A California man has been charged with murder after prosecutors alleged that an attack involving his three dogs led to the drowning death of a 12-year-old boy at a public park.

According to the Kern County District Attorney’s Office, 68-year-old Kenneth Dobbins now faces charges of second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, failure to control mischievous animals resulting in death, and failure to control mischievous animals resulting in great bodily injury.

Prosecutors said Dobbins pleaded not guilty to all charges during his arraignment on June 30. He remains in custody without bail, with additional court hearings scheduled for July 14 and July 15.

The charges stem from a June 18 incident at Central Park in California City.

Authorities said 12-year-old Fernando Torres Moreno died after reportedly jumping into a lake while trying to escape Dobbins’ three dogs. His family later identified him publicly.

Police also said an 8-year-old girl was attacked during the incident and suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

According to a search warrant cited by local media, officers had warned Dobbins about the dogs just two days before the attack. The warrant also alleged that during an earlier encounter, one officer nearly had to shoot the animals because of their aggressive behavior.

The California City Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack as the criminal case moves forward.

Source: People