Dog owner charged in attack that left Chatham County woman dead
CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Chatham County deputies returned Wednesday to a neighborhood on Alston Road, one day after 85-year-old Betty Alston was found dead in what investigators believe may have been a dog attack.
Family members told authorities Alston was in her yard in the 200 block of Alston Road when three dogs attacked her. A relative found the animals near her body and chased them away. Court documents identify the dogs as two Cane Corsos and a Bulldog mix.
Deputies said the animals were seized and taken to a veterinary facility for evaluation and evidence collection.
The dogs' owner, Dennis O'Keith Faulkner, 32, faces six charges, including allowing the dogs to run at large while unleashed and unvaccinated.
A family spokesperson described Alston as an "amazing lady," who was active in her church and several charitable organizations. They said she enjoyed traveling, gardening and cooking.
The family also said Chatham County had been called to Faulkner's home multiple times for dog-related issues.
The Chatham County Sheriff's Office confirmed deputies responded to the 400 block of Alston Road in December 2025 regarding two different dogs unrelated to this week's attack. The owner received a verbal warning that year and was educated about county dog laws. Deputies said there were no previous incidents involving the dogs tied to Alston's death.
Faulkner remains in jail under a $15,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court May 27. Investigators said additional charges are possible as the case continues.
