You want to write a Stephen King-ish type novel? Well, here you go, the groundwork is done for you.....you could add that the local sheriff had this lady as his school teacher...
North Carolina woman killed in mysterious animal attack, police say
An elderly North Carolina woman has died after suffering severe injuries in a mysterious animal attack on a road in the small town of Pantego, police said.
Brenda Hamilton, a 77-year-old beloved high school teacher, was found wounded on the side of Indian Run Road Friday. She was immediately transferred to a local hospital, where she later died.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said wildlife officials weren't able to immediately identify the animal that mauled the woman during her daily morning walk.
"Beaufort County Sheriff’s Investigators along with North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Officers and Biologist responded to the scene to investigate what kind of animal attacked Hamilton," the sheriff's office said in a statement Monday. "At this time preliminary DNA testing facilitated by NC Wildlife Biologist has eliminated any wild animals indigenous to the area."
Pungo Christian Academy, the Belhaven school where Hamilton worked, confirmed the "precious" teacher's death on Monday.
Several students — current and past — as well as members of the Belhaven community shared their condolences.
"Mrs. Brenda was like another mama to all of us.. she will be missed by soo many. My heart goes out to the family," one woman wrote.
Investigators are still trying to determine what kind of animal was involved in the attack. Authorities say canine DNA was found on Hamilton's clothing, but that the testing didn't differentiate between wild canines such as wolves and domestic canines.
Investigators are collecting DNA from domestic canines for further testing.
