Celebrity Justice
Ving Jumps to Conclusions in Dog Attack Case

The bizarre dog attack that killed a caretaker at actor Ving Rhames home just got weirder. The LA County Coroner tells TMZ that it was most likely something else, and not the dogs, that killed Jacob Adams. Ving, for his part, isn't waiting for the final report. He's already made up his mind as to what happened.

According to the Coroner, the abrasions and lacerations on Adams' body caused by the dogs were "most likely not fatal." Huh? Then just HOW did the guy die? We're told we won't know that until toxicology test results come out. Initial reports indicated Adams may have suffered a heart attack, but that has yet to be confirmed by the Coroner.

Ving, for his part, issued the following statement yesterday:

I was out of the country when this shocking and terrible tragedy occurred on my property. Jacob Adams was not just a devoted employee -- he was also a dear friend. I want to offer my heartfelt condolences to his family. I am relieved to know that the coroner's report confirmed that my dogs were not the cause of his death -- and that any wounds found on his body were superficial. I would appreciate the media's privacy for me and my family during this difficult time.

Reader Comments

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16. All in favor of putting #5 JG's ass down raise your hand.

Posted at 1:42PM on Aug 14th 2007 by JG is a loser

17. so sad!

Posted at 1:42PM on Aug 14th 2007 by weneedtostop.com

18. JG IS a loser.

now wtf is up with sicko Mike Vick's indictment? I hate how all the good stories just fade away...

Posted at 1:46PM on Aug 14th 2007 by kelly is a betch

19. I have had two English Bull Mastiffs for over 10 years now. They are the most gentlest of giants. To assume these mastiffs where the cause of death to the caretaker is ridiculous. The media has to stop looking for "someone" or "something" to blame. Until all the facts are in do not assume. You know what they say about assuming........

Posted at 1:50PM on Aug 14th 2007 by Dina

20. I think the ppl are right that said the caretaker might have had a heart attack (or something else, diabetic maybe?) and the dogs were so anxious and frightened they tried to wake him up, the only way they could, licking or nipping, its just a sad, sorry state of affairs the news jumped alover saying it was a dog mauling....tradgic...

Posted at 1:55PM on Aug 14th 2007 by extreme

21. Although I disagree with having a pack of dogs such as Ving had I do not understand TMZ's attempt to stir up controversy.
If the dogs were intending to harm their care taker not much would have been left of him by the time help arrived.

Posted at 2:04PM on Aug 14th 2007 by Chris

22. My Dog Ate My Homework And My Neighbor.....

Posted at 2:08PM on Aug 14th 2007 by Mikey

23. Sad for all involved. I'm glad the dogs are in the clear.

Posted at 2:36PM on Aug 14th 2007 by maxx

24. I dont think the dogs attacked him either, it said he what cared for those dogs for years, feeding them and walking them, and even loved them. maybe when and if he fell from the heart attack the dogs got upset. you hear all the time of people who have passed out or fallen and thier faithfull pets react in an upset manor. dogs can sence things, and know things we cant. they probably knew he was dead or dieng and didnt like it. was licking and scratching at him. there are many many proven cases of things like that happening. ving was not those dogs caretaker, the employee was. and those dogs obviously loved him

Posted at 2:13PM on Aug 14th 2007 by natosha

25. I knew you valued a dog's life over a human's.

Posted at 2:14PM on Aug 14th 2007 by JG

26. Wow so a guy had dogs that he took care of, and people think that is wrong? Someone to say a dog shouldn't break the skin is a joke. I have had little dogs be playing and break the skin. Let's not be ridiculous. If the guy took care of the dogs, I would say that the dogs were trying to 'get his attention'. Did they potentially after a bit get a bit rougher? I'd say yes, I've layed on the floor before and had little housedogs try to get my attention, and the longer I'd stay, the more they would get aggressive, going to scratching and bites.

Posted at 2:19PM on Aug 14th 2007 by Rocket

27. The man had a heart attack and my dogs tried to resuscitate him and may have accidentally scratched him in the process. Unfortunately my dogs were unable to save the man..............

Posted at 2:20PM on Aug 14th 2007 by Mikey

28. #11, I agree with you fully. My Mastiff plays hard, and when I am on floor, he will paw at me until I move, or siting on my lap, and taking off. Any dog, can break the skin by playing. This man cared for these dogs for a very long time. They knew him. If I or anyone in my family were laying down, and not responsive my Mastiff would be trying everyway to wake us up. Nonetheles, still very sad. My heart goes out to his family.

Posted at 3:13PM on Aug 14th 2007 by Kelsey

29. To: "25. I knew you valued a dog's life over a human's."

My son's Mastiff is a wheelchair dog, and that dog would lay down his life for m son. Sorry but not many human beings would lay down their life for another.

Posted at 3:14PM on Aug 14th 2007 by Mastifflover

30. It was all over the news a day or so after it happened that the dog bites were not lethal. Why just "breaking" it now TMZ?

Dogs and cats bite and scratch people to get a response...that is not unusual behavior at all.

Posted at 4:58PM on Aug 14th 2007 by rminva

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