Autopsy Reveals Bethany Stephens Was Mauled To Death By Her Pit Bulls

An autopsy report has revealed tragic Bethany Stephens died after taking her two pit bulls out for a walk.

Goochland Sheriff's Office released the medical examiner's findings as authorities closed the investigation into the horrific death of the 22-year-old.

They ruled she "was not raped, and this was not a homicide."

The incident just before Christmas, on December 13, shocked America as speculation engulfed the dog lover's death.

Police took the unprecedented step of releasing graphic details about the dog attack to try to prove there was no foul play involved.

The autopsy confirms what police have always maintained, that she died from "trauma due to mauling by animals."

The report read: "She had defensive wounds on her hands and arms from trying to keep the dogs away from her.

"It appeared the first traumatic injury was to the face and throat.

"Most likely Stephens was taken to the ground, lost consciousness and then mauled to death.

"There were no strangulation marks, but there were puncture wounds to the skull in keeping with animal bites," the report continued.

The report also ruled out any drugs or alcohol in Stephens' system.

Sheriff Jim Agnew said he hoped the findings would give her family some closure surrounding her death.

Stephens had recently moved out of her parents home but returned daily to walk the dogs – with experts reporting the stress of her moving out could have triggered the dogs' attack.

After the mauling both dogs were standing guard over her body and would not let anyone near.

It would be hours before police could get to Stephens and during that time one of the animals was eating part of the body, the report released by police states.

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