Deputies responded to a reported dog attack at a home in the 6700 block of Wingfoot Court around 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27.
Investigators learned that a 5-year-old boy and his mother -- identified as 26-year-old Emily Panuco from Parker, Arizona -- were visiting Panuco's mother's house in Big River to see some puppies.
The puppies, which deputies said belong to Panuco's mother, were in a cardboard box. Three adult dogs were also on the property, including the puppies' mother.
Investigators said the 5-year-old boy approached the puppies to pet them, and that's when he was attacked by all three adult dogs. Panuco stepped in, trying to protect her son, and was also attacked by the dogs.
She sustained multiple bite wounds and was pronounced dead. The 5-year-old boy sustained two severe bite wounds and was taken to the hospital, but has since been released, authorities said.
The sheriff's department said all three adult dogs were euthanized by CRIT Animal Control. The investigation into the deadly attack is ongoing.