Moments later, the caller described the horrifying scene unfolding in front of her.
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“He was screaming for help and now they’ve pinned him down to the ground and now they’re like, biting him but he’s not moving and he’s not responding,” she said.
Authorities also revealed Michael’s mother, Tiffani Connell, desperately tried to save her son during the attack.
Sheriff Chitwood said she “dove” in to help him while screaming and pleading for assistance.
Investigators Allege Evidence Was Deleted
According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Franco owned one of the dogs involved in the attack, while Hodil owned the second animal.
Months after the fatal mauling, detectives accused both women of deleting online evidence connected to the case.
Investigators alleged Franco deleted her Facebook account, including conversations with a neighbor discussing the dogs’ alleged “violent tendencies.”
Authorities also accused Hodil of deleting messages about the dogs being loose on the night of the attack. Detectives further claimed she searched online for instructions on how to deactivate her Facebook and Messenger accounts.
As a result, both women were charged with felony tampering with evidence.
Officials Say Current Law Limited Charges
Earlier in the investigation, State Attorney Will Scheiner charged Franco under Florida’s dangerous dog statute, which carries a relatively minor penalty.
During a previous press conference, both Scheiner and Sheriff Chitwood acknowledged that Florida law did not currently support filing a felony manslaughter charge in the case.
“My role as a state attorney and as a prosecutor is not to make new law; it is to enforce the laws that are present,” Scheiner said.
Chitwood added:
“If you have a heartbeat, you have to say this isn’t right. But the law has to catch up.”
Michael’s mother has reportedly opposed any plea agreement in the case as the family continues seeking justice for the young boy.
In a GoFundMe created after the tragedy, Michael was remembered as “incredibly smart, funny, caring, loving, and so adventurous.”
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