Caretaker for Ving Rhames Dead; Had Large Dog Bites on Body

  By Leanne Suter

BRENTWOOD, Aug. 4, 2007 (KABC-TV) (KABC) -- The body of a caretaker has been discovered at a Brentwood property owned by actor Ving Rhames. Authorities say the man is a victim of a dog mauling. The home belongs to actor Ving Rhames who is reportedly out of the country.

Actor Ving Rhames owns the home in question as well as the one next to it. Neighbors say the actor has numerous dogs on both properties. Four animals are in quarantine after mauling a caretaker at one of the homes.

Police have now released the identity of the man killed in a dog attack at the home of actor Ving Rhames. They've identified him as the dogs' caretaker, 40-year-old Jacob Adams. The victim was found lying on the front yard of the Brentwood home with bite marks covering his body. Roaming the property, three massive bull mastiffs and a large English Bulldog.

"There's no doubt he was attacked by the dogs," said LAPD Lt. Ray Lombardo. "Whether or not the coroner can determine that the mauling actually caused the death, or the mauling contributed to him having a heart attack, that's a decision the coroner will have to determine."

As the coroner determines exactly how the victim died, detectives are trying to figure out how many of the dogs were involved in the mauling. The attack happened between two Brentwood homes. Both properties are owned by actor Ving Rhames, who is currently out of the country.

According to detectives, it appears the attack began on the property on the east side. The victim then ran to the other home, closing a gate behind him to stop the dogs, before finally collapsing.

The 40-year-old worked as a caretaker of the actor's home.

Investigators say there is no prior history of any aggression by the animals.

"I walk a lot, but I never heard them or had a problem," said neighbor Bunny Feuer.

Police say there were more than half-a-dozen dogs on the property at the time. Only four animals were running loose. Investigators say at this point they don't know why the dogs turned on the victim.

"Law enforcement has reported on stories before, where homeowners have had their dogs, what they call family dogs, turn on them or their children. This appears to be another tragic incident along those same lines," said Lt. Lombardo.

Those dogs will remain in quarantine until the investigation and the autopsy is complete. Adams' autopsy results are expected within the next two days.

Authorities will then determine what will happen to the animals.

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