Coroner: South Carolina toddler killed by 2 dogs

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — The Charleston County coroner says two dogs were responsible for the mauling death of a toddler in Mount Pleasant last month.

Charleston County Coroner Rae Wooten told reporters Tuesday that two neighborhood dogs caused the mauling death of 2-year-old Ja’Marr Tiller on May 27.

Authorities wondered whether a wild animal, perhaps a coyote, had caused the death. But the coroner says the fatal bites were consistent with dog bites. No charges have been filed in the death.

The dogs were lab-shepherd mixes and were in the backyard of the home. They had been fed by a relative of the boy.

Authorities say there were relatives in the house at the time but didn’t realize the youngster had slipped out the back door where he was attacked.