• A 71-year-old Miami Gardens woman was fatally mauled by dogs while walking to work Monday morning.
• Family members said she carried a stick for protection, fearing aggressive dogs in her neighborhood.
• Authorities captured four dogs, collected DNA, and confirmed none were strays as the community held vigils in her honor.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (TDR) — A routine walk to work turned into tragedy when Doreen Broadbelt, a 71-year-old Miami Gardens resident, was mauled to death by dogs near her neighborhood Monday morning. Police said Broadbelt suffered catastrophic injuries during the attack and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Attack Near Hard Rock Stadium

According to WSVN, officers responded to frantic 911 calls at 7:40 a.m. near Northwest 196th Terrace and 14th Court, just blocks from Hard Rock Stadium. Broadbelt was found lying on the ground with multiple bite wounds beside a trailer. Paramedics attempted resuscitation but quickly determined her injuries were fatal.

Authorities confirmed they have captured four dogs believed to be involved, and NBC Miami reported that DNA samples were collected to determine responsibility. Investigators also clarified that the dogs were not strays, raising the likelihood that owners could face penalties under Florida’s dangerous-dog statutes.

A Family’s Devastating Loss

Broadbelt’s relatives said she was on her way to her Walmart job when the mauling occurred. They explained she carried a stick for protection because she often complained about aggressive animals in the neighborhood.

“They always attacking her. I even got her a stick,” said her daughter, Lateisha Wilkinson, through tears.

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Her husband, Donovan Broadbelt, described her as a devoted partner and community-minded woman. “She cared for our family a lot. She cares for those who are in need, whether it’s at work or anywhere,” he said.

Community in Mourning

The tragedy has deeply shaken Miami Gardens. Neighbors described the incident as both shocking and heartbreaking. “It’s upsetting. You never think this is going to happen. She lived her whole life, and then this happened to her. It’s sad, man,” said local resident Anthony Vincent Varone.

The community quickly mobilized to honor Broadbelt’s memory. CBS Miami reported that dozens gathered for a vigil near the scene, lighting candles and leaving flowers. Broadbelt’s family also returned to the site, laying bouquets where she was found.

“Don’t know where to start, don’t know what to say, I don’t know what to do,” Wilkinson admitted as she stood by the memorial.

Broader Concerns About Safety

The incident has renewed fears about dangerous dogs in Miami-Dade neighborhoods. Officials with Miami-Dade Animal Services are conducting a full investigation, with the results of the DNA testing expected to determine whether the seized dogs will be euthanized. Local 10 noted that questions are also mounting about whether the animals’ owners will face criminal charges.

Florida law allows for felony penalties when owners fail to control dangerous dogs that cause serious injury or death. Neighbors have long voiced concerns about enforcement, saying too little has been done to prevent roaming animals.

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For Broadbelt’s family, the legal process is only one piece of an immeasurable loss. “She was my partner for 20 years,” Donovan Broadbelt said. “I don’t know how to go on without her.”

Will authorities act swiftly enough to deliver accountability—or will Doreen Broadbelt’s death remain a grim reminder of preventable dangers left unaddressed?

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