A Colorado woman has been arrested and faces numerous criminal charges after her elderly mother, who suffered from dementia, was found mauled to death at their home, which housed more than two dozen dogs.
Jessica Hoff, 47, was taken into custody on Friday in connection to the death of her 76-year-old mother, LaVonne Hoff, according to a news release from the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have detailed allegations of elder neglect and animal cruelty in the case.
Tragic Discovery and Initial Investigation
Deputies were dispatched to the Hoff residence in Colorado City on February 3 following a report of an unconscious woman. Upon arrival, first responders pronounced LaVonne Hoff dead at the scene. Authorities noted several dogs roaming freely inside the home, with an additional 24 dogs and seven birds confined in cages on the property.
An autopsy confirmed that LaVonne Hoff succumbed to injuries consistent with a fatal dog attack. Investigators alleged that Jessica Hoff had left her mother home alone while she traveled approximately 25 miles away to Pueblo for errands. During that time, the loose dogs reportedly attacked and fatally mauled the elderly woman.
Further Investigations Uncover Disturbing Conditions
Authorities expanded their investigation to a second property owned by Jessica Hoff, also in Colorado City. There, they discovered an additional 54 dogs and seven more birds. According to the sheriff’s office, the animals were found in unsanitary conditions, with several dogs in visibly poor health.
In collaboration with local animal control officers, deputies seized all the dogs and birds from both properties.
Charges and Legal Consequences
Jessica Hoff now faces multiple serious charges, including criminal negligence resulting in the death of an at-risk adult and 54 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals. As of Monday, she remained in custody at the Pueblo County Jail, with bail set at $50,000.
Under Colorado law, criminal negligence leading to the death of an at-risk person carries a sentence of two to six years in prison. Additionally, each count of aggravated cruelty to animals could result in up to 18 months of incarceration.
The case has shocked the local community, raising concerns about both elder care and animal welfare. Authorities continue their investigation into the conditions at Hoff’s properties and the treatment of the animals in her possession.
