DNA testing to determine what animal killed NC teacher out for walk

BEAUFORT COUNTY, N.C. — An investigation is underway to determine what kind of animal attacked and killed a 77-year-old teacher in Beaufort County.

77-year-old Brenda Hamilton succumbed to her injuries at Vidant Medical Center on Monday morning, three days after she was attacked, Headmistress Marcy Morgan of Pungo Christian Academy told Channel 9's sister station, WCTI.

[READ MORE: Jogger kills attacking mountain lion with bare hands]

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Communications received a 911 just before 6 a.m. Friday about an animal attack in Pantego. Paramedics arrived to find Hamilton suffering from severe injuries.

Investigators from the sheriff's office along with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Officers and Biologist responded to the scene to investigate what kind of animal attacked Hamilton. A preliminary DNA test eliminated any wild animals indigenous to the area but those findings proved incorrect Monday afternoon.

Canine DNA was found on Hamilton’s clothing. However, the testing does not differentiate between wild canines, such as wolf or coyote indigenous to the area, and domestic dogs that may live in the area.

Beaufort County Sheriff’s Investigators are collecting DNA from domestic canines in the area for further testing.

Hamilton was an English teacher at Pungo Christian Academy, having taught at the school since 1968. School officials posted a statement Monday on Facebook.

Cox Media Group