Couple Sentenced To Min. 4 Years In Prison In Connection With Dog Mauling Death Of Livonia Man

OAKLAND COUNTY (WWJ) - An Oakland County couple is sentenced to more than four years in jail in connection with the dog mauling-death of a 46-year-old man who was attacked while jogging near their Lapeer County home.

Craig Sytsma, of Livonia, was out for a jog after work in Lapeer, when he was attacked by two cane corso dogs in Metamora Township, about 45 miles northwest of Detroit. He later died from his wounds. Both dogs were later euthanize.

The owners of the dogs; Sebastiano Quagliata, 46, and Valbona Lucaj, 45, were charged with second degree murder and  possessing a dangerous animal causing death.

Before sentencing the father of the victim, Richard Sytsma, addressed the defendants in court: "It could have been prevented, you choose not to properly house animals and the end result is the death of our son."

Authorities said it was the third attack by Quagliata and Lucaj's dogs in the past two years. The couple was apparently breeding dogs at their property, officials said.

Before sentencing the father of the victim, Richard Sytsma, addressed the defendants in court: "It could have been prevented, you choose not to properly house animals and the end result is the death of our son."

In sentencing the couple, Judge Nick Holowka stated both defendants were negligent: "Mr. Sytsma died as a direct result of the defendants joint failure to take adequate measures to properly care for, train and/or confine their dogs."

The couple was sentenced to a minimum of 4 years and 9 months to a maximum of 15 years.

Both defendants apologized to the victim's family before sentencing.