Family of 8-Year-Old Mauled to Death by Dogs Retains Morgan & Morgan to Seek Justice

Morgan & Morgan has been retained by the family of an eight-year-old boy who was mauled to death by two dogs last month in DeLand, FL.

On January 13, 2025, Michael Millett III and one of his friends were waiting for another boy to join them on a bike ride in their gated community in DeLand, FL when two dogs that did not belong to the gated community approached and attacked him. Michael’s friend ran to get help, but it was too late, as Michael ultimately passed away in the hospital from the fatal bite wounds he suffered.

Contrary to initial news reports that claimed Michael and his friend allegedly approached and petted the dogs, who were allegedly friendly at first, the boys had no interaction with the dogs prior to the attack, according to Michael’s friend who was present. The dogs allegedly approached the boys as they sat by their bicycles in their gated community, and began to viciously attack Michael without provocation.

A statement follows from Morgan & Morgan founder John Morgan and attorney Alberto Oliveri:

“No words can express the devastating grief these parents are experiencing. The loss of a child in such a senseless and preventable tragedy demands accountability, and we will fight tirelessly to hold all responsible parties accountable. We have already set in motion an investigation to address the many questions we have about this incident, including: Why were the gates at the entrance of this supposedly gated community allegedly not closed? Why did the homeowners association and property management allegedly fail to repair a fence in the community that allegedly had had holes in it for more than a year? We urge anyone with information about these dogs, their owners and potential security failures to reach out to our offices and the police. We believe this horrifying and tragic incident should never have happened and are exploring all avenues of justice for Michael’s death.”