Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Provides Update on Diane Pellington Investigation

Press Release

CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.C. — Cherokee County Sheriff Chris Wood is providing the following clarification regarding the investigation into the February 25 death of Diane Pellington of Cross Creek Lane.

The Sheriff’s Office is aware of recent news reports stating that criminal charges are not expected to be filed against the owner of the dogs suspected of being involved in Ms. Pellington’s death. That characterization was based on a conversation between the case detective and an assistant district attorney before the investigative case file was complete.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office recognizes that the District Attorney’s Office must receive and review a complete case file before a final determination regarding potential charges can be made. The District Attorney’s Office had not received the “hard copy” case file until this afternoon. The case file remains incomplete because the final autopsy report has not yet been received, as well as supplemental statements from other officers involved, and a report from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations which processed the scene. Because of all these factors, it was premature for a statement to be made that there had been a final determination.

Sheriff Wood has requested that the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation conduct an independent review of the case, with the support of elected District Attorney Ashley Hornsby. Once the investigative file is complete and the SBI review has been conducted, the matter will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for a comprehensive review and final determination regarding any potential charges.

“Any loss of life is tragic, and our thoughts remain with Ms. Pellington’s family and loved ones,” Sheriff Wood said. “We understand the family’s desire for answers and accountability. It is important, however, that the investigative and prosecutorial process be followed carefully and completely. A preliminary conversation based on incomplete information should not be interpreted as a final charging decision.

Because there were no known video recordings or eyewitnesses to the attack, the available evidence has not conclusively established which, if any, of the three dogs was responsible. The dogs were later euthanized in accordance with applicable procedures.

The Sheriff’s Office will continue to cooperate fully with the SBI and the District Attorney’s Office. No final decision regarding criminal charges will be made until the complete case file, including the final autopsy report and results of the independent review, has been considered in its entirety.

Additional information will be released when appropriate and consistent with the integrity of the investigation and the rights of all involved.