Family reveals harrowing final moments of mom mauled to death by savage dogs while shielding her son
Emily Panuco, 26, was killed while protecting her 6-year-old son from three attacking dogs at her mother’s home. Provided by the family
Tragic new details have emerged about the final moments of Emily Panuco, a 26-year-old Arizona mother who was fatally attacked by a pack of dogs while trying to shield her 6-year-old son.
The attack occurred at her mother’s home in Big River, Calif., near the Arizona border. Family members said the dogs included a previously abandoned animal, a Heeler mix named “Dipstick,” and another mutt.
Emily’s family said her mother had taken in the wayward dog out of kindness. “She would leave food out because she loved dogs,” said Daniel De Leon, 23, Emily’s brother. Emily’s mother was not home at the time and returned to find the horrific scene.
“It was horrific for her,” said Esther Panuco, 59, Emily’s mother-in-law.
The attack took place on Feb. 27. Emily had taken her son, Jesse, to visit a litter of puppies at his grandmother’s home as a treat. The puppies were in a cardboard box near the front door when Jesse approached them, triggering the dogs’ attack.
Emily intervened to protect her son but suffered multiple fatal bite wounds and died at the scene. Jesse sustained two severe bites but survived. “It was a dog protecting her puppies,” Esther Panuco explained. Authorities euthanized all three dogs after the attack.
Emily’s husband of eight years, Richie Panuco, 31, called her a hero. “She was a great person. A great role model, not only for her family but for the community,” he said. “She was always full of joy and supported everyone’s dreams.”
Emily also leaves behind a seven-month-old daughter, Rosmé, and had cared for her 16-year-old sister, Saralynn. “She lived for her kids,” her brother added.
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