Mississippi Mom Dies Weeks After Brutal Dog Attack

Lakesha Newsom's family questions why the dogs involved are still alive after her death.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:06am

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Lakesha Newsom, a 38-year-old mother of three from Mississippi, has died weeks after being mauled by four dogs in an early morning attack on March 3. Newsom suffered severe injuries, including losing her right arm and leg, and fought for her life at a Memphis hospital before succumbing to her wounds on March 27. Her family is now questioning why the dogs responsible for the attack have not been euthanized.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has left Newsom's three children without their mother and has raised concerns in the community about the lack of accountability for the dogs involved. The attack has also sparked a broader discussion about the need for stronger regulations and enforcement around dangerous animals in residential areas.

The details

According to police, Newsom was attacked by four dogs in the early morning hours of March 3 in Holly Springs, Mississippi. She suffered severe injuries, including the loss of her right arm and leg, and was rushed to a hospital in Memphis, where she remained heavily sedated and on a ventilator as she fought for her life. Newsom's family says the dogs continued to attack her even after she had fallen to the ground and they thought she was dead. Sandra Harris, the 54-year-old owner of the dogs, was later arrested and charged with aggravated assault.

  • The attack occurred in the early morning hours of March 3, 2026.
  • Newsom died from her injuries on March 27, 2026, at Regional One Health in Memphis.
  • Harris was arrested on March 23, 2026 in connection with the attack.

The players

Lakesha Newsom

A 38-year-old mother of three from Mississippi who died from injuries sustained in a dog attack.

Sandra Harris

The 54-year-old owner of the four dogs involved in the attack on Newsom.

DeWaylia Young

Newsom's sister, who set up a GoFundMe to help the family.

Rosie Young

Newsom's mother, who questioned why the dogs involved have not been euthanized.

Jerlene Tyson

Newsom's aunt, who said her niece had to wait hours for help after the attack.

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What they’re saying

“She fought as hard as she could. Our family is completely shattered.”

— DeWaylia Young, Newsom's sister

“To have these dogs still alive, how fair is that? Why are they keeping these dogs from being put down? We lost Kesha.”

— Rosie Young, Newsom's mother

“I just want whoever owned them dogs, I want them to be held accountable.”

— Lakesha Newsom

“I know them dogs were trying to kill me, and I fought them as long as I could. I just kept saying, 'God, no. I shall live.' This the first time, me looking at myself in full view. I didn't even know my face was scarred up like this.”

— Lakesha Newsom

What’s next

The Holly Springs Police Department says the investigation into the incident remains ongoing, and they are asking anyone with additional information to come forward.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for stronger regulations and enforcement around dangerous animals in residential areas, as well as the importance of holding pet owners accountable when their animals cause harm. Newsom's family is now left to grieve the loss of a beloved mother, while also questioning why the dogs involved have not been euthanized.