Robeson County boy remembers brother killed in dog attack

According to family members, Talen and Jaylen West were playing in the woods near a home at 2484 Odum Road in Lumberton late Sunday morning when they encountered a neighbor’s pit bull.

The dog attacked both children. Emergency crews were called at about 11:20 a.m. and they found Talen unresponsive upon arrival. The brothers were taken to Southeastern Medical Center, where Talen later died.

On Monday, Jaylen told WRAL News that he and his brother were headed to a pond when they encountered the dogs near a barn.

Jaylen said they ran toward a nearby house, but the pit bull grabbed his brother by the neck and pulled him back toward the barn.

"I looked for about two seconds (and) then I just swing, swing," he said.

The dogs belong to Afreda Locklear. Spencer Oxendine, Locklear's brother, said one of the dogs recently had a litter of puppies.

"A dog is more protective over their puppies than some people are over their children," Oxendine said.

Oxendine said Locklear tried to resuscitate the child, but her attempts were unsuccessful.

Authorities said Talen had severe puncture wounds on his body. Jaylen was treated for leg injuries and released.

Robeson County sheriff’s deputies are investigating to determine what may have provoked the dog and whether charges will be filed.

“It’s a tough investigation, especially when you lose a child,” said Sheriff Kenneth Sealey.

Family members said the dog died at the scene, possibly from exhaustion or a heart attack. Animal control took the other dogs.