Fireworks!

Fireworks!
Local Shows

°

Homepage / Detroit Local News
Text Size

Dog Drags Human Leg From Abandoned Factory

Memorial Service To Be Held For Slain Woman

POSTED: Tuesday, February 22, 2005
UPDATED: 9:06 pm EST February 22, 2005

A stray dog was found with a body part in its mouth on Detroit's east side Tuesday afternoon.

The remains may belong to 19-year-old Jalona Stafford, whose body was found burned and dismembered inside an abandoned pickle factory on Riopelle Street last week, Local 4 reported.
A stray dog is spotted carrying a human leg in a neighborhood on Detroit's east side.

Neighbors said the dog was carrying a leg with the thigh attached to it, the station reported.


Video: Police React To Human Leg Discovery
Video: Family Wants Confirmation To 'Lay Her To Rest'
Video: Hear From Teen's Mother About Disappearance

"A dog was carrying the leg. He had to be chased," said Thelma Davis, who witnessed the animal coming from the building.

Stafford was last seen by her family on the morning of Feb. 13, when she prepared to meet with her boyfriend, Jason Coleman, at an Econolodge Motel in Roseville, Local 4 reported. Witnesses said they saw Stafford (pictured, below) leaving the motel that night in a Dodge Neon following an argument.

Police said the couple had an argument over a program on TV and Coleman choked her to death.

A relative found the woman's Dodge Neon abandoned near Interstate 94 and St. Aubin Street last Wednesday night, Local 4 reported.

Police said after the car was found, Coleman confessed to the killing and led officers to the factory where he allegedly dumped and burned the body.

The victim's aunt, Juanita Stafford, said that police told her on Tuesday that they were not certain that the body part belonged to her niece, the station reported.

Police later recovered the body part. Officer James Tate said investigators believe the leg was removed before they discovered the body last Thursday.

"The body part that was found did have fresh bite wounds on it," Tate said. "At this point, (it appears) an animal took and hid the body part and we very well may have another that shows up."

When asked by Local 4 why a cadaver dog was not initially sent in to find missing body parts on the woman, Tate said, "We don't always send cadaver dogs into locations like this. That's the misconception."

Coleman was charged with Stafford's murder on Friday. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

Stafford's mother told Local 4 that authorities have yet to release her daughter's body. A memorial service for the 19-year-old is scheduled for Friday.

Hot Topics

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Find out which triggers are under your control. The answers could prevent migraines, and keep you off the sidelines. More

Don’t ruin your chances of landing that new job by making easy to correct mistakes on your cover letter. More

Now more than ever, job security is priority number one with most job seekers. Here are 10 jobs with great job security that employers are actually struggling to fill. More

Diabetics are now finding new ways to connect better. Get your supplies consultation and join the largest diabetes community! More

Hot Shots!

Hot Shots: Michigan Adventures 2007 - Image From Dale Niesen
Do you love fireworks as much as Local 4? If so, share your fireworks Hot Shots. More

Hot Shots: 2008 Fireworks
2009 Fireworks

Hot Shots: Wild Weather - Image From Cheryl Kleist
Have a great picture of a rainbow? Share your Hot Shots with Local 4!
  • UPLOAD: Submit Your Hot Shot
  • SLIDESHOW: Hot Shots: Rainbow Connection



    Sponsored Links

    On Local 4

    Why are so many teens around metro Detroit getting sexually transmitted diseases? Wait until you see what Local 4 Investigator Kevin Dietz found out.

    Watch "Ellen" weekdays at 10 a.m. on Local 4 to find out how you could win tickets to a preview of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and a great grand prize package! More


    Vote 4 The Best
    Vote 4 The Best 2009: It's time to VOTE for your favorites from burgers to pizza, pet supplies to hair salons and much more. Let your voice be heard! Plus, look for our all new Summer Recreation categories with golf courses, pools, parks and more. More


    Keep up with the latest tweets from the Local 4 Newsroom. More


    Morning Home Delivery From Click On Detroit and Local 4 News

    Most Popular

    Question Of The Day

    What are your plans for the fourth of July holiday weekend?