Community joins family to remember life of woman killed by dogs in Miami Gardens – NBC 6 South Florida
A Miami Gardens community is coming together to remember a woman mauled and killed by dogs, as police are still trying to find the animals that attacked her.
Doreen Richards Broadbelt, 71, was walking to work early on Labor Day when the dogs attacked her in the school yard of Norwood Elementary School.
More than a week later, on Tuesday afternoon, the community joined her family to walk to the spot where she died and remember her life. Her daughter is still processing that her mother is gone.
“It’s not a pretty sight to lose a loved one in this case, but I pray, God give us strength,” Lateisha Wilkinson said.
Family Photo
Family Photo Doreen Broadbelt
Richards Broadbelt’s coworkers from Walmart and FedEx were among those who showed their support.
“Everybody has to leave, but this is hard, this is a hard loss,” a former coworker said.
“She’s a really nice worker and nice person,” another former coworker said.
“FedEx and Walmart coming together to say we’re here for you and we’re coming together to show you support because I know it’s devastating you lost your mom,” another coworker said. “You see her today and she’s gone tomorrow.”
Just over a week after a deadly dog attack in Miami Gardens, police say DNA test results could identify the dogs that mauled and killed a 71-year-old grandmother. NBC6’s Ari Odzer reports
Police have not found the dogs that attacked Richards Broadbelt, but they have swabbed six dogs for DNA and are waiting to see if any of them are a match for the DNA they found on her.
One of Richards Broadbelt’s coworkers is calling for more security in Miami Gardens. At a neighborhood watch meeting on Monday, people expressed their concerns about dogs running loose.
Richards Broadbelt’s daughter says her hope moving forward is that no other family has to experience the same tragedy.
“I hope this is a stepping stone for everyone,” Wilkinson said. “To know I don’t have her anymore, I don’t know what’s going to be the next step of my life right now.”
Miami Gardens Police Department is asking you to contact them at (305) 474-6473 if you see any stray or aggressive dogs in the community.
