Lapeer County prosecutors issued second-degree murder warrants on Thursday for the arrest of a couple owning the dogs who attacked a jogger in Michigan, reports stated on Friday.

46-year-old Craig Sytsma died after being mauled by two Cane Corso dogs while he was jogging along Thomas Road in Metamore around 5:30 p.m. on July 23.

Like Us on Facebook

The couple who owned the dogs were identified as Sebastiano Quagliata, 45, and Valbona Lucaj, 44.

Aside from second-degree murder, the pair was also charged with one count for possession of a dangerous animal causing death, according to Lapeer County Prosecutor Tim Turkelson. If proven guilty, the couple may face a maximum of 15 years in jail.

After the probe, the prosecutor's office has confirmed that the couple legally owns the killer dogs, which ties the two directly to the crime.

The 45-year-old dog-owner was arrested in Washtenaw on Thursday while his 44-year-old partner is due to turn herself in.

Arraignment for the couple's charges has been scheduled for 9 in the morning on Friday, August 1.

Meanwhile, the two dogs responsible for Sytsma's death were taken to Lapeer Animal Control and were put under quarantine together with eight other dogs which have also been removed from the community.

According to Prosecutor Turkelson, the hearing which will determine the dogs' fate was originally scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday, but may be adjourned early and re-scheduled if their owners fail to submit a written stipulation as to whether or not they agree to euthanasia for the animals.

A Cane Corso, described by the American Kennel Club as a 'mastiff type' dog which can grow up to 23.5 to 27.5 inches tall at the shoulder, is an Italian breed with a natural instinct to be suspicious of strangers. Hence, this particular breed must undergo special training in order to be around people.

It is considered a 'catch dog,' commonly used by cougar hunters.

TagsCane Corso, dogs kill jogger, cane corso dogs kill jogger, jogger killed by dogs