Georgia Woman Charged After Dogs Kill 86-Year-Old Grandma

Suspect faces charges after fatal attack in Baxley yard
Posted Oct 13, 2025 7:21 AM CDT
Georgia Woman Charged After Dogs Kill 86-Year-Old Grandma
Stock photo.   (Getty Images / carlballou)

A Georgia woman has been arrested after an 86-year-old grandmother was killed in a dog attack outside her home. The Appling County Sheriff's Office announced on Friday that Misty Ann Branch, 53, of Baxley, faces charges of reckless conduct and involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of Maria D. Nunez, NBC News reports. Authorities say Nunez was "viciously attacked by two dogs" in her yard and was found dead at her Baxley residence around noon on Wednesday with multiple injuries. Her body was sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's crime lab for an autopsy as the investigation continues. She is believed to have been attacked the day before her body was found, People reports.

Nunez, originally from Mexico, was a midwife and co-founder of her family's business, Nunez Pine Straw, according to her obituary. She was also an active member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. She is survived by a large family, including three daughters, three brothers, nine grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Branch was her neighbor, and police say the dogs involved have been secured.

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