by Raleigh, NC – A 58-year-old woman with a long criminal history is facing serious charges after allegedly ordering her pit bull to attack her neighbor during a dispute at a Raleigh apartment complex. The attack ended only when a bystander shot the dog dead.
The Charges Against Sheila Hunter
Authorities identified the suspect as Sheila Marie Hunter, 58, who is now charged with:
- Assault with intent to cause great bodily harm
- Cruelty to animals
- Intoxicated and disruptive behavior
The cruelty charge stems from Hunter allegedly ignoring her dog after it was shot in the abdomen and offering no aid.
Court records also state that Hunter insulted officers during the investigation, yelling obscenities and shouting, “mother f—–” multiple times.
The Attack on Eli Santos Blanco
The victim has been identified as Eli Santos Blanco, who said he and Hunter had been feuding for months.
According to a Wake County magistrate’s order, Blanco suffered severe puncture wounds in the attack. He recalled the terrifying ordeal in an interview with WNCN:
“It’s a hard pain to explain. At first, it was just okay, then she was ripping my tendons, muscles apart. I looked at that dog and I saw the grip she had. I just started punching the dog, poking out anything to make it get off.”
Blanco said the situation would have been far worse if not for a bystander with a gun who intervened and shot the dog, killing it instantly.
Hunter’s Long Criminal History
Hunter is no stranger to law enforcement. According to North Carolina Department of Corrections records:
- She has a criminal record stretching back 40 years.
- Past convictions include larceny, robbery, and assaulting a government official with a deadly weapon.
- In 2002, prosecutors labeled her a habitual felon, leading to more than 12 years in prison.
Court Appearance and Bail
Hunter appeared in Wake County District Court via video from jail, where her bail was set at $30,000.
If she posts bond, the judge has ordered that she:
- Have no contact with Blanco
- Not own any animals
Her next court date is scheduled for October 6. She has not yet entered a plea and does not currently have legal representation.
Do you think the bystander was right to shoot the dog, or should police have handled it differently? Share your thoughts in the comments below
