Family says teen mauled by pit bulls may never speak again

BARROW COUNTY, Ga. — Family members gave an update Friday on a Barrow County teen fighting for her life after a pit bull attack.

Joslyn Stinchcomb, 15, was walking through her neighborhood last week when two pit bulls jumped on her. She is still in the ICU at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and has had multiple surgeries.

A family member wrote on Facebook Friday that the dogs did severe damage Stinchcomb’s airway and scalp.

“Originally Grady doctors had said the tracheotomy could come out in about a month, but today Egleston surgeons said that due to the damage and scarring it may be there for much longer than anyone anticipated, possibly even permanently,” family members wrote. “It is still too early for them to say if she will ever be able to speak again, but if she does her voice will not be the same as before this horrific attack.”

Police described the dog's attack on Stinchcomb as "horrific" and unprovoked. Stinchcomb is an avid walker and was on a routine afternoon outing.

“She was coming around the cul-de-sac and the dogs just attacked, no provocation at all,” Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith said.

Police said one dog had Stinchcomb by the neck while the other bit her head. Deputies who responded to the scene shot one dog in the head while the other retreated.

Deputies traced the dogs back to a neighbor’s house. The sheriff said they escaped through a rear door that had been left open. Deputies arrested the dog’s owner and both dogs have been euthanized.

A fundraiser on PayPal has been set up to help the family. You can donate here. The family said to watch out for fake fundraisers. Get well soon cards may be sent to PO Box 1502, Winder, GA 30680.

Barrow County teen fighting to survive after 2 pit bulls attacked her Joslyn Stinchcomb is in the intensive care unit at Grady Memorial Hospital. Her family shared on social media Monday that she has already underwent multiple surgeries and faces months of recovery.

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