73-year-old Thomasville resident dies from cardiac arrest after dog attack
On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at approximately 7:43 p.m., deputies with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 201 Jeanette Lane in Thomasville in response to a reported cardiac arrest.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered 73-year-old Michael Bodenheimer lying deceased in the front yard of the residence. Mr. Bodenheimer had sustained severe injuries and was beyond the possibility of life-saving intervention. Preliminary findings at the scene indicated that his injuries were consistent with an attack by a large pack of canines.
Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division, working in coordination with Davidson County Animal Control, responded and initiated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the incident. Deputies and Detectives subsequently located the pack of aggressive canines at a neighboring property.
Over the following hours, Animal Control Division personnel captured 17 canines, identified as pit bull–mixed breeds. The animals were euthanized and transported to a local veterinary facility, where necropsies were conducted. The examinations of the canines revealed evidence confirming their involvement in the attack of Mr. Bodenheimer. An autopsy conducted on Mr. Bodenheimer determined that he died as a result of injuries sustained in the mauling from the canines.
The owner of the canines, identified as 56-year-old Thomasville resident Elaina Bryant, was determined through the investigation to have been grossly negligent in the care and control of the animals. Detectives consulted with District Attorney G. Frank and members of the District Attorney’s Office to review the findings and determine appropriate charges.
On Monday, December 15, 2025, the case was presented to a Davidson County Grand Jury. The Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Elaina Bryant with second-degree murder and ten counts of felony animal abuse.
On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Bryant was taken into custody and served with the indictments. She was transported to the Davidson County Detention Center, where she is being held under a $500,000.00 secured bond set by the Superior Court Judge. Bryant’s next court date is scheduled for January 5, 2026, in Davidson County Superior Court. No further details are being released for this investigation.
