Barbara Stewart was attacked while taking out her recycling; her neighbor now faces a negligent homicide charge.
NEW ORLEANS — The man accused of owning the dogs that fatally attacked an elderly woman in New Orleans East has been charged with negligent homicide, court records show.
Chad Bridges, 37, appeared in court Thursday after police say his dogs broke through a fence and mauled 81-year-old Barbara Stewart while she was taking out her recycling on March 20.
According to police, the attack happened around 9 a.m. in the 10200 block of Brookfield Drive. Stewart was rushed to the hospital with severe bite wounds and later died of her injuries.
A police report says detectives observed a damaged section of fence separating the properties. On Stewart’s side, a loose piece of plywood appeared to have been nailed over the broken portion — but it could be pushed aside. Investigators say that’s how the dogs escaped.
Witness statements gathered by NOPD reveal a history of concerns about the dogs. One neighbor told officers she’d had multiple issues with Bridges’ dogs, including a pit bull named Sadie who reportedly dug under the fence in October 2024 and bit her 15-year-old daughter on the ankle. The teen escaped by jumping onto a trampoline, according to the report.
At the time of Stewart’s death, the Louisiana SPCA confirmed that three dogs were involved in the attack. One was euthanized at the owner’s request, and two others are under mandatory quarantine.
“This attack is a reminder to dog owners that they are responsible for securing their dogs on their property and ensuring neighbors and loved ones are safe from dog bites and attacks,” said Ana Zorrilla, CEO of the LASPCA, following the incident.
Legal experts say the negligent homicide charge is rare but not unprecedented in Louisiana.
“Louisiana law doesn’t allow murder for reckless conduct while other jurisdictions do,” said Dane Ciolino, a law professor at Loyola University. “Louisiana legislature several years ago amended the negligent homicide provisions to make it very clear that negligent animal handling is and can make somebody responsible for negligent homicide.”
Bridges could also face civil liability in addition to criminal charges, Ciolino added.
The Orleans Parish Coroner has not yet released the official cause of death for Stewart. Her name was confirmed through court documents.
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