Wow...

Two mastiffs at the home of "Mission: Impossible" star Ving Rhames mauled a 40-year-old man to death Friday, according to media reports Monday.

The victim, identified as Jacob Adams of Los Angeles, had worked at the actor's home for about two years and was responsible for caring for the dogs, said Los Angeles Police officer Sandra Gonzalez.

The two mastiffs, each weighing about 200 pounds (90 kilograms), apparently attacked Adams, whose body had numerous bite marks when it was found on the front lawn by officers.

"Two of those dogs appeared to be responsible for the tragic death," Officer Jason Lee said.

"It appeared that the person suffered a number of injuries as a result of the dog mauling," Sgt. Lee Sands said. "There were numerous dog bites all over his body, but the exact cause of death is pending the coroner's ruling."

Adams might have been mauled to death, but he also might have died of heart failure during the attack.

Several large dogs were running loose on the property when police responded to the scene shortly after 7:15 a.m. (10:15 a.m. ET) and animal control officers took three huge bull mastiffs and an English bulldog into custody.

The 46-year-old actor, known for starring in "Pulp Fiction" and alongside Tom Cruise in all three "Mission: Impossible" movies, was not at home when the attack happened.

Rhames bragged to Time magazine in 2001 that he had "eight Fila Brasileiro mastiffs -- the national dog of Brazil, also used by U.S. marines in jungle warfare."

it's sad but i think there is something more to the story like perhaps extenuating circumstances or something like that

Dogs don't usually just get a wild hair up their hiney to up and kill someone - especially the one that feeds them. I can't help but wonder if he'd been abusing them.

I think there is more to this story then meets the eye. The dogs were Filias and while they are very protective of thier owners, and very weary of strangers. They can be taught to accept them. If the guy had not been attacted before in the 2 years he has worked there, I think something more is going on.

wow!

They updated that the man had a heart attack and that was the cause of death. There were dog bites on his arms and legs though ..:dunno

If I was being attacked by a couple of 200 pound mastiffs, I'd probably have a heart attack too.

its all really strange. apparently that caretaker had been with them for a couple of years. i really wonder what happened

thats sad, but i agree that something else was going on....

There's got to be more to the story than that...dogs don't just attack people who care for them for no reason.....

Holy smokes!! Bella is a Mastiff and I see NO aggression in her at all. Generally, Mastiffs are know to be gentle giants.

Holy smokes!! Bella is a Mastiff and I see NO aggression in her at all. Generally, Mastiffs are know to be gentle giants.

i agree with that, we are going to get one once we are done having kids and they are a bit older (like 4 or 5 for the youngest). we love them and think they are beautiful

i agree with that, we are going to get one once we are done having kids and they are a bit older (like 4 or 5 for the youngest). we love them and think they are beautiful

Bella is an angel. I think she would do real well with small children but we dont have any. The only problem I COULD forsee would be her tail. She is so big and clumsy and happy that when she wags it...anything in its path is swiped or knocked down.:giggle

Bella is an angel. I think she would do real well with small children but we dont have any. The only problem I COULD forsee would be her tail. She is so big and clumsy and happy that when she wags it...anything in its path is swiped or knocked down.:giggle

yeah it's either a mastiff, great dane or german shepard we don't know yet we'll assess our situation when the time comes.

yeah it's either a mastiff, great dane or german shepard we don't know yet we'll assess our situation when the time comes.

ALL three are wonderful breeds. Good choices!!!!:D

ALL three are wonderful breeds. Good choices!!!!:D

all are great loyal family dogs so we'll see. i'd love a rottie again but i don't know, dh doesn't like them as much as some other breeds.

Sorry for the threadjack

is it possible that the man had a heart attack...and the dog bites etc...were the dogs trying to help him?? Carry him off? :dunno

I wonder if the dogs really didn't attack. I wonder if they sensed he was having a heart attack and were trying to help him. It could be hard to tell the difference between a 200 pound dog attacking and trying to help.

I wonder if the dogs really didn't attack. I wonder if they sensed he was having a heart attack and were trying to help him. It could be hard to tell the difference between a 200 pound dog attacking and trying to help.
I might have to agree here. As faithful as Bella is...I could see her desperately trying to help in a sticky situation.

I might have to agree here. As faithful as Bella is...I could see her desperately trying to help in a sticky situation.

my rott would do the same

I know that EVERY dog can attack if they feel the need, but I also don't think a dog attacks unless provoked for whatever reason. IMO, dogs don't just randomly attack, which makes it seem like there's something more. Either the caretaker had down something and they attacked, or he had a heart attack and they tried to help him.

I've honestly tested Brownie before. I've acted like I was injured and needed help because I wanted to know how she would react in the situation. She thought it was playtime. I'm sure if someone saw it, they could have thought she was attacking me.

I really like the theory that they were trying to help him :yes