Owner of dogs mauled a 9-year-old to death charged with murder

A private funeral Mass has been held for a 9-year-old Detroit girl who was killed by three dogs while she rode her bike.

In this Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019 photo taken from a video monitor, Pierre Cleveland, 33, is arraigned in 36th District Court in Detroit. Cleveland was charged Thursday in connection with the death of a 9-year-old Detroit girl, who was mauled by three dogs despite rescue efforts by neighbors, her father and emergency workers. [Photo: AP/Todd McInturf/Detroit News]

The Detroit News reports that purple and pink flowers decorated the entrance at St. Cunegunda Church. Those were Emma Hernandez's favorite colors. Church bells could be heard throughout the neighborhood Saturday.

A woman in the neighborhood, Alicia Castillo, called it a "beautiful scene."

Emma was attacked Monday while riding her bike in an alley near her home. The owner of the dogs, Pierre Cleveland, has been charged with second-degree murder and other crimes for failing to control the dogs. One dog was fatally shot during the attack.

Defense attorney Emmett Greenwood says Cleveland tried to get the pit bulls or pit bull mixes off Emma.

(Story includes material sourced from AP.)