Colorado Woman Faces Charges After Mother’s Death in Dog Attack

PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. — A Colorado woman has been charged with criminal negligence following the death of her 76-year-old mother, LaVonne Hoff, who suffered from dementia. Authorities allege the elder Hoff was left home alone with numerous dogs when she was mauled to death on February 3.

Jessica Hoff, 47, was arrested on March 21 in connection with the incident, which investigators say occurred at their residence on the 4800 block of Jefferson Boulevard in Colorado City. They were notified by a report of an unconscious woman at the home.

When deputies arrived, they found LaVonne Hoff unresponsive and surrounded by several loose dogs. A subsequent search of the home revealed approximately two dozen other dogs and seven birds kept in cages. Medical personnel pronounced the elderly woman dead at the scene.

According to the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, an autopsy determined LaVonne’s death was caused by injuries sustained from a dog attack. The press release indicated that she required 24-hour care, which her daughter allegedly failed to provide.

“LaVonne Hoff reportedly had dementia and required constant supervision, yet Jessica left her mother home alone to run errands in Pueblo, around 25 miles away,” the sheriff’s office stated.

Detectives later executed a search warrant at another property owned by Jessica Hoff in Colorado City, where they found a total of 54 dogs and seven birds. The animals were reportedly living in unsanitary conditions, and several dogs appeared to be in poor health.

During the seizure, deputies collaborated with Animal Law Enforcement to ensure the safety and welfare of the animals. Jessica Hoff now faces charges of criminal negligence resulting in the death of an at-risk adult and 54 counts of aggravated animal cruelty.

As of now, she is being held at the Pueblo County Jail where her bond is set at $50,000. Court records indicate Jessica is scheduled to appear in court on March 27.

According to Colorado law, a conviction for criminal negligence leading to the death of an at-risk individual may result in a prison sentence of two to six years. Additionally, the charges related to animal cruelty could carry penalties of one to 18 months in prison for each count.