New trial for man whose dogs killed 2 in separate attacks

A new trial has been ordered for a Mississippi man whose pit bulls killed two people in separate incidents.

The Clarion-Ledger reports 40-year-old Eric Hodges’ manslaughter conviction was thrown out Tuesday because of a faulty jury instruction.

The Mississippi Court of Appeals says the state proved its case but didn’t tell the jury that Hodges had to know his dogs were vicious to convict.

In July 2014, Derrick Sanders was found mauled yards away from Hodges’ home. Sanders was dead when authorities arrived. Six weeks later, Glass was also severely injured near the home.

He told authorities he believed Hodges’ dogs attacked him. Glass died the next day.

Hodge had been sentenced to 20 years in prison with five years suspended and 15 years to serve.

It’s unclear when the new trial will start.